Abstract
To investigate the genetic diversity of seven Chinese indigenous meat goat breeds (Tibet goat, Guizhou white goat, Shannan white goat, Yichang white goat, Matou goat, Changjiangsanjiaozhou white goat and Anhui white goat), explain their genetic relationship and assess their integrity and degree of admixture, 302 individuals from these breeds and 42 Boer goats introduced from Africa as reference samples were genotyped for 11 microsatellite markers. Results indicated that the genetic diversity of Chinese indigenous meat goats was rich. The mean heterozygosity and the mean allelic richness (AR) for the 8 goat breeds varied from 0.697 to 0.738 and 6.21 to 7.35, respectively. Structure analysis showed that Tibet goat breed was genetically distinct and was the first to separate and the other Chinese goats were then divided into two sub-clusters: Shannan white goat and Yichang white goat in one cluster; and Guizhou white goat, Matou goat, Changjiangsanjiaozhou white goat and Anhui white goat in the other cluster. This grouping pattern was further supported by clustering analysis and Principal component analysis. These results may provide a scientific basis for the characteristization, conservation and utilization of Chinese meat goats.
Highlights
The domestic goat (Capra hircus) is one of the most important livestock species in animal husbandry
Efforts were made to evaluate genetic diversity and relationships of 7 Chinese indigenous meat goat breeds and an African goat breed based on standard microsatellite markers
Amplifications were carried out using the GeneAmp PCR 9700 thermocycler (Applied Biosystems), with the following cycling parameters: 94°C for 5 min followed by 32 cycles of 94°C for 30 s, annealing at 53 to 60°C for 30 s, 72°C for 30 s, and a final step at 72°C for 8 min
Summary
The domestic goat (Capra hircus) is one of the most important livestock species in animal husbandry. China raises the largest number of goats in the world and has a valuable resource of goat breeds. There are more than 20 indigenous goat breeds in China, including goats for meat, wool, milk, mutton, and kid leather (Tu et al, 1989). Goats have a strong adaptability and are distributed in different environmental areas. There were several meat-type goat breeds in China. These meat goats, which are mainly distributed in the middle and southern regions of China, play an important role in the meat market
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