Genetic Diversity of Indigenous Goat Breeds in Kebbi State Using Microsatellite Markers

Indigenous goat breeds in Nigeria represent an important repository of adaptive genetic diversity shaped by centuries of natural and human-mediated selection. In Kebbi State, North West Nigeria, goat herding is integral to rural livelihoods, yet the genetic characterisation of local breeds relative to commercial breeds is poorly documented. This study assessed the genetic diversity of three indigenous goat populations (Sokoto Red, Kano Brown, and Red Sokoto crosses) in Kebbi State using microsatellite markers. Blood samples from 120 goats were collected from three local government areas and genotyped using a panel of 12 FAO-recommended microsatellite loci. Parameters of genetic diversity including observed and expected heterozygosity, allelic richness, and F-statistics were calculated. Neighbour-joining phylogenetic trees and STRUCTURE analysis were used to assess population differentiation. Results indicated high within-population genetic diversity, with limited but detectable genetic differentiation between populations. Admixture analysis suggested recent genetic exchange among the three populations due to common trading patterns. These data provide a baseline for conservation breeding programmes and selective improvement of indigenous goat genetic resources in Kebbi State. Keywords: goat breeds, microsatellites, genetic diversity, Kebbi State, indigenous livestock