Within the call Universidad-Sociedad 2013, a call that promotes transfer of knowledge from the University to the Society, the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) awarded us last week with a grant for a new study. 

The aim is to establish the population genetic structure of Sasi-Ardi, a semi-feral native sheep breed from the western Pyrenees in danger of extinction. The phylogenetic relationship with other recognised native breeds of sheep in the Basque Country such as, Latxa, Karrantzar, Manech and Basco-bearnaise, will also be investigated. In addition, whole genome sequencing will be used to study selection signatures in Sasi-Ardi.

The -Conservatoire des Races D’Aquitaine, (CRA)- will contribute to the project with financial support and direct participation, as the – Instituto Navarro de Tecnologías e Infraestructuras Agroalimentarias, S.A. (INTIA)-.