New data on the development of Estonian sheep populations as shown by retrovirus integrations and linear morphometrics (original) (raw)

Abstract

The maternal lineages of Estonian ancient sheep extend back in time for almost 3000 years, with affinities to modern breeds, including the native Kihnu (an island in the Baltic) sheep. Together with osteological data these results prove that sheep husbandry was constant and one of the main sources of subsistence for societies in the past. In Estonia today, sheep farming is rather small-scale and economically of minor importance. However, there is growing interest in native sheep and their products like meat, wool and skin. This trend has provoked questions about the origin of the Kihnu native sheep and their connections with other populations of ancient sheep. One method we use to approach this issue is the presence of endogenous retroviruses in the sheep genome, related to the pathogenic Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus. Past studies have proved retrovirus integrations to be a useful marker for the identification of “primitive” populations and can therefore show whether the Kihnu sheep have affinities with the old northern European and/or modern breeds. The same retrotypes are also tested within the ancient specimens from the Late Bronze Age to the Modern Period from Estonia and other north-eastern European regions. Additionally, phylogenetic networks of mitochondrial sequences help to position the Estonian ancient and modern sheep within a wider spatial and temporal context. Another approach we use to assess the relations and development of sheep populations is linear morphometrics. Here we present the osteometric data for archaeological sheep specimens from the Late Bronze Age onwards in Estonia and compare them to modern populations of various breeds.

Eve Rannamäe hasn't uploaded this conference presentation.

Let Eve know you want this conference presentation to be uploaded.

Ask for this conference presentation to be uploaded.