Local Goat Population Research Articles

Thermal response in Boer goats differing in coat colour

Context The coat is the first defense layer protecting animals from direct sunlight, influencing radiant-heat absorption and loss. Dark coat colour may increase animal heat impact because of higher absorption of solar radiation. Aims We investigated the impact of pigmentation intensity on the heads of animals and their thermal responses to solar radiation. Furthermore, we compared the thermal responses between dark and light brown-coloured animals, to determine whether the duration of sun and shade exposure (3 h each) is sufficient to differentiate the heat gain and losses between the two groups. Methods The effect of coat colour on rectal and surface temperatures in Boer goats, classified according to their head pigmentation pattern as dark (DB, N = 11) or light brown (LB, N = 11), exposed to sun and shade, was evaluated. The animals’ body and head surface temperatures were measured the same day before, during, and after sun exposure by using infrared thermography. Individual thermographic images were analysed by body regions (rump, leg, neck) and head areas (eye, ear, upper and lower part of the head, and the muzzle). Key results During solar radiation, all measured variables increased. In the shade, the rump, leg, and neck surfaces remained elevated, whereas the head area cooled down faster, with the highest temperature changes measured for the ear of about 10%. Most surface cooling occurred within 30 min after returning to the shade. Coat colour groups differed only in higher overall muzzle temperature of DB than that of LB goats (P = 0.048). Correlations between rectal and surface temperatures were low to medium, ranging from −0.02 (eye) to 0.31 (muzzle). Conclusions The head area is suggested as the important thermal window for heat dissipation and selective brain cooling. Light brown-headed animals were more efficient in eliminating the heat gained from solar radiation when returned to shade. Implications The colouration of the animal’s head may play an important role for its heat tolerance. As an easy-to-recognise characteristic, coat colour can serve as a selection trait for local goat populations. In view of global warming, selection for lighter coat colour in domestic ruminants may also become important even under temperate climates.

Assessing Environmental Effects upon Modeling the Individual Lactation Curve of a Local Goat Population in a Pastoral System.

The present study aims to use Wood's model to determine the parameters of individual lactation curves in a local goat population and their factors of variation under a pastoral system. A total of 137,927 records from 432 local goats were collected to assess the impact of litter size, year and month of kidding, herd and the age of the dam on lactation curve parameters. Wood's model parameters were estimated using non-linear regression, and individual curves were fitted. The characteristics of the lactation curves were computed. The initial yield (A), rate of increase (B) and rate of decline (C) parameters in Wood's model for local goats were 730 g, 0.26 and 0.09 respectively. The values of peak milk production (PP), peak date (PD) and persistency (PC) were 931.88 g/d, 23.39 days and 91.50%, respectively. Persistence was higher in goats with simple births, while peak production increased by around 0.3 kg for each additional kid. The curve parameters "A" and "C" differed according to the herd and month of kidding (p < 0.05); the age of the dam only had an impact on parameter "A" (p < 0.01). Parameter "B" was not significantly influenced by any of the factors considered (p > 0.05). Correlation coefficients among lactation curve characteristics were ranged from -0.20 to 0.89. Due to a significant negative correlation, selecting for parameter "A" may have an adverse effect on parameter "B", resulting in a shorter time to reach peak production and less persistency, but an increase in peak production among goats. The curves derived from Wood's model suggest that the shape of the curve may serve as a basis for herd management planning and to improve local population potentialities.

Phenotypic characterization of goat populations of North Shoa and South Wollo zones in Amhara region

The study aimed to assess the phenotypic diversity of the local goat populations based on the measurement of qualitative and quantitative traits. The study was conducted in North Shoa and South Wello zones of Amhara region, Ethiopia in purposively selected districts. A total of 862 randomly selected goats were considered for phenotypic characterization (i.e., 216 from each of Merehabete, Moretena Jiru, Mojaena Wedera, and Wereillu). From the total measured goat 81% of sampled goats were females and the remaining 19% were male. The chi-square test was used to analyze qualitative data, and analysis of variance was used to analyze quantitative measurements. The red coat color was the most observed color in all the study areas. The Merehabete district goat population has a better (P < 0.05) metric value compared to the Mojaena Wedera goat population for female goats. Pairwise Mahalanobis Distance shows the longest distance (6.5) between Merehabete and Mojaena Wedera goat populations. On the other hand, the Wereillu and Moretena Jiru goat populations show the shortest distance (1.8). The Scrotum circumference of the goat population in the study areas was 25cm at the age of three pairs of permanent incisors and had variation (P < 0.05) among age groups but did not vary (P > 0.05) among study areas. Pairwise Mahalanobis distance and morphometric measurements results show that the goat population has variation, particularly in the Mojaena Wedera and Merehabete goat populations. The variation may be due to management or genetic variation. Therefore, further investigation may be needed to confirm this variation.

