Diversity of the Icelandic goat breed assessed using population data

Abstract

Abstract The Icelandic goat breed is a closed population consisting of around 700 animals kept in 45 herds. Several population bottlenecks are known to have occurred and the population has at least twice declined below 100 animals. Here the genetic diversity of the breed was estimated using pedigree information, D-loop sequencing and microsatellite markers. The annual rate of inbreeding was estimated as 3% and the effective population size as 5.1 animals. The effective population size based on molecular markers was estimated in the range of 4.1–8.8 individuals and mtDNA D-loop sequencing identified only three haplotypes. The results presented here show the population to be highly inbred, fragmented and the level of genetic variation among the lowest found in livestock. The results will be an important input into conservation planning for the Icelandic goat. Keywords: Genetic diversitypedigree analysismicrosatellitesD-loopclosed populationinbreeding depressionbottlenecks Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank Emma Eythorsdottir and Dr Aslaug Helgadottir for critically reading the manuscript. The project was funded by the Agricultural Genetic Resources Board of Iceland (Erfdanefnd Landbunadarins) and the Agricultural Productivity Fund (Framleidnisjodur).