Monitoring genetic diversity and population structure of Markhoz goat by pedigree analysis

Pedigree analysis is a useful tool for the study of structure, genetic diversity and history of populations. This study was conducted to characterize population structure, estimation of inbreeding and effective population size in Markhoz goats using pedigree analysis. Data consisted of pedigree records of 5726 animals, collected between 1987 and 2016 by Markhoz goat Performance Testing Station. Computer programs, including CFC for descriptive statistics of pedigree, ENDOG for estimation of effective population size and generation interval and EVA for inbreeding trend were used in this research. The ratio of inbred animals was 54.3% of total population. The mean of co-ancestry and inbreeding coefficients in the population were 2.61 and 2.68, respectively, indicated that the observed inbreeding level is higher than expectation. Estimated effective number of founders was 85.65, represents unequal founder contributions in population. Undesirable trend for inbreeding could be due to high contribution of few ancestors in reproduction and low migration rate of animals in Markhoz goat station. The mean generation interval for total population and founders were 3.23 and 5.73 years, respectively, emphasizing the replacement of young bucks and does in the recent generations. Effective population size computed via individual increase in inbreeding was equal to 60.41 and was not far from the 50, a critical level proposed for an ideal population. The results indicate that the biodiversity of population has decreased. In conclusion this research supports the priority for conservation genetic strategy instead of selection programs in Markhoz goat.