Assessment of the main factors affecting goat milk yield and composition in the North West region of Tunisia

This study aimed to assess the main factors affecting goat milk yield and composition from the Northwest region of Tunisia. A survey and a sampling campaign were conducted over four months (February-May, 2018), within 112 farms in 3 regions. Individual daily milk yield (DMY) was registered and milk samples were taken in duplicate to be analysed for fat (FC), protein (PC), solid not fat (SNF), density and lactose contents. Results showed that the Alpine breed allowed the highest DMY and PC, and the Damasquine presented the highest FC. The third lactation allowed the highest DMY (0.95 Lday-1) and FC (6.68%), however the highest PC, SNF and density are recorded for primiparous. Concerning the birth weight of kids, DMY increased significantly with the weight of the kids at birth, and it resulted in a significant effect on the FC. The assessment of the region effect showed that the highest DMY was obtained in the region of Jendouba and Ghardimaou. For milk composition, when breed effect was eliminated and focused only on the local breed, we found the highest FC in Sedjnen/Nefza. The analysis of the goat feeding allowed identifying 5 types of rations. Also, statistical analysis showed that the highest DMY resulted from the rations T4 and T5 (averaged 1.06 Lday-1). No effect of ration type on FC and density was found. Concerning PC, SNF and lactose, the ration effect had no significant effect, but a trend of highest values was noted for T3. It was concluded that dairy performances were low, focusing only on the local goat population. However, the produced milk is of good quality regarding the determined chemical composition. Indeed, there is a negative correlation between milk production and the chemical composition of milk. Substantial improvements are potentially possible through actions (improvement of the quality of the ration, milk hygiene, milk collection pattern, training of breeders, etc) to develop a value chain in the region and improve farmer incomes.

Adaptation of breeding goats for the milk purposes to climate conditions

This article presents valuable opinions on the importation of purebred young goats from foreign countries and its impact on various aspects of dairy goat breeding. The importation of purebred young goats plays a significant role in the establishment of farm subjects specializing in dairy goat breeding. One aspect highlighted in the article is the importance of introducing purebred young goats to improve the genetic pool of local dairy goat populations. By bringing in high-quality genetics from foreign countries, dairy goat breeders can enhance the productivity, milk yield, and overall performance of their herds. This can lead to increased milk production and improved milk quality, benefiting the dairy industry as a whole. Furthermore, the article discusses the significance of adapting imported dairy goats to the local natural climatic conditions. Importing goats from foreign countries may expose them to different climates, which can impact their health and productivity. Proper adaptation measures are essential to ensure the well-being of these animals and their successful integration into the local environment. Moreover, the article explores clinical signs and morphological characteristics of blood in mother goats during the process of adaptation to the natural climatic conditions. Monitoring and understanding these physiological changes are crucial for ensuring the well-being and health of the mother goats, as well as the successful rearing of their offspring.

Genomic Tools for the Characterization of Local Animal Genetic Resources: Application in Mascaruna Goat.

