Abstract
Simple SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of six groups of native Brazilian goats using a panel of single sequence repeats (SSRs). Results indicated a definite genetic differentiation among the Brazilian goat herd, which indicates the existence of at least four breeds according to the international concepts (Moxotó and Repartida; the Grauna and Serrana Azul; Canindé and Marota breeds).The genetic diversity of six Brazilian native goats was reported using molecular markers. Hair samples of 332 animals were collected from different goat breeds (Moxotó, Canindé, Serrana Azul, Marota, Repartida, and Graúna) from five states of Northeast Brazil (Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, Bahia, and Piauí). A panel of 27 microsatellites or single sequence repeats (SSRs) were selected and amplified using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. All populations showed an average allele number of over six. The mean observed heterozygosity for Brazilian breeds was superior to 0.50. These results demonstrated the high genetic diversity in the studied populations with values ranging from 0.53 (Serrana Azul) to 0.62 (Repartida). The expected average heterozygosity followed the same trend ranging from 0.58 (Serrana Azul) to 0.65 (Repartida), and the values obtained are very similar for all six breeds. The fixation index (Fis) had values under 10% except for the Moxotó breed (13%). The mean expected heterozygosity of all Brazilian populations was over 0.50. Results indicated a within-breed genetic variability in the Brazilian breeds based on the average number of alleles and the average observed heterozygosity. The interbreed genetic diversity values showed proper genetic differentiation among local Brazilian goat breeds.
Highlights
Many domestic species originating in Europe were introduced to America in the colonial period.Brazilian goat breeds are derived mainly from Portuguese settlers with animals since the 16th century [1,2]
The Brazilian goat breeds were developed in the national territory due to natural and artificial selection promoted by smallholders, emphasizing the morphology and fitness traits and other associated processes like genetic drift [1]
The mean observed heterozygosity for Brazilian breeds was higher to 0.50. These results demonstrated the high genetic diversity in the studied populations with values ranging from 0.53 (Serrana Azul) to 0.62 (Repartida)
Summary
Brazilian goat breeds are derived mainly from Portuguese settlers with animals since the 16th century [1,2]. The Brazilian goat breeds were developed in the national territory due to natural and artificial selection promoted by smallholders, emphasizing the morphology and fitness traits and other associated processes like genetic drift [1]. They developed unique traits such as rusticity, prolificacy, and disease resistance [3], becoming a vital economic resource to household communities. In addition to early Iberian introductions, Asian breeds (Bhuj, Jamnapari, Mambrina, and Angorá) were introduced. Goats of European breeds (Alpine, Saanen, Toggenburg, and Murciano-Granadina) and African breeds (Anglo-Nubian and Boer) have been imported into Brazil to improve milk and meat productions
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