Supplementation of Lycium barbarum residue increases the growth rate of Tan sheep by enhancing their feed intake and regulating their rumen microbiome and metabolome

Lycium barbarum residue(LBR),a by-product of L.barbarum processing,is packed with bioactive components and can be potentially utilized as a feed additive in animal husbandry.However,the fundamental understanding of its effectiveness on livestock animals is still lacking,particularly in ruminants.To explore the effects of LBR on the growth performance,rumen fermentation parameters,ruminal microbes and metabolites of Tan sheep,sixteen fattening rams(aged 4 mon)were fed a basal diet(CON,n=8)or a basal diet supplemented with 5%LBR(LBR,n=8).The experiment lasted for 70 d,with 10 d adaptation period and 60 d treatment period.The results showed that the LBR enhanced the average daily feed intake,average daily gain(P<0.05),and ruminal total volatile fatty acids(P<0.01)while decreasing ammonia-nitrogen concentration and rumen pH value(P<0.05).Additionally,the LBR improved the relative abundances of Prevotella,Succiniclasticum,Ruminococcus,Coprococcus,Selenomonas,and Butyrivibrio(P<0.05)and reduced the relative abundances of Oscillospira and Succinivibrio(P<0.05).The LBR altered the ruminal metabolome(P<0.01)by increasing the abundances of ruminal metabolites involved in amino acids(e.g.,L-proline,L-phenylalanine,L-lysine,and L-tyrosine),pyrimidine metabolism(e.g.,uridine,uracil,and thymidine),and microbial protein synthesis(e.g.,xanthine and hypoxanthine).In conclusion,LBR had positive effects on the growth rate of Tan sheep as well as on rumen fermentation parameters,rumen microbiome and rumen metabolome.

Protein glycation:a wolf in sweet sheep’s clothing behind neurodegeneration

At the beginning of the 16th century,Paracelsus coined the maxim:“the dose makes the poison”.This principle can be applied to all living organisms,including organs and cells.The brain and its glial and neuronal cells are no exception.Even small compounds that are essential for the life of brain cells can become truly toxic when overdosed.

LncRNA GTL2 regulates myoblast proliferation and differentiation via the PKA-CREB pathway in Duolang sheep

Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs),which are RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that do not encode proteins,are implicated in a variety of biological processes,including growth and development.Despite research into the role of lnc RNAs in skeletal muscle development,the regulatory mechanisms governing ovine skeletal muscle development remain unclear.In this study,we analyzed the expression profiles of lnc RNAs in skeletal muscle from 90-day-old embryos(F90),1-month-old lambs(L30),and 3-year-old adult sheep(A3Y) using RNA sequencing.In total,4738 lnc RNAs were identified,including 997 that were differentially expressed.Short-time series expression miner analysis identified eight significant expression profiles and a subset of lnc RNAs potentially involved in muscle development.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed that the predicted target genes of these lnc RNAs were primarily enriched in pathways associated with muscle development,such as the c AMP and Wnt signaling pathways.Notably,the expression of lnc RNA GTL2 was found to decrease during muscle development.Moreover,GTL2 was highly expressed during the differentiation of skeletal muscle satellite cells(SCs) and was shown to modulate ovine myogenesis by affecting the phosphorylation levels of PKA and CREB.Additionally,GTL2 was found to regulate both the proliferation and differentiation of SCs via the PKACREB signaling pathway.Overall,this study provides a valuable resource and offers novel insights into the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of lnc RNAs in ovine skeletal muscle growth and development.

Genomic signatures of selection,local adaptation and production type characterisation of East Adriatic sheep breeds