Simple SummaryThe Analysis of genomic data is an important resource for the effective management of small and endangered populations. The aim of this work was to study the genomic structure of a local goat named Mascaruna. Overall, the results indicate moderate genetic variability and a defined population structure and represent a starting point for the creation of monitoring and conservation plans.Italy contains a large number of local goat populations, some of which do not have a recognized genetic structure. The “Mascaruna” is a goat population reared for milk production in Sicily. In this study, a total of 72 individuals were genotyped with the Illumina Goat_IGGC_65K_v2 BeadChip with the aim to characterize the genetic diversity, population structure and relatedness with another 31 Italian goat populations. The results displayed a moderate level of genetic variability for Mascaruna, in concordance with the estimated values for Italian goats. Runs of homozygosity islands are linked to genes involved in milk production, immune response and local adaptation. Population structure analyses separated Mascaruna from the other goat populations, indicating a clear genetic differentiation. Although they are not conclusive, our current results represent a starting point for the creation of monitoring and conservation plans. Additional analyses and a wider sampling would contribute to refine and validate these results. Finally, our study describing the diversity and structure of Mascaruna confirms the usefulness of applied genomic analyses as valid tools for the study of the local uncharacterized genetic resources.

Impacts of food scarcity and irregularities under arid conditions on the body reserves and production of local goat population in the southern of Tunisia

The study aims to study the impact of environmental factors on adult weight and assess the impact of their use from a genetic point of view to set up the basis for the future improvement of this important component of efficient production. A total of 3000 records of 104 goats were collected over a period of 3 years in the caprine herd of the Arid Areas Institute of Médenine (South East of Tunisia). Significance of environmental effects was tested with ANOVA procedure. The adult weight mean estimated in this study was 24.69kg with a coefficient of variation of 24.34%. Local breed was characterized by a low weight. Such a low weight corresponds to low energetic needs, which could be considered as an epigenetic strategy of adaptation to the difficult environmental conditions. Effects reflecting environmental and management conditions along time were highly significant in studied trait. This effect is especially due to the variations of climate, food nutritional quality and herd management along time which change greatly in extensive conditions. Difficult years do not allow the distinction of the best goats, and this is important for breeders who aim to improve the performance of their herds. In order to optimize the productive potential of the local goat population, it is essential to adopt an appropriate feeding management program addressing the most important individual trait which was directly involved in increasing lifetime productivity. The variability detected in local goat population allows to hold expectations for the implementation of selection programmes for productive traits in arid regions.

Modélisation des performances de reproduction de la population caprine locale dans les régions arides tunisiennes

La présente étude vise à illustrer l’action qualitative et quantitative de facteurs d’aridité et des modes de conduite sur les performances reproductives de la chèvre locale. Un total de 462 mises bas provenant de l'accouplement de 11 boucs et 185 chèvres, ont été recueillies durant la période 1999-2014. Deux caractères ont été choisis pour analyser les performances de reproduction :la taille de la portée et l’intervalle entre deux mises bas successives. Les facteurs fixes inclus dans le modèle sont l’âge et la parité de la chèvre et l’interaction année × mois de mise bas. Les moyennes de l’IMB et de la TP sont respectivement 13,85 ± 5,20 mois et de 1,33 ± 0,49 chevreaux. Les jeunes femelles ont montré des performances de reproduction relativement plus faibles que celles des chèvres âgées, indiquant des conflits possibles entre les besoins de croissance et la disponibilité alimentaire. Les performances de reproduction de la chèvre locale affichent des valeurs justifiables par les conditions naturelles hostiles. Il semble avoir une augmentation générale du TP à mesure que la parité progresse jusqu'à la cinquième parité. Une large valeur d’IMB a été observée pour la deuxième parité puis elle tend à diminuer. Le cycle reproductif des chèvres est essentiellement soumis aux effets des facteurs qui agissent sur les ressources pastorales et le stress climatique. Ces constations sont capitales pour l’élaboration des procédures d’évaluation et de choix des reproducteurs dans le cadre d’un schéma de sélection.

Morphological characterization and habitat suitability modeling of the goat population of Benin under climate change scenarios

