Development of a molecular genetic method for parental analysis in Icelandic sheep

Unconfirmed paternity of lambs has led to various advances in sheep breeding in Iceland. Most notable is research related to hereditary diseases, where the confirmed paternity and maternity of individuals is a prerequisite for tracing the lineage of the disease. Modern parental analysis of livestock is based on the analysis of variable genetic markers and statistical comparisons between parents and offspring. The aim of this project was to develop a tool for parental analysis in Icelandic sheep using molecular genetic methods. It is important for sheep breeding to have the opportunity to confirm the lineage of animals. This can be very useful, especially when genetic defects are found in the offspring of insemination rams. It is also essential that the item is properly pedigree. In this study, 17 internationally recognized (ISAG) genetic markers were tested for parental identification in the Icelandic sheep population. The database is based on samples from 514 sheep. The results of the project show that the ISAG genetic boundary works well within the Icelandic financial stock and its sub-stocks. This project has therefore added a new tool to the toolbox of sheep breeders and recruiters.