%0 Journal Article
%T The genetic diversity and structure of 18 sheep breeds exposed to isolation and selection.
%A Ćurković M
%A Ramljak J
%A Ivanković S
%A Mioč B
%A Ivanković A
%A Pavić V
%A Brka M
%A Veit-Kensch C
%A Medugorac I
%J J Anim Breed Genet
%V 133
%N 1
%D Feb 2016
%M 25891190
%F 3.271
%R 10.1111/jbg.12160
%X The phylogenetic layout of the genotyped (30 microsatellite) 18 sheep breeds in this study demands and provides the opportunity to evaluate both neutral and adaptive components of genetic diversity in a naturally and artificially selected and subdivided sheep population. Seven Pramenka strains from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia characterized by a very low intensity of artificial selection, preserved the highest neutral genetic variability. Eight central and north-western European breeds under considerable artificial isolation and selection preserved the lowest genetic variability. Only combinations of various phylogenetic parameters offer a reasonable explanation for underlying evolutionary forces working in the investigated island and mainland sheep breeds under variable natural and artificial selection. More than 60% of total genetic, diversity was allocated to virtually unselected Pramenka strains, and an additional 25% to native moderately selected Graue Gehoernte Heidschnucke and intensively selected Ostfriesische Milchschafe. Some economically very important breeds and strains did not contribute to a pool with maximal genetic diversity, while they play an important role in the cultural heritage of respective countries.