Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Van Veterinary Journal, cilt.26, sa.3, ss.173-175, 2015 (Hakemli Dergi)
Turkey, along with the Middle East and Europe has the richest potential for a variety of wildlife, and genetic
resources, therefore being a center for many animal species. It is believed that not only global warming is one
of the most significant factors in the near future for people, threatening natural habitats but also the biodiversity of
animals (species and breed) is decreased due to brutal hunting, The origin of today's domesticated sheep is
wild type sheep, known as Muflon, Arkar and Argali, resistant to harsh environmental conditions and having
high fertility. As a key animal in the history of farming (domestication and breeding), sheep have a deeply
entrenched place in human culture because of having economically important traits and easy management.
Unfortunately, some features of sheep (adaptation to the natural environment, species-specific behaviors, etc.)
have been lost during domestication, making mankind suffers by putting sheep in endanger and reducing
animal welfare and rights. For future generations, it is important for sheep to be kept breeding without
losing species specific traits such as fertility and resistance to unfavorable environmental conditions, applying
molecular genetics tools and methods to detect statistical relationships among phenotypes, genotypes, and
environment