BackgroundInsufficient knowledge of the genetic and phenotypic diversity in the local Beninese goat population combined with the lack of understanding of its adaptive capacity to ongoing environmental and societal changes hampers the development of strategies for better management and genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to establish the current geographical distribution of goats in Benin based on their morphology and model the potential habitat suitability of the three known main goat phenotypes (i.e., Djallonké goat or Type I, Sahelian goat or Type II, and their Crossbreeds or Type III) under climate change scenarios. Ten qualitative and 26 linear body measurements were taken on 2114 adult female goats sampled across the three vegetation zones of the country. Fifteen ratios were generated from the quantitative variables. The data were analyzed using generalized linear model procedures followed by multiple comparisons of least-squares means and multivariate analytical methods, including canonical discrimination analysis and hierarchical ascendant classification. Each goat was then assigned to one of the three aforementioned main goat phenotypes following its morphological characteristics and according to the a priori cluster membership defined in the previous step. The Maximum Entropy algorithm was used to model the current and future distribution of the three goat phenotypes under climate change scenario using the Representative Conservation Pathways 4.5 and 8.5.ResultsAll linear body measurements varied among vegetation zones. In the discriminant function analysis, 71% of the measured individuals were correctly classified in their vegetation zone of origin by seven measured variables and three ratios. The cluster procedure analysis revealed two groups of goats subdivided into the three main phenotypes. The modeling results showed that the currently highly favorable habitats were distributed in the South for Type I, in the North for Type II, and both South and North for Type III. However, under climate change scenarios, the favorable habitats for Type I decreased while those of Types II and III increased.ConclusionsThe results of this study confirm the spatial variation of the goat population in Benin. The habitat suitability model can be used to support decision-making toward better management of goat genetic diversity in Benin.

On the modelling of weights of kids to enhance growth in a local goat population under Tunisian arid conditions: the maternal effects.

To provide the local goat population with an adequate breeding scheme under an arid environment, this study aimed to evaluate the use of alternative models attempting to dissect the additive genetic (AG) and permanent environmental (PE) components of direct and maternal effects on weights of kids up to weaning. Records of 903 local kids over a period of 16years were used in this study. Data were split into four groups corresponding to four periods along weight recording. Periods 1/2/3/4 contained weights in an interval with upper-lower limits of 1-20/25-60/65-120/125-150days of age. Models including or ignoring maternal genetic or permanent environmental effects were fitted for all traits. For all periods, the best models were those including the AG component for both direct and maternal effects and the direct PE effect. Heritability estimates of both the direct and maternal effects ranged from low (0.02 for maternal heritability in P1) to moderate (0.17 for direct and maternal heritability in P2 and P3). Period 1 showed the lowest values for heritability of both direct and maternal effects, with also the largest estimate of the ratio of residual to total variance (around 0.2) compared with the other periods, with decreasing ratios as age increased (from 0.13 for P2 to 0.07 for P4). Both direct and maternal estimated breeding values (EBVs) showed high correlations for models fitting direct AG and PE (DGP) effects. For direct EBVs (DEBVs), correlations were above 0.99, indicating that the same animals are expected to be selected under any model that includes those components, regardless of the maternal effects included. For maternal EBVs, correlations were also high, but slightly lower than for the DEBVs between models including DGP effects and maternal genetic effects. Overall, our recommendation for genetic evaluations of direct and maternal effects in this population raised in extensive and harsh conditions is to use weight records preferably collected during the period of high milk production of dams, for which direct and maternal effects are expected to show full expression. Complete pedigrees and several generations of dam-progeny recording are needed to obtain a proper separation of environmental and genetic components.

Genetic Diversity Estimation of Six Goat Populations from Chongqing, China using Microsatellite Markers

Goats are an important domestic animal for animal husbandry that has attracted considerable research attention worldwide. Genetic diversity assessment and population genetic structure of indigenous goats can provide valuable conservation strategies. The current study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of six goat populations from Chongqing, China. A total of 145 animals from five local goat populations, namely, Youzhou black (UZG), Jianzhou (JZG), Banjiao (BJG), Dazu (DZG) and Hechuan white goat (HCG) and an introduced breed called Nubia goat (NBG) located in Chongqing, China were genotyped with 18 autosomal microsatellite markers. A series of genetic diversity parameters and population phylogeny were estimated and constructed. This study preliminarily showed that the six goat populations present rich genetic diversity and significant genetic divergence among them. Furthermore, material exchanges were observed between the introduced and local goat populations in Chongqing. This result will further explain the diversity conservation of Chongqing goat populations.

