Vol. 9, Issue 12, Part A (2025)

Genetic diversity status of Jayawadagi goats was studied by using microsatellite markers. The genomic DNA from Jayawadagi goats of different flocks were PCR-amplified with a panel of 10 microsatellite markers. Microsatellite PCR products were run on Metaphore agarose gel and the raw data obtained was analysed. A total of 141 alleles were detected across ten FAO-recommended microsatellite loci, with the observed number of alleles ranging from 7 to 24 (mean 14.1±0.63) and effective alleles from 3.44 to 18.2 (mean 9.30±0.55). The observed heterozygosity (Ho) varied widely within the population (0 to 1), while the expected heterozygosity (He) exceeded 0.5 at all loci, indicating high genetic variability and suitability of the markers for diversity analysis. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.679 to 0.940, with an average of 0.842, underscoring the informativeness of these loci. Shannon’s Information Index averaged 2.298, reflecting substantial genetic diversity, and inbreeding coefficients (F_IS) varied from-0.094 to 1, demonstrating different degrees of heterozygosity reduction across loci. All markers significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p<0.01), likely due to the multi-allelic nature of microsatellites, gene flow, and sample size effects. These results collectively reveal rich genetic polymorphism within the Jayawadagi goat population, highlighting its potential for sustainable genetic improvement and conservation efforts as an important indigenous breed.