engleski

Population structure of Istrian and Croatian Coloured goat

Native Croatian goats are local breeds kept in an extensive system with low production. Local breeds are part of the genetic and socio-cultural heritage of the local community. For this reason, it is very important to preserve the genetic diversity of the remaining breeds, most of which are trapped in unselected autochthonous breeds. This study aimed to analyse the genetic diversity and conservation status of two indigenous Croatian goat breeds, the Istrian goat and the Croatian Coloured goat, using genome-wide SNP data. Population structure was analysed using 11 Istrian goats, 33 Croatian Coloured goats, and 506 additional animals belonging to 19 European goat breeds and 7 Iranian Bezoar. We used a graphical approach to illustrate the relationship between the analysed breeds in terms of their population structure. In addition, we determined the migration patterns of all goat breeds presented in this study. Our analyses revealed a fine population structure of Croatian goat breeds and their dependence on geographical origin and barriers. The mean observed heterozygosity for the Istrian goat and Croatian coloured goat was 0.39 and 0.40, respectively. The mean fixation index (FST) between the Istrian and Croatian coloured goats was 0.046, indicating an intermediate level of genetic differentiation between these two populations. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed distinct clustering of the two breeds, while some Istrian goats showed a clear clustering with the Saanen breed. The Croatian coloured goat was closest to the Carpathian goat. The results obtained with Treemix software confirmed these results and showed gene flow from Croatian coloured goat to Istrian goat. Our results will contribute to the breeding and conservation strategies for the native Croatian sheep breeds.

Native Croatian goats ; Genetic diversity ; Conservation status ; Genome-wide SNP data

nije evidentirano