Background The importance of sheep breeding in the Mediterranean part of the eastern Adriatic has a long tradition since its arrival during the Neolithic migrations.Sheep production system is extensive and generally carried out in traditional systems without intensive systematic breeding programmes for high uniform trait production(carcass,wool and milk yield).Therefore,eight indigenous Croatian sheep breeds from eastern Adriatic treated here as metapopulation(EAS),are generally considered as multipurpose breeds(milk,meat and wool),not specialised for a particular type of production,but known for their robustness and resistance to certain environmental conditions.Our objective was to identify genomic regions and genes that exhibit patterns of positive selection signatures,decipher their biological and productive functionality,and provide a"genomic"characterization of EAS adaptation and determine its production type.Results We identified positive selection signatures in EAS using several methods based on reduced local variation,linkage disequilibrium and site frequency spectrum(eROHi,iHS,nSL and CLR).Our analyses identified numerous genomic regions and genes(e.g.,desmosomal cadherin and desmoglein gene families)associated with environmental adaptation and economically important traits.Most candidate genes were related to meat/production and health/immune response traits,while some of the candidate genes discovered were important for domestication and evolutionary processes(e.g.,HOXa gene family and FSIP2).These results were also confirmed by GO and QTL enrichment analysis.Conclusions Our results contribute to a better understanding of the unique adaptive genetic architecture of EAS and define its productive type,ultimately providing a new opportunity for future breeding programmes.At the same time,the numerous genes identified will improve our understanding of ruminant(sheep)robustness and resistance in the harsh and specific Mediterranean environment.

Etiological Agent, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Treatment, Measures for Prevention and Control of Caseous Lymphadenitis Disease in the Small Ruminants with Special Reference to Sheep

Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudotuberculosis) that is transmitted mainly by contact with contaminated exudate wounds. Caseous lymphadenitis affects different species of animals and is considered an occupational zoonotic disease. CL is responsible for important economic losses in the small ruminant industry, which include decreased production, damaged quality of milk and wool, reproductive disorders, total or partial confiscation of carcasses, and depreciation of the skin. Caseous lymphadenitis disease can present in two clinical pictures: a skin or superficial picture and a visceral or deep picture. The presumptive diagnosis of CL in the skin is based on the exploration of superficial lymph nodes. These have little value in diagnosing visceral CL, where the main sign is emaciation. The prevention and control of CL involve identifying the skin condition and debriding the abscesses. In addition to the treatment of superficial lesions, the animal facilities must be repaired and adapted. To avoid exposure of negative herds to CL, new animals must be subjected to observation to identify any of the clinical manifestations. Another form of control is vaccination, though only some countries have commercial vaccines. General information on the etiological agent and its characteristics can be used to improve the understanding of this disease.

Research and Application of Compressed Fermented Chestnut Leaf Feed in Fattening Mutton Sheep

Chestnut leaves and bran were evenly mixed according to different mass ratios,and the mixtures were sprayed and inoculated with a certain amount of prepared EM microbial liquid,and then compressed into 70 cm×40 cm×30 cm blocks by a fully automatic yellow-storage block compression and packaging machine.The obtained blocks were packaged and sealed with plastic film,and placed in a freely ventilated place for more than 15 d of anaerobic fermentation,so as to obtain compressed fermented chestnut leaf block feed.[Results]Through the detection and analysis of nutritional components in the compressed fermented chestnut leaf block feed in the laboratory,the protein content was equal to or greater than 10.2%,which was 44.68%higher than that of unfermented chestnut leaf feed;the tannin content was equal to or greater than 638 mg/kg,which was 18.41%lower than that of the original feed;and the crude fiber content was equal to or greater than 19.5%,which was 14.09%lower than that of the original feed.[Conclusions]This study improves the palatability of chestnut leaf feed,increases the use efficiency of feed and reduces feeding cost.It is worth popularizing.

Cysticercus Tenuicollis in Visceral Organs of Goats and Sheep in Uganda: A Case Study in Lira Municipal Abattoir

Cysticercus tenuicollis is a metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena residing in the visceral organs of small ruminants and its effects cause economic losses due to condemnation of visceral organs in slaughterhouses. This study reports on the prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in small ruminants slaughtered in Lira Municipal Abattoir. A total of 70 sheep and 70 goats were sampled and examined after slaughter for the presence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in the visceral organs using standard meat inspection procedures. An abattoir data collection sheet was used to record data, which was then analysed in SPSS version 20. The study revealed 51.4% of goats and 68.6% of sheep to be infested with Cysticercus tenuicollis. Following the district of origin for the small ruminants, Otuke district had the highest prevalence of the parasite (82.6%), followed by Kole (72.4%), Alebtong (66.7%), Apac (59.4%) and Lira (31.4%). Cysticercus tenuicollis was more frequently seen in the intestines (57.8%) of sheep and goats than in any other visceral organs. The liver had a prevalence of 20.7%, the lungs 17.8%, the kidneys 3.5% and the fetal sac;(15.7%) in goats and (12.9%) in sheep. Cysticercus tenuicollis was detected in 68.8% of females and 58.8% of male small ruminants. It is recommended to routinely deworm goats and sheep by farmers most especially in districts with the highest prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis infestation. The sale of the condemned parts of sheep and goats and the feeding of dogs on these contaminated materials should be stopped forthwith. It is also being suggested that a national study be carried out to determine the prevalence and economic impact of Cysticercus tenuicollis in small ruminants.

