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Assessment of Genetic Diversity on Goat Breeds in Malaysia Using Microsatellite Markers

Amie Marini, A.B.^1,3*, Hifzan, R.M.², Tan, S.G.³ and Panandam, J.M.⁴

¹Strategic Livestock Research Centre, MARDI, P.O. Box 12301, 50774 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
²MARDI Research Station, P.O. Box 525, 86009 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia,
³Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences,
⁴Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2014 17(1): 19-26

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Genetic characterisation of goat populations in Malaysia is essential for conservation strategy as well as for genetic improvement. The goat populations in Malaysia comprise the small-framed original Katjang goats and the larger framed exotic goats: the Jamnapari, Boer and Savanna. With continuous importation, these exotic breeds are slowly replacing the indigenous Katjang, which is in danger of extinction if there is no concrete plan to conserve the breed. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of goat breeds in Malaysia using microsatellite markers for proper utilisation in breeding program. Thirty microsatellite markers were used successfully to amplify caprine genomic DNA using a PCR-based technique. Low levels of number of alleles per locus were found in the Katjang, Jamnapari, Boer and Savanna breeds. The mean number of alleles per locus was 5.69. All four breeds and loci showed significant (p<0.05) deviations from HWE except for three loci. The results of the F<sub>IS</sub> determinations, together with the low number of alleles indicate the occurrence of inbreeding in all four breeds.