Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Relationships of Korean Native Goat Populations by Microsatellite Markers

The level of genetic variation and relationships in three native Korean goat populations (Dangjin, Jangsu, and Tongyeong) as well as the populations of a farm were analyzed, based on 30 micro-satellite markers. A total of 277 distinct alleles were observed across the four goat populations, and 102 (36.8%) of these alleles were unique to only one population. The mean observed heterozygosity and polymorphism information content were calculated as 0.461~0.651 and 0.462~0.679, respectively. In the NJ tree constructed based on Nei’s D A genetic distance, the four populations represented four distinct groups. However, the genetic distances between each Korean native goat population and the farm population were two times those among the three native Korean breeds. The genetic structure within the three Korean native goat populations was also investigated. Cluster analysis, using the STRUCTURE software, suggested three clusters. The molecular information of genetic diversity and relationships in this study will be useful for the evaluation, conservation, and utilization of nativ