Population Genetic Structure and Gene Flow Among Nigerian Goats

Abstract

Population Genetic structure in 200 indigenous goats sampled across four states from the South-Western and South Southern region of Nigeria was assessed using 7 microsatellite DNA markers. Observed Analysis of molecular genetic variation (AMOVA) was higher within populations (3.47) than among populations (1.84) accounting for 71% and 29% of the total genetic variation respectively. Population structure analysis clustered Nigerian goats into 2 distinct groups with Sahel (SA) and Red Sokoto (RS) forming a cluster on one side and WAD on the other. Highest gene flow values (3.46) were observed between Ibadan Sahel (IBSA) and Port-Harcourt Sahel (PHSA) goats, while the least (0.25) was recorded between Abeokuta West African Dwarf (ABWAD) and Abeokuta red Sokoto (ABRS) goat populations. It was conclude that there is a good measure of genetic diversity that can be harnessed for planned genetic improvement and confirms that there is indiscriminate flow of gene within and among Nigerian goat breeds.