Geographical partitioning of goat diversity in Europe and the Middle East

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2006

Authors

Canon, J (Author) Other; Garcia, D (Author) Other; Garcia Atance, MA (Author) Other; Obexer Ruff, G (Author) Other; Lenstra, JA (Author) Other; Ajmone Marsan, P (Author) Other; Dunner, S (Author) Other; beja-pereira, a (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Animal Genetics

Vol. 37

Pages: 327-334

ISSN: 0268-9146

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 146 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-KKB

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2006.01461.x

Abstract (EN): Thirty microsatellite markers were analysed in 1426 goats from 45 traditional or rare breeds in 15 European and Middle Eastern countries. In all populations inbreeding was indicated by heterozygosity deficiency (mean F-IS = 0.10). Genetic differentiation between breeds was moderate with a mean F-ST value of 0.07, but for most (c. 71%) northern and central European breeds, individuals could be assigned to their breeds with a success rate of more than 80%. Bayesian-based clustering analysis of allele frequencies and multivariate analysis revealed at least four discrete clusters: eastern Mediterranean (Middle East), central Mediterranean, western Mediterranean and central/northern Europe. About 41% of the genetic variability among the breeds could be explained by their geographical origin. A decrease in genetic diversity from the south-east to the north-west was accompanied by an increase in the level of differentiation at the breed level. These observations support the hypothesis that domestic livestock migrated from the Middle East towards western and northern Europe and indicate that breed formation was more systematic in north-central Europe than in the Middle East. We propose that breed differentiation and molecular diversity are independent criteria for conservation.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8