High gene flows promote close genetic relationship among fine-wool sheep populations (Ovis aries) in China

Abstract The aim of our present study was to construct genetic structure and relationships among Chinese fine-wool sheep breeds. 46 individuals from 25 breeds or strains were genotyped based on the Illumina Ovine 50K SNP array. Meanwhile, genetic variations among 482 individuals from 9 populations were genotyped with 10 microsatellites. In this study, we found high genetic polymorphisms for the microsatellites, while 7 loci in the Chinese superfine Merino strain (Xinjiang types) (CMS) and 5 loci in Gansu alpine superfine-wool sheep strain (GSS) groups were found deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Genetic drift F ST =0.019 ( P viz. , CMS and GSS, might be formed by strong artificial selection and with frequent introduction of Australian Merino. Our results can assist in breeding of superfine-wool sheep and provide guidance for the cultivation of new fine-wool sheep breeds with different breeding objectives.