Genetic Characterization of Kutta Sheep of Swat, Using SSR Markers

Present manuscript describes the genetic characterization of endangered sheep breed called Kutta. Kutta sheep is a native breed of Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtun khwa of Pakistan. The sheep is black coated small sized thin tail breed. Males are horned and female are polled. Utilization of the breed is limited to wool production and for manufacturing hand woven cloth; locally called "Lamsay & sharri". Its population is at extremely alarming position. The estimated population of Kutta breed in 2007 is less than 1000 and can be classified as endangered species. The prime reason of its decrease in population is its extensive out cross with other exotic breed of sheep like Rambouillet, Balkhi etc. As nearly 20% of the documented breeds are considered to be under the threat of extinction so far of 7600 breeds documented in the databank animal Genetic Resources (AnGr) 11% got extinct and only 38% are safe from extinction. Surprisingly approx. 35% is still not yet properly known and before it's properly documentation going on, its extinction might happen. Kutta is also among those breed which is going to extinct. A list of FAO recommended SSR markers were used to tract the genetic diversity