Assessment of genetic diversity and conservation priorities in some Turkish indigenous Hair goat populations by microsatellite loci

Genetic diversity in livestock breeds is required for breeding studies, response to environmental changes and sustainable production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity in Hair goats reared in 9 districts of Antalya province and to determine the populations that have the highest contribution to the total genetic diversity. For this purpose, 180 samples from 9 districts (Korkuteli-KRK. Elmaly-ELM, Kap-KAS. Demre-DMR. Manavgat-MNG, Gundodmup-GND, Ybrady-IBR, Akseki-AKS and Gazipapa-GZP) of Antalya province were genotyped by 20 microsatellite loci. The mean number of alleles per locus for each population ranged from 8.45 (GND) to 9.25 (MNG), while mean number of effective allele varied between 5.40 (GND) and 6.22 (MNG). The lowest average observed heterozygosity was in the ELM populations (0.71) while the highest Ho value detected in KAS populations (0.78). Mean expected heterozygosity values varied from 0.80 (GND) to 0.84 (DMR, MNG). Mean PIC values ranged from 0.77 (GND, AKS) to 0.80 (DMR. MNG) in populations. Inbreeding coefficients were detected between 0.05 (KAS) and 0.13 (ELM) in district populations. According to two different methods, the highest contribution to the total genetic diversity comes from KAS (-0.244) and AKS populations (0.482). In conclusion, high genetic diversity and low level of inbreeding were determined in Turkish indigenous Hair goats. Hair goats have great potential for breeding studies and for adaptation to the environmental conditions that will possibly change in the future. Especially, genetic variation in KAS and AKS populations should be conserved.