Chromosomal localization of sixty autosomal loci in sheep (Ovis aries, 2n=54) by fluorescence in situ hybridization and R-banding

Sixty autosomal loci (5 type I and 55 type II) from 24 bovine syntenic groups, and previously FISH-mapped to goat and river buffalo chromosomes, were localized by fluorescence in situ on sheep (Ovis aries, 2n=54) chromosomes, thereby notably extending the cytogenetic map of this economically important species. Caprine BAC clones were hybridized to R-banded chromosome preparations. FITC-signals and RBPI-banding (R-banding by late BrdU-incorporation and propidium iodide staining) were simultaneously visualized and captured by a colour CCD-camera. All mapped loci were localized on homoeologous chromosomes and chromosome regions (bands) of sheep, goat and river buffalo, further supporting chromosome and genetic (loci) homoeologies among bovids.