彭波半细毛羊冷冻保存睾丸组织支持细胞分离、纯化及鉴定

[目的]睾丸支持细胞(Sertoli cells, SCs)位于生精小管内上皮,为不同分化阶段雄性生殖细胞发育提供物理构架和能量物质支持,对精子发生过程产生至关重要的作用。试验旨在研究新鲜绵羊睾丸组织样品获取不便的情况下,从冷冻保存的彭波半细毛羊睾丸组织分离支持细胞的技术方法。[方法]将冷冻保存液预处理后冻存的彭波半细毛羊睾丸组织进行复苏,采用苏木精-伊红(HE)染色检测复苏后睾丸组织形态,利用组合酶消化法、差速贴壁法进行睾丸组织支持细胞分离纯化培养,观察细胞生长规律,绘制生长曲线,采用RT-PCR和免疫荧光染色(IF)技术进行睾丸支持细胞特异性基因鉴定。[结果]冻存复苏睾丸组织曲细精索及睾丸间质保存完好。组合酶消化后能获得满足试验需要的生精上皮细胞混悬液,分离培养2~4 h后支持细胞贴壁,形态呈梭形或不规则多边形,培养3~4 d后汇合,其中培养1~2 d生长速度缓慢,培养3~6 d进入对数期,增殖速度加快,培养7~8 d后增殖速度下降。RT-PCR检测显示,GNDF、WT1、ABP、SOX9基因均在彭波半细毛羊睾丸支持细胞中特异性表达;免疫荧光染色显示,特异性抗体GATA4、Vimentin免疫阳性。[结论]经冻存液预处理的冷冻保存睾丸组织复苏后,可分离出满足试验条件的原代支持细胞,应用于科学试验研究。

基于SWOT-AHP模型的“光伏羊”发展战略研究——以青海省塔拉滩为例

本文基于SWOT-AHP模型,以青海省塔拉滩“光伏羊”为研究对象,构建评价指标体系,运用yaahp12.11软件进行分析计算,在此基础上构建战略四边形雷达图,制定发展战略。研究表明:(1)青海塔拉滩“光伏羊”项目经济效益、生态效益、社会效益良好。(2)太阳能和土地资源比较充足、项目前期投资成本较高、“双碳”背景下清洁能源产业支持、营商环境不优导致项目运行存在不确定性,这四个单因素对塔拉滩“光伏羊”产业影响最为明显。(3)优势对塔拉滩“光伏羊”产业影响最大,机遇其次,挑战最不明显。(4)青海省塔拉滩“光伏羊”产业应积极采取SO开拓型战略,推动区域特色光伏农业的发展。本文提出了争取政策与资金、强化技术创新、推动深入合作,实现共赢的对策建议。

Developmental Changes of the FAS and HSL mRNA Expression and Their Effects on the Content of Intramuscular Fat in Kazak and Xinjiang Sheep

Twenty-four male Kazak sheep and 30 Xinjiang fine wool sheep at different ages were selected to investigate the development-dependent expression levels of fatty acid synthase （FAS） gene and hormone-sensitive lipase （HSL） gene in muscle and their effects on the contents of intramuscular fat （IMF）. Longissimus dorsal muscle was sampled to measure IMF and total RNA was extracted to determine FAS and HSL mRNA expression levels by real-time PCR. The results showed that： l） The IMF content increased continuously with growth and showed significant differences （P 〈 0.05） between different age groups in male Kazak sheep, but in Xinjiang fine wool sheep there was no such difference observed. Furthermore, the IMF contents in Kazak were much higher （P 〈 0.01） than that of the other breed from day 30 to 90. 2） FAS mRNA expression level was the highest （P 〈 0.05） on day 0 in Kazak sheep and then declined with growth, in the other breed the gene showed a d‘ecline-rise-decline-rise＇ expression manner as the animals grew. HSL mRNA expression level had a similar model in two breeds, in Kazak sheep it was the highest on day 0 （P 〈 0.05） and in Xinjiang fine wool sheep on day 30 （P 〈 0.01）, then both decreased after this term. 3） In male Kazak sheep, FAS and HSL mRNA expression level were both negatively related to IMF content （r= -0.485 （P = 0.02）, r= -0.423 （P = 0.05））, and the ratio of FAS/HSL expression exhibited significantly negatively related IMF contents. In male Xinjiang sheep, there were no obvious relationship between FAS and HSL expression and IMF content （P 〉 0.05）.

