Genetic characterization of Moldavian Karakul sheep populations: Microsatellite marker analysis and similarity assessment

Tatyana Lupolov; Oleg Mashner; Petr Lyutskanov; Tatiana Deniskova

Tatyana Lupolov

, Oleg Mashner

, Petr Lyutskanov

, Tatiana Deniskova

Abstract: The genetic characterization of Karakul sheep populations was conducted affording the analysis of 10 microsatellite loci in order to evaluate genetic diversity and relatedness. Animals from following districts were studied: Anenii Noi, representing the New Moldovan type, Nisporeni, classic type, and Riscani, also classic type. Allelic diversity, heterozygosity levels, and genetic distances were determined to analyze populations’ structure. This research revealed high allelic diversity (up to 15 alleles in the OarCP49 locus in the Nisporeni population), elevated heterozygosity in Riscani (Hₒ = 71.43%) and Nisporeni (Hₒ = 61.3%) populations, moderate heterozygosity in Anenii Noi population (Hₒ = 56.64%), and significant differentiation between populations. The smallest genetic distance was observed between Anenii Noi and Riscani (D = 0.132) and the largest between Anenii Noi and Nisporeni (D = 0.265) populations. Cluster analysis confirmed a close genetic relationship between Anenii Noi and Riscani populations, while Nisporeni one had formed a distinct group. These findings highlight the value of Karakul sheep as a genetic resource and provide insights for diversity conservation strategies and breeding program optimization.

Keywords: allelic variation; genetic diversity; genetic similarity; Karakul sheep; microsatellite markers; population structure

Citation: Lupolov, T., Mashner, O., Lyutskanov, P. & Deniskova, T. (2026). Genetic characterization of Moldavian Karakul sheep populations: Microsatellite marker analysis and similarity assessment. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 32(1), 201–209

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Date published: 2026-02-25

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