Estimation of daily milk production from some body measurements in local goat population under Tunisian arid conditions

In order to estimate some equations of daily milk production from linear body measurements of 85 local lacting goats were used in the present study. The morphostructural parameters included body length, withers height, heart girth and hip height, the body weight and the daily milk were recorded weekly from from the 7th postpartum day up to the end of lactation period. Four models were tested to estimate daily milk from some body measurements. A high correlation between daily milk and all linear body measurements was obtained. A significant correlation (p&lt;0.05) were obtained between all linear body measurements and daily milk yield. The high value of correlation was presented between body weight and the daily milk (r=0.66). A estimates equation with coefficient of determination (44%) has been got to estimate daily milk with (R2). The daily milk of local goat could be estimated from linear body measurements and it could be use the goats' body weight and withers height as a good measurements to predict daily milk with reasonable R2

Small ruminants milk from Tunisian oasis: physicochemical characteristics, mineral contents, and microbiological quality.

Characteristics and quality aspects of milk from native ovine Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO) and the exotic D'man (DMN) breeds were investigated and compared with those of two subgroups of the local goat population Arbi and Serti. A total of 418 individual milk samples were collected from multiparous lactating animals reared in the continental oasis region of Tunisia. Samples were analyzed for physical parameters (pH, density, and acidity), chemical composition (dry matter, fat, protein, lactose, casein, ash, and casein/protein ratio), mineral concentrations (Ca, P, Na, K, and Ca/P) and microbiological features (total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB), total coliforms count (TCC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), sulphite-reducing Clostridium (CSR), yeast and molds (Y/M), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Salmonella) according to standard methods. The values obtained for physicochemical, mineral, and microbial parameters revealed noticeable differences in the milk of the four studied breeds. On the whole milk samples, the mean value of pH, density, and acidity in milk collected from sheep breeds appeared higher than in milk collected from goat subgroups. As for milk composition, results showed a remarkable disparity between studied breeds and clear superiority of sheep breeds compared to goat's subgroups in all chemical contents being studied (dry matter, fat, protein, lactose, casein, and ash). The differences are more important, especially for dry matter, fat, protein, and casein content, whereas casein/protein ratio distinguished goat's genotypes, and the highest one was obtained for Serti Subgroup. When comparing sheep versus goat's milk for macro-minerals, the current study indicated lower K and higher concentrations of Ca, P, and Na. The milk of QFO sheep, the richest in casein and protein, was expressed with significantly higher levels of calcium and phosphorus compared to the DMN sheep breed and the two goat subgroups. The microbiological examination evidenced that the milk of both species complies with standard criteria required by the Tunisian legislation on the hygiene of milk and dairy products. The microbial quality of ewe milk was higher than goat milk, based on LAB and Y/M, while goats produced milk with better quality referring to TMAB and TCC counts. No significant differences were found for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli between examined breeds. Got results highlighted the complete absence of the two dangerous pathogens Salmonella and CSR in all investigated samples of small ruminants' milk.

Microsatellite markers based genetic diversity and differentiation of Balangir goat population of Odisha

This study was executed to investigate the genetic diversity of Balangir, a local goat population from Odisha, and its differentiation from the geographically closest registered goat breeds, Ganjam and Black Bengal by utilizing 22 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The genotypic status of individuals at each locus was identified by an automated DNA sequencer and allelic data was analyzed for genetic diversity parameters. It resulted in the acquisition of original and comparable information confirming the genetic distinctness of the Balangir goat population. The observed number of alleles varied between 4 (RM4) and 16 (OMHC1) with 8.23±0.64 alleles per locus in Balangir goats. A moderate level of observed heterozygosity (0.57±0.05) indicated sufficiently existing genetic diversity in this goat population which varied between 0.09 (OarJMP29) and 1 (ILSTS22). Expected heterozygosity (0.64±0.04) oscillated between 0.18 (ILSTS34) and 0.89 (OMHC1). Within the population, heterozygosity deficiency estimate (FIS) was significantly positive (0.13±0.05) and 73% of the investigated loci contributed towards the homozygote excess. Consequently, significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was observed at 12 of 22 analyzed loci. Assessment of Balangir goat population for mutation drift equilibrium indicated that the population did not suffer a reduction in effective population size in the last few generations. Four different approaches utilized to study genetic relationships (F statistics, analysis of molecular variance, phylogenetic relationship genetic distance, and individual assignment) indicated that the Balangir goat population was genetically differentiated from the two registered goat breeds. The study highlighted that Balangir is discrete Indian goat germplasm with sufficient genetic variability and needs to be registered as a goat breed of India.

