mtDNA genetic characterization of an isolated sheep breed in South of Moroccan Atlas

The present study aims to investigate the genetic variability of the Blanche de Montagne breed (=Siroua sheep). The genetic variability was assessed by the analysis of a 628 bp fragment in the mtDNA of the control region from 32 unrelated animals. Sequence comparison revealed 44 polymorphic sites, of which 16 were parsimony informative and 28 were singletons. Haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were 0.970 and 0.013, respectively, indicating a correct level of diversity. A total of 24 haplotypes were distinguished and phylogenetic analysis detected two maternal lineages (haplogroups B and C) with a predominance of haplogroup B. Neutrality tests indicated a demographic expansion of the breed in the past. Network analysis suggested a strong genetic structure of the breed and displayed a low level of inbreeding.