CLARIFICATION OF CHROMOSOME NOMENCLATURE IN THE SHEEP (OVIS-ARIES) - REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE STANDARDIZATION OF THE SHEEP KARYOTYPE

In gene mapping, it is obviously essential that gene assignment errors are minimized. Recently, confusion has arisen in sheep gene mapping, as a result of contradictions in chromosome nomenclature. The purpose of this brief communication, prepared by the International Sheep Karyo type Standardization Committee, is to minimize any further confusion t hat may arise, while new sheep standard Q, G and R karyotypes and ideo grams are being prepared. This paper reviews the history of previous s heep karyotype standards, explains the errors that have been detected and presents a correlation table so that, whichever nomenclature is us ed, the exact chromosome can be identified.