The characterization of goat genetic diversity: Towards a genomic approach

The investigation of genetic diversity at molecular level has been proposed as a valuablecomplement and sometimes proxy to phenotypic diversity of local breeds and is presentlyconsidered as one of the FAO priorities for breed characterization. By recommending a setof selected molecular markers for each of the main livestock species, FAO has promoted themeta-analysis of local datasets, to achieve a global view of molecular genetic diversity. Anal-ysis within the EU Globaldiv project of two large goat microsatellite datasets produced bythe Econogene Consortium and the IAEA CRP–Asia Consortium, respectively, has generateda picture of goat diversity across continents. This indicates a gradient of decreasing diversityfrom the domestication centre towards Europe and Asia, a clear phylogeographic structureat the continental and regional levels, and in Asia a limited genetic differentiation amonglocal breeds. The development of SNP panels that assay thousands of markers and the wholegenome sequencing of livestock permit an affordable use of genomic technologies in all live-stock species, goats included. Preliminary data from the Italian Goat Consortium indicatethat the SNP panel developed for this species is highly informative. The existing panel canbe improved by integrating additional SNPs identified from the whole genome sequencealignment of goats adapted to extreme climates. Part of this effort is being achieved