SNP-Based Genotyping Provides Insight Into the West Asian Origin of Russian Local Goats.

Specific local environmental and sociocultural conditions have led to the creation of various goat populations in Russia. National goat diversity includes breeds that have been selected for down and mohair production traits as well as versatile local breeds for which pastoralism is the main management system. Effective preservation and breeding programs for local goat breeds are missing due to the lack of DNA-based data. In this work, we analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of Russian local goats, including Altai Mountain, Altai White Downy, Dagestan Downy, Dagestan Local, Karachaev, Orenburg, and Soviet Mohair goats, which were genotyped with the Illumina Goat SNP50 BeadChip. In addition, we addressed genetic relationships between local and global goat populations obtained from the AdaptMap project. Russian goats showed a high level of genetic diversity. Although a decrease in historical effective population sizes was revealed, the recent effective population sizes estimated for three generations ago were larger than 100 in all studied populations. The mean runs of homozygosity (ROH) lengths ranged from 79.42 to 183.94 Mb, and the average ROH number varied from 18 to 41. Short ROH segments (<2 Mb) were predominant in all breeds, while the longest ROH class (>16 Mb) was the least frequent. Principal component analysis, Neighbor-Net graph, and Admixture clustering revealed several patterns in Russian local goats. First, a separation of the Karachaev breed from other populations was observed. Moreover, genetic connections between the Orenburg and Altai Mountain breeds were suggested and the Dagestan breeds were found to be admixed with the Soviet Mohair breed. Neighbor-Net analysis and clustering of local and global breeds demonstrated the close genetic relations between Russian local and Turkish breeds that probably resulted from past admixture events through postdomestication routes. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the genetic relationships of goats originating in West Asia and Eurasia and may be used to design breeding programs for local goats to ensure their effective conservation and proper management.

The climatic and genetic heritage of Italian goat breeds with genomic SNP data

Local adaptation of animals to the environment can abruptly become a burden when faced with rapid climatic changes such as those foreseen for the Italian peninsula over the next 70 years. Our study investigates the genetic structure of the Italian goat populations and links it with the environment and how genetics might evolve over the next 50 years. We used one of the largest national datasets including > 1000 goats from 33 populations across the Italian peninsula collected by the Italian Goat Consortium and genotyped with over 50 k markers. Our results showed that Italian goats can be discriminated in three groups reflective of the Italian geography and its geo-political situation preceding the country unification around two centuries ago. We leveraged the remarkable genetic and geographical diversity of the Italian goat populations and performed landscape genomics analysis to disentangle the relationship between genotype and environment, finding 64 SNPs intercepting genomic regions linked to growth, circadian rhythm, fertility, and inflammatory response. Lastly, we calculated the hypothetical future genotypic frequencies of the most relevant SNPs identified through landscape genomics to evaluate their long-term effect on the genetic structure of the Italian goat populations. Our results provide an insight into the past and the future of the Italian local goat populations, helping the institutions in defining new conservation strategy plans that could preserve their diversity and their link to local realities challenged by climate change.

Reproductive Traits in Berari Goats of Vidharbha Region of Maharashtra

The objective of this study was to examine the different benchmarks of reproductive traits in Berari goats. The Berari goat was recently recognised as India’s 23rd goat breed at the national level. The study was carried out for 18 months on 12 female Berari goat kids. The different benchmarks of reproductive traits observed non-significant difference in single and twins born kids such as age at puberty, age at maturity, duration of estrus, average weight at conception, age at kidding, time required for kidding and gestation length, which were found within normal range for the other breeds of goat. It was concluded that the Berari goat breed has lower age at first estrus, age at first kidding and higher reproductive performance, which can be exploited for improving the breeding efficiency of local non-descript goat population.

Molecular Identification of the "Facciuta Della Valnerina" Local Goat Population Reared in the Umbria Region, Italy.

