Agricultural Science

Exposition of variations between breeds is very important for genetic diversity. Determination of
this variation is needed to reveal population structure and relationship between populations
and planning national breeding and conservation programmes. This study was carried out in
296 animals from 12 different local sheep breeds (Barbarine, Ouled Djellal, Ifilene, Srandi, Dar^aa,
Rembi, Berbere, Ta^admit, Hamra, Sidaou, Tazegzawt and D’men) reared in different regions of
Algeria. Fifteen microsatellite markers were used to determine between breed genetic diversity.
The population of 12 sheep breeds studied from Algeria exhibited a high number of alleles
(24.67) and polymorphic information content (0.90). Observed heterozygosity values were lower
than expected for all molecular markers except INRA0123 locus. Obtained GST value from the
present study indicated that 1.9% of total genetic variation resulted from the differences
between the breeds. The present study supplied important information to understand between
breed genetic differences. Moreover, it has provided the opportunity to discuss with previously
reported results. In light of these findings, it can be said that studied microsatellite markers
can be successfully used to determine genetic diversity and population structure in Algerian
sheep breeds.