MICROSATELLITE ANALYSIS OF WEST-AFRICAN DWARF GOATS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study is aimed at investigating the genetic variability of the West African Dwarf goat of South Western Nigeria. Tissue samples from sixty (60) West African Dwarf goat were genotyped using 25 Microsatellite Markers as proposed by FAO and ISAG. All the Markers were highly polymorphic with allele numbers ranging from 3 (ILSTS005) to 19 (BM6444), and in most cases above 4. High level of genetic variability was obtained as demonstrated by the values of the mean observed and expected heterozygosites (0.584 and 0.679 respectively). The positive F, values obtained at 19 loci indicated some level of inbreeding within the population. The Microsatellite Markers used in this study showed their suitability for analysis of genetic variability in the West African Dwarf goat. However, further research using a larger sample size, together with the three indigenous goat breeds of the country should be considered to ensure possible improvement, conservation of their native germplasm, as well as proper policy formulation.