Simple SummaryThe Facciuta goat originated from Valnerina, a geographic area in central Italy, including the adjacent parts of four regions: Umbria, Marche, Lazio, and Abruzzo. The aim of this study was to assess how useful microsatellite molecular markers are for the genetic discrimination of the local goat, Facciuta della Valnerina, compared with the two cosmopolitan breeds, Saanen and Camosciata delle Alpi, reared in the same geographic area. The results revealed a very clear separation between the local population (Facciuta della Valnerina) and the two reference goat breeds (Saanen and Camosciata delle Alpi). Furthermore, reducing the number of markers from 16 to 12 still allowed us to distinguish the local population, indicating that microsatellite markers are an inexpensive method to discriminate local livestock breeds. This could be a fast and inexpensive genomic tool to trace goat products and distinguish their origin.Italy holds important genetic resources of small ruminant breeds. By distinguishing goat breeds at the DNA level, certification of products from specific breeds can be valorized. The aim of this study was to establish the genetic identity of Facciuta della Valnerina, a local goat population of Italy, compared with the cosmopolitan breeds, Saanen and Camosciata delle Alpi, reared in the same geographic area. A total of 116 microsatellite alleles ranging from 4 to 13 were detected at 16 loci in the three goat populations/breeds. A total of 23 private alleles with frequencies lower than 0.3 were detected in the Facciuta della Valnerina population. The mean numbers of alleles were 6.67, 4.58, and 4.92 in Facciuta della Valnerina, Camosciata delle Alpi, and Saanen, respectively. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.20 to 0.86. Most loci were highly polymorphic and informative (polymorphic information content ≥0.50). Factorial correspondence analysis and principal components analysis revealed very clear separation between Facciuta della Valnerina and the two reference goat breeds. Reducing the number of markers from 16 to 12 (on the basis of polymorphic information content and the number of alleles) still allowed us to distinguish the local population, indicating that microsatellite markers are capable of discriminating local livestock breeds at a low cost.

Molecular characterization of goats from Saudi Arabia using microsatellite markers

This study is undertaken for genetic characterization of local Saudi goat populations for maintaining genetic variability of livestock population. Genomic DNA was extracted from three goat populations namely Ardi, Hollandi and Shami and subjected for genotyping using eighteen recommended microsatellite markers. The average values obtained for number of private alleles, effective number of alleles and different alleles 2.071, 5.343 and 9.389, respectively. The expected and observed heterozygosity values were 0.757 and 0.913, respectively. F- values were 0.081, −0.115, −0.18 and Shannon's Information Index was found to be 1.751. All loci were highly differed from Hardy-Weinburg Equilibrium and an average migrant’s value was 4.302. The maximum value was obtained between Hollandi and Ardi (8.474) and the value was extremely low between Shami and Ardi (2.518). Pairwise population of Fst and Nei's Genetic Distance showed very close relationship between Hollandi and Ardi goat population than between this population with the Shami. STRUCTURE software revealed 3 clusters at K = 3 in goat population. The present findings revealed genetic variations in Hollandi and Ardi populations. Molecular characterization of Saudi goats is important for maintaining and improving genetic resources.

Genetics Polymorphisms of INHA in Local Goat Populations in South-West Sulawesi Region of Indonesia

Inhibin subunit alpha (INHA) is one important gene that control reproductive characteristics of animal. The aim of this research was to identify the genetic diversity of INHA gene of Kacang and Peranakan Etawa (PE) goat as local goat breed which were maintained by farmers at goat development centers in Sulawesi region, Indonesia. DNA samples were collected from 137 heads Kacang breed from Jeneponto, South Sulawesi and 119 heads of Peranakan Etawa (PE) from Polewali Mandar regency, West Sulawesi. The PCR-RFLP technique with HaeII restriction enzyme was used to identify the genetic diversity base on the INHA gene. A and G alleles and AA, AG and GG genotypes of INHA gene were could identified in the local goat populations. Frequency of G allele, as predominant allele, were found in both populations (0.9343 of Kacang and 0.9160 of Peranakan Etawa goats). Both of local goat populations were shown low genetic diversity with average observed heterozygosity (Ho) of INHA gene were 0.13. Nevertheless, the data obtained in this study can be used as preliminary information to determine some development and improvement strategies of genetic quality of local goats that exist in this region.