Abstract
The main goal of this work was to study the genetic diversity of the Northern Morocco goat population through the analysis of 19 microsatellites in 144 animals from 61 herds. To detect a possible population structure, three distinct geographic subpopulations were characterized as a function of climate and environmental influences. Most of the markers were highly polymorphic, and the results revealed considerable genetic variation across the studied loci. A total of 204 alleles were detected, with an average number of 10.7 per locus. The PIC average was 0.728, and four microsatellites showed a significant deviation (p< 0.05) from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that only 0.5% of the variation corresponded to differences among subpopulations, and 99.5% corresponded to differences among individuals. Factorial correspondence analysis showed intense admixtures across the putative subpopulations, and the subdivision related to geographical or environmental adaptation was undetectable. The Northern Morocco goat population presented high genetic diversity and a lack of population structure. The main reason for these findings is the absence of the breed concept (reproductively closed population), resulting in uncontrolled crossbreeding with exotic breeds and other local goats.
Highlights
Molecular genetic characterization is the first approach for the sustainable use of animal genetic resources
The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) (Table 4) indicated only 0.5% of variation between subpopulations, and 99.5% of the variation corresponded to differences among individuals
Genetic diversity findings concur with the high variation previously observed in phenotypic traits of the studied population (El Moutchou et al, 2014, 2017)
Summary
Molecular genetic characterization is the first approach for the sustainable use of animal genetic resources. In the absence of genetic information, development of local populations is often ignored in favour of the introduction of exotic breeds. Characterization of breeds is essential at both the level of animal phenotypes and genetic variability (FAO, 2007, 2011, 2013). Microsatellite marker analysis is very indicative of the historical progression of breeds by showing the evolution and differentiation of animal populations; this technique has been used in genetic diversity studies of European, African and American goats (Ajmone-Marsan et al, 2014). The genetic characterization of Moroccan goats using microsatellites has been limited to studies of the Draa (Tadlaoui Ouafi et al, 2002), Black Rahalli breeds (Ouragh et al, 2012) and the Hamra population (Hilal et al, 2016). Previous studies reporting the genetic structure and diversity of Moroccan goat
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