Effects of in Vitro Maturation Time of Oocytes on Sheep Nuclear Transfer Efficiency

[Objective] The study aimed to provide references for the time of oocyte maturation in vitro and enucleation in the course of sheep nuclear transfer(NT).[Method] Compared the effects of different maturation time of oocytes on enucleation efficiency and reconstructed embryo development by means of blind enucleation and fluorescence microscopy.[Result] Treatment of IVM(in vitro maturation)19-21 h was significantly higher than IVM 16-18 h treatment in oocyte maturation rate(P<0.05)and was significantly higher than IVM 22-24 h treatment in enucleation rate(P<0.05).Three treatments had no significant difference in cleavage rate and blastocyst rate(P>0.05),but IVM 19-21 h treatment was significantly higher than the other 2 treatments in average cell number of blastocysts(P<0.05).[Conclusion] The appropriate in vitro maturation time of oocytes was 19-21 h for sheep nuclear transfer,which could significantly improve the quality of blastocysts according to the cell number per blastocyst(P<0.05).

Genetic Polymorphism in GDF8 Region of HU Sheep Based on Microsatellite DNA

[ Objective ] This study was to analyze the genetic polymorphism in GDF8 Region of HU sheep. [Method] Four microsatellite loci including BMS1591, TEXAN-2, FCB128 and BM81124 mapped on GDF8 region of chromosome No. 2 of sheep that may be correlated with growth performance were chosen to detect the molecular genetics foundation of growth performance of Hu sheep. [ Result] Four microsatellite loci detected were high in heterozygosity, more in effective alleles number and rich in polymorphic information, all the three indices passed through the high polymorphic level （PIC 〉0.5）. [ Conclusion ] The four microsatellite loci detected could be used to estimate the genetic polymorphism of growth performance of Hu sheep.

Comparison of Growth and Development Traits among Crossbreds of Dorset and Local Sheep Varieties in Gansu Province

In order to improve the meat production performance of local sheep varieties in Gansu Province, Dorset was introduced to crossbreed with the local sheep varieties, including Tan sheep, Small Tail Han sheep and Mongolia sheep. The offspring of different crossbreeding combinations were sampled randomly at different growth stages, and their growth and development traits were measured so as to screen out the best crossbreeding mode. The results showed that under the same crossbreeding mode, the growth rate of F3 was higher than that of F2, and of F2 was higher than that of F1. Among the F3 population, the growth rates of Dorset ×Han and Dorset × Mongolia hybrids were higher. Compared with those of Dorset ×Tan F3 hybrids, the body weights of male and female Dorset × Han and Dorset ×Mongolia F3 hybrids were increased by 5.59%, 4.40%, 5.93% and 3.76%, respectively. Among the F2 population, the growth rates of Dorset × Han and Dorset ×Mongolia hybrids were also higher. The body weights of male and female Dorset ×Han and Dorset × Mongolia F2 hybrids were higher than those of Dorset × Tan ×Han F2 hybrids by 5.99%, 3.67%, 9.80% and 5.00%, respectively. In the F1 population, the growth rates of Dorset × Han and Dorset × Mongolia hybrids were higher.Compared with those of Tan × Han F1 hybrids, the body weights of male and female Dorset × Han and Dorset × Mongolia F1 hybrids were increased by 11.32%,5.22%, 7.60% and 7.20%, respectively. Therefore, in the feeding area of Small Tai Han sheep, Mongolia sheep and Tan sheep, Dorset was the best sire for producing hybrid lambs. The economic benefit of crossbred offspring was obvious.

