Materials and Methods: Sampling (n=175) was conducted from Akkaraman, Guney Karaman, Kangal Akkaraman, Daglic and Awassi breeds. Genomic DNA was isolated using a standard phenol/chloroform method. PrP region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and allele genotypes were determined by using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. General population parameters including allel numbers (Na), observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities and deviation from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) were calculated.

Results: High level of A136R154Q171 genotype was observed in all populations. A136R154Q171, which is known as the most resistant genotype to scrapie, was observed at lower (0.175-0.313) frequencies. However, V136R154Q171, the most susceptible genotype to the disease, was not determined in all investigated breeds. All sheep population investigated in this study were found to be generally in R2 (resistant) and R3 (little resistant) risc categories described in National Scrapie Plan (NSP).

Conclusions: It is critically important to consider PrP polymorphisms and increase frequencies of scrapie resistant genotypes in breeding of these breeds.