Inferring the population structure of the Maghreb sheep breeds using a medium‐density SNP chip

• DOI: 10.1111/age.12831
• Publication Date: 2019-08-06T04:58:23Z
• Authors: S. Ben Jemaa; S. Kdidi; A. M. Gdura; A. S. Dayhum; I. M. Eldaghayes; M. Boussaha; E. Rebours; M. H. Yahyaoui
• Keywords: Introgression; Genetic admixture; Gene pool

North Africa has a great diversity of indigenous sheep breeds whose origin is linked to its environmental characteristics and certain historical events that took place in the region. To date, few genome-wide studies have been conducted investigate population structure African sheep. The objective present study was provide detailed assessment genetic admixture patterns six Maghreb populations using Illumina 50K Ovine BeadChip comparisons with 22 global mouflon. Regardless method analysis used, multiple hybridization were observed within all populations, leading heterogeneous architecture varies according breed. Barbarine showed lowest heterogeneity major southwest Asian ancestry, providing additional support fat-tailed All other presented substantial Merino introgression ranging from 15% for D'man 31% Black Thibar. We highlighted several signals ancestral between southern European In addition, we identified two opposite gradients central European, occurring Europe. Our results further evidence weak resulting high levels gene flow among worldwide. At regional level, signs recent change original genomic minority breeds, also detected.