Genetic diversity of Sardinian goat population based on microsatellites

Abstract

During the last century, the selection for production traits of the main livestock species has led to a reduction in number of local populations with consequent loss of genetic variability. In Sardinia, the genetic improvement strategy has been based on selection for the local pure breed in sheep, whereas in the other species (cattle, swine and goat), an often unplanned crossbreeding with improved breeds has been applied.

Keywords

• autochthonous genetic type, genetic variability, genetic distance, Gst