Segregation of MT-COI RFLP in sheep from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

sUMMAry Research conducted in different regions of the mitochondrial DNA of Ovis aries showed the existence of Asian and European haplogroups. The study aimed at applying the PCR-RFLP molecular test of mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I with the restriction enzyme HinfI to molecularly characterize, over the existing haplogroups, some sheep breeds used in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. DNA from 155 animals belonging to seven sheep breeds was analysed. Sixteen animals were identified as belonging to the Asian haplogroup, represented by Ile de France (n=3), Dorper (n=2), White Dorper (n=9) and Suffolk (n=2) breeds. The other 139 animals were identified as belonging to the European haplogroup, representative from the breeds Pantaneira (n=40), Brazilian Bergamacia (n=21), Ile de France (n=17), Dorper (n=17), White Dorper (n=6), Hampshire Down (n=20) and Suffolk (n=18). The results indicated that most animals were identified as belonging to the European haplogroup, highlighting the European origin of the State’s breeds. Origin identification of these animals allows a better management of the locally adapted populations seeking their conservation and better usage in the State.