Fundamental karyotype in domestic and wild species of sheep

Abstract

The fundamental karyotype of Ovis is described according to G-band analysis of Ovis vignei, O. ammon, O. orientalis, O. musimon, O. dalli, O. canadensis, O. aries (to include the Massey T1, T2, and T3 translocations) and O. nivicola. The acrocentrics involved in their biarmed fusions were identified from G-banded idiograms of Capra. Acrocentrics involved in the Ml, M2, M3, M4, T1, T2, and T3 centric fusions were: 1/5, 3/10, 4/9, 11/17, 8/30, 12/15, and 11/29, lower and upper arms, respectively. The significance of partial homology in the M4 and T3 biarmed chromosomes as an evolutionary occurrence leading to speciation is discussed.