Examination of Hungarian Tsigai variants based on control region of mitochondrial DNA

Abstract

The Hungarian native Tsigai breed is an old, independent long-tailed sheep breed originating in Asia Minor. The breed was introduced into the country around 1700. Due to the significance this breed has within the Hungarian Culture we feel the preservation of this breed, in spite of its lower production value, is of great importance. In this way the maintenance of a greater genetic diversity is essential on the course of preservation of our old, rare domestic animal breeds. We are the first research group to analyse the genetic background by the use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence in the Hungarian native Tsigai breed, and compare it to the sequences of GenBank. Our aim of this investigation is using obtained mitochondrial DNA sequence data to provide us with greater insight into the maternal lineages of the Hungarian Tsigai breed. With these results we aim to provide accurate information to the Hungarian breeders to obtain the best outcome within family selection.