Author(s): PAIM, T. do P.; FARIA, D. A.; HAY, E. H.; McMANUS, C.; CHAVERRI ESQUIVEL, L.; ISABEL CASCANTE, M.; JIMENEZ ALFARO, E.; MENDEZ, A.; FACO, O.; SILVA, K. de M.; ALBERTO MEZZADRA, C.; MARIANTE, A. da S.; PAIVA, S. R.; BLACKBURN, H. D.

Summary: Western hemisphere goats have European, African and Central Asian origins, and some local or rare breeds are reported to be adapted to their environments and economically important. By-in-large these genetic resources have not been quantifed. Using 50K SNP genotypes of 244 animals from 12 goat populations in United States, Costa Rica, Brazil and Argentina, we evaluated the genetic diversity, population structure and selective sweeps documenting goat migration to the "New World". Our fndings suggest the concept of breed, particularly among "locally adapted" breeds, is not a meaningful way to characterize goat populations. The USA Spanish goats were found to be an important genetic reservoir, sharing genomic composition with the wild ancestor and with specialized breeds (e.g. Angora, Lamancha and Saanen). Results suggest goats in the Americas have substantial genetic diversity to use in selection and promote environmental adaptation or product driven specialization. These fndings highlight the importance of maintaining goat conservation programs and suggest an awaiting reservoir of genetic diversity for breeding and research while simultaneously discarding concerns about breed designations.

Publication year: 2019

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Goats & Sheep

Keywords: Animal breeding, Animal genetics, Genetic variation, Goat breeds, Goats, Introduced species, Land races, Population genetics