Study on the Genomic Basis of Adaptation in Salsk Sheep

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Sheep Breeding
• Population Genomics

Background:

• The Salsk sheep breed, a Russian Merino type, possesses unique genetic diversity and resilience to environmental stressors.
• This breed exhibits dual-purpose productivity (wool and meat) and is a valuable gene pool shaped by natural and artificial selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic architecture of Salsk sheep.
• To identify genomic regions under selection related to adaptation and production traits.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of 96 Salsk sheep using the Illumina Ovine Infinium HD BeadChip, retaining 511,145 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
• Population structure and genetic diversity analysis using principal component analysis (PCA), Fst, and linkage disequilibrium (LD).
• Selection signature detection via intra-population (iHS, nSL, iHH12) and inter-population (XP-EHH) methods.

Main Results:

• Identified genomic regions under positive selection, reflecting adaptation to environmental pressures.
• Detected strong selection signals in genes related to fertility and growth (e.g., CCSER1, SOX6).
• Found selection signatures in genes associated with immune response (e.g., IL6R, NLRP1) and energy metabolism (e.g., ACSL5, FANCA).

Conclusions:

• The genetic basis for the Salsk sheep's resilience to cold and drought has been elucidated.
• The study highlights the Salsk breed as a valuable genetic resource for enhancing resilience in other sheep populations.