Effects of Lysine on the Expression of GHR mRNA in Sheep

[Objective] This study was to investgate the effects of lysine on the growth of sheep and its mechanism. [Method] Fifteen sheep about one-year old as experimental material were divided into three groups （group A, group B end group C）, into whose basal feed 0, 4 and 10 g h/sine were respectively added. After 28 d of feeding, the experimental sheep were all slaughtered for sampling; then total RNAs were extrac- ted from the samples and used to clone GHR and GAPDH genes via retrotrenscription for analyzing the expression abundance of GHR mRNA in Iongissimus dorsi muscle from different treatments. [Result] The expression of GHR mRNA in treatment B was significantly higher than that in treatment A（ P 〈0.01 ）, and significantly higher then that in treatment C （ P 〈0.05） ; while that in treatment C and treatment A was insignificantly different（ P 〉 0.05）. [ Conclusion] Addition of lysine into basal feed of sheep could dose-independently improve the expression of GHR gene in Iongissimus dorsi muscle.

HISTOCHEMICAL TECHNIQUES IDENTIFYING MAST CELLS IN PIG,CATTLE AND SHEEP

Carnoy′s fluid and neutral buffered formalin(NBF)have been proved to be good fixatives for preservation of mast cells in pig,cattle and sheep except NBF blocked staining of most porcine mast cells,especially those located in intestinal mucosa(MMC)and in thymus medulla(TMMC). Both toluidine blue and Alcian blue were the excellent stains generally,but Alcian blue stained more porcine mast cells than did toluidine blue( P <0 01). Staining with toluidine blue of a wide pH range(from 0 1 to 7 0)showed that porcine mast cells were not very pH dependent,but the dye at pH 0 5 seemed to have the strongest affinity for all mast cells in pigs and it was also suitable for bovine and ovine mast cell staining. In the three species,unlike in rodents,the Alcian blue method did not distinguish between mast cells in the intestinal mucosa(MMC)and those in the connective tissue of the intestinal submucosa,tongue and skin(CTMC). Porcine CTMC,but not MMC,fluoresced strongly when stained with berberine sulphate or with a mixture of berberine sulphate and acridine orange. It suggested that porcine CTMC contained heparin proteoglycan.

Effect of RPlys on Digestive Metabolism of Nitrogen in Sheep

[Objective] The aim was to study the effect of RPlys on digestive metabolism of nitrogen in sheep.[Method] The contribution of RPlys for nitrogen residual in sheep was researched by digestive metabolism test.[Result] The results showed that adding RPlys decreased excretion of urine nitrogen （P0.05） and had no significant effect on excretion of fecal nitrogen （P0.05）,and precipitation coefficient of nitrogen was increased （P0.05）.[Conclusion] RPlys is propitious to the aggradations of nitrogen in sheep.

湖羊PSMB9基因克隆、序列分析及对成肌细胞增殖的影响

[目的]探讨湖羊蛋白酶体亚基β9(proteasome 20S subunit beta 9,PSMB9)基因编码区、启动子区序列特征、转录调控机制及其对成肌细胞增殖的影响。[方法]采用克隆测序法获得湖羊PSMB9基因编码区序列,根据绵羊PSMB9基因组的定位确定其启动子区大小,并通过生物学软件分析PSMB9基因编码区和启动子区序列特性,采用Mega 5.0中的邻接法(Neighbor-Joining)构建基于PSMB9氨基酸序列的系统进化树;采用实时荧光定量PCR鉴定PSMB9基因在湖羊不同组织中的表达谱;利用双酶切法构建湖羊PSMB9基因过表达载体,采用CCK-8试剂盒检测细胞的增殖能力,通过实时荧光定量PCR检测PSMB9基因在C2C12细胞系中的过表达效果和增殖基因PCNA的表达水平。[结果]湖羊PSMB9基因编码区长660 bp,编码219个氨基酸残基,其核苷酸序列和氨基酸序列与哺乳动物(如人、牛、猪和小鼠)的相似性较高,PSMB9氨基酸中活性位点和β亚基相互作用位点均高度保守;系统进化树显示,湖羊与牛先聚在一起,再与猪、人和小鼠聚在一起,说明PSMB9在哺乳动物中相对保守。PSMB9基因启动子区含有1个CpG岛、2个GC-box(CCGCCC)和2个E-box(CANNTG),且存在SP1、KLF4、STAT3、YY1、CREB1等多种转录因子潜在结合位点。组织表达谱显示,PSMB9基因在湖羊各组织中广泛表达,其中在脾脏中表达量最高,肌肉次之。与对照组相比,在C2C12细胞系中过表达PSMB9基因后极显著提升了细胞的增殖能力(P<0.01),增殖标志基因PCNA表达水平极显著上调(P<0.01)。[结论]本研究成功克隆获得了湖羊PSMB9基因序列,该基因在哺乳动物中高度保守,启动子区含有重要调控元件、CpG岛和转录因子潜在结合位点。PSMB9基因在湖羊脾脏和肌肉组织中高表达,PSMB9基因过表达可促进成肌细胞的增殖。研究结果为进一步阐明PSMB9基因调控湖羊肌肉发育的分子机制提供依据。

