Biotech Updates

Ancestry of Native Welsh Sheeps Revealed

June 24, 2015

A team of researchers from Aberystwyth University and Veterinary College of London conducted a study which reveals the history of native Welsh sheep.

By conducting whole genome genotyping of 18 native Welsh sheep breed to evaluate their differences and compared it with other sheep breeds, they were able to identify four genetically different subgroups of native Welsh sheep breeds. Furthermore, their findings reveal that the native Welsh sheep breeds have similar DNA sequences with some of the European breeds suggesting that the two breeds has a common ancestry.

These results can be used as a basis in developing genomics assisted breeding strategies and conducting genome-wide associated studies in sheep.

Details of their study can be read at Aberystwyth University's website.