Genetic characterization of Slovenian indigenous goat breed Dreznica goat

Local breeds retained unique genetic variability important for adaptive potential especially in light of challenges related to climate change. