Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of West African Dwarf Goats in South East Nigeria Using Microsatellite Markers

This study characterises the genetic diversity and population structure of West African Dwarf goats in South East Nigeria using microsatellite DNA markers, providing the genetic information needed for rational conservation and improvement programme design. The West African Dwarf goat is the most important indigenous goat breed in Nigeria's southern zones, valued for its trypanotolerance and adaptation to humid environments, but genetic characterisation using molecular markers has been limited in the South East. This study collects blood and tissue samples from 280 WAD goats in Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi States, with 56 individuals per state representing diverse ecological and management contexts. Genotyping uses 15 FAO-recommended microsatellite markers processed by capillary electrophoresis. Population genetic statistics including observed and expected heterozygosity, allelic richness, inbreeding coefficient, FST values, and Bayesian population clustering are computed using GenAlEx, Structure, and PopGenStat software. Principal coordinates analysis examines population differentiation. Findings reveal high genetic diversity in WAD goats across South East Nigeria, with mean observed heterozygosity of 0.67 and mean allelic richness of 7.2 alleles per locus. Population structure analysis identifies three genetically distinct clusters that do not correspond strictly to state boundaries, suggesting historical gene flow patterns consistent with traditional trade routes. Inbreeding coefficients are low (FIS average 0.08), indicating functional outbreeding. The study contributes original molecular genetic data for South East Nigerian WAD goats and recommends conservation of the genetic diversity identified as a national genetic resource.

Keywords: West African Dwarf goat, genetic diversity, microsatellite markers, population structure, South East Nigeria.