Phenotypic and genotypic variability between two Nigerian indigenous goat population

Abstract

In order to estimate the future breeding potential of a livestock breed, it is necessary to estimate the level of genetic diversity within the breed. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the phenotypic and genotypic variability within the West African dwarf (WAD) goats and a non-descript goat population. The WAD goats were obtained from Bodija market Ibadan, Oyo state, while the non-descript goats were obtained from the Animal Science Departmental Farm in Zaria, Kaduna State. Random collection of tissue samples was carried out on each goat population using an all flex ear punch tissue sample collector and aliquoted into plastic tubes containing the all flex preservative. DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing were carried out at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya. DNA was extracted from the tissue cells using the Pure Link™ Genomic DNA-minikit according to the manufacturer's specifications and protocol and 25 microsatellite markers as recommended by FAO/ISAG were used for genotyping. Twenty three of the 25 microsatellite markers used in this analysis had four or more alleles. The mean Shannon index (I), observed (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) and inbreeding coefficient (Fis) for the WAD goats were 1.568, 0.584, 0.679 and 0.167, respectively. For the non-descript goats, the mean Shannon index, observed and expected heterozygosity and inbreeding coefficient (Fis) were 1.607, 0.678, 0.721 and 0.041, respectively. The microsatellite markers used in this study showed their suitability for analysis of genetic variability in this population as demonstrated by the high mean Shannon index. This study has shown that these two goat populations are significantly different phenotypically and genetically. Also, both populations showed significant deviations (P<0.01) from Hardy-Weinberg expectations.