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Genetic characterization of the endangered breed of sheep Rouge de Roussillon and creation of a conservation breeding program
Project
Project code: 2807BM037
Contract period: 01.10.2008
- 31.03.2010
Budget: 48,344 Euro
Purpose of research: Inventory & Assessment
Introduction:
302 animals of the highly endangered sheep breed Rouge du Roussillon (RdR) and the reference breed Coburger Fuchsschaf were analysed with 15 microsatellite markers. The breed originates in Southern France and since 1981 there exists a breeding population of about 80 animals in Germany. In France there are 2 subtypes of the breed, which differ phenotypically and genetically and are to be called the Old French Type (about 150 animals) and the New French Type (circa 3500 animals) in this study. The German population originates from the same herd as the Old French type but the populations have been separated for 30 years now. In Germany it was bred pure blood over this period of time. The breeding program for the New French Type was implemented 17 years ago with the focus set on a high meat performance. The Old French Type should be considered as a distinct endangered breed in the FAO classification.
Methods:
Genetic variation and population structure was investigated with a set of 15 microsatellites. Genetic distances, phylogenetic trees, the number of alleles, allele frequencies, hetero¬zygosity, deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg-equilibrium, F-statistics after Nei (1972) and Weir and Cockerham (1984), and Nei´s Gst (1973) have been estimated with diverse computer programs. Phenotypic data and pedigree information was collected and analysed.
Furthermore the breed was set into context with 57 sheep breeds from Europe and the Middle East examined in another project (ECONOGENE). For this purpose a Principle Component Analysis and a Bayesian Model-based Clustering analysis were performed and individuals were assigned to populations.
From the collected data a conservation breeding program was developed and implemented, and a breed description has been developed. Regenerative cells of the animals have been cryo-conserved.
Results:
The phenotypic and genetic data showed the subdivision of the breed in 3 subtypes. The German population showed considerable signs of inbreeding in different parameters. The Old French type and the German population revealed a low genetic distance to each other.
The New French type revealed indications of crossbreeding with other breeds. In the European context the Rouge du Roussillon was clearly differentiated from the other European breeds. The analysis of the pedigree data showed an inbreeding coefficient (F) of 4,32 and an effective population size (Ne) of 37,33.
Conclusion:
There are three phenotypical and genotypically separated subtypes of the breed in Germany and France. A low genetic differentiation between the German population and the Old French type suggests that these populations should be conserved as a combined population and included in a conjoint conservation breeding program. Since crossbreeding seems to have appeared in the New French type, it should be bred separately from the Old French type to assure the pure bred breeding of the Old French type. We recommend that an FAO status of endangered sheep breed be given to the Old French Type and measures for its protection to be taken.
As a major goal of the breeding program a decrease of the inbreeding coefficient and an increase of the effective population size should be constituted.
The distinct separation of the breed from the other European breeds indicates that the Rouge du Rousillon sheep is a discreet breed with evident genetic potential, and therefore the effort for its conservation should be continued and even intensified.
Section overview
Subjects
- Genetic Resources