Quantitative Study on Expression of MSTN Gene in Different Tissues of Tibetan Sheep at Different Ages

[Objective] The aim was to investigate the difference in MSTN gene expression in different tissues of Tibetan sheep at different ages.[Method] According to the sequence（NM_001009428.1）published in GenBank,a pair of specific primers was designed to amplify part of cDNA sequence of MSTN by using QRT-PCR technique.The relative expression level of MSTN gene in rennet stomach,rumen,leg muscle and cardiac muscle of Tibetan sheep at different ages were analyzed.[Result] After normalization with β-actin gene,the relative expression level of MSTN gene in the 6-month-old Tibetan sheep was the highest and it was 2.52 times than that in 12-month-old Tibetan sheep（P0.05）,the relative expression level of MSTN gene in leg muscle was the highest among all tissues and it was 3 984.78 times than that in rumen（P0.01）.[Conclusion] The results established theoretical foundation for the correct use of MSTN antibody.

绵羊弓形虫TgSheepHn1对小鼠的病理损伤及其抗原分布特点

目的为了探究绵羊弓形虫分离株ToxoDB#9(TgSheepHn1)感染Swiss小鼠后,弓形虫在各脏器的分布及病理组织学损伤特点。方法选取104浓度的弓形虫速殖子腹腔接种小鼠,采用H&E及IHC方法分析小鼠各脏器中弓形虫抗原的分布以及病理损伤特点。结果昆明小鼠在急性感染期病理损伤主要表现在肺脏、肝脏、脾脏、肠系膜淋巴结及小肠,其他脏器损伤较轻或无明显损伤;弓形虫抗原在脾脏,肠系膜淋巴结,肾上腺,肝脏胆囊管肌层,生殖器官分布较多,大脑,心肌,肺脏,肾脏,膀胱及小肠也可观察到弓形虫抗原的分布。结论 TgSheepHn1对昆明小鼠的免疫及消化系统损伤较重,抗原分布广泛,免疫及生殖系统是该虫株的主要靶器官。

Analysis on Genetic Diversity and Isolation Mechanism by Distance of Different Ecological Type Sheep Breeds in Mon-golia Sheep Group

In the present study with Tan sheep, small-tailed Han sheep, Hu sheep, Tong sheep, and Wadi sheep, we detected the distribution of gene frequency of several microsatellite sites in different chromosomes, the result showed that： 1） Hu sheep was in the status of Hardy-Weinberg extreme disequilibrium （P 〈 0.01）, while populations including Tong sheep, small-tailed Han sheep, Tan sheep, and Wadi sheep were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium （P 〉 0.05）. 2） Variance analysis of the heterozygosity and poly- morphic information content at rnicrosatellite makers showed that there were not significant differences among populations as to heterozygosity and PIC （P 〉 0.05）, as to effective number of alleles there were not significant differences both among Tan sheep, Hu sheep, Tong sheep, and Wadi sheep, and between Wadi sheep and small-tailed sheep （P 〉 0.05）, but between the former three populations and the latter two populations, there were significant differences （0.01〈 P 〈0.05）. The variation levels of small-tailed Han sheep was the highest in the five populations based on microsatellite maker data, subsequently followed by Wadi sheep, Tong sheep, Tan sheep, and then Hu sheep. 3） The phylogenetic relationships of the five sheep populations in this study did not meet the mechanism of isolation by distance, and the genetic differentiation relationships among five sheep populations were not closely linearly correlative with their geography distribution. Our findings supported related records in literature： The five populations originated on different time stage from the primogenitor population and communicated genetically with each other thereafter in the process of natural and artificial selection and on different ecological environment.