Characterization of sheep populations of Kenya using microsatellite markers: Implications for conservation and management of indigenous sheep populations
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Date
2009
Authors
Muigai, A.W.T.
Kwallah, A.K.
Hanotte, O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Journal for Animal Science
Abstract
Indigenous sheep of Kenya are very important to resource-poor farmers and pastoralists. They have over time adapted to the harsh environmental conditions of the arid and semi-arid lands where they are faced with challenges of persistent droughts, diseases, conflicts and poor nutrition, yet show resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes. In recent years, these indigenous sheep populations have been crossbred indiscriminately to exotic breeds particularly the Dorper. A study was undertaken to determine the level of genetic diversity and relatedness between the various sheep populations and breeds of Kenya. This paper reports results on the genetic diversity and admixture observed using microsatellite DNA markers.
Description
Keywords
Indigenous breeds, Genetics, Livestock
Citation
South African Journal for Animal Science 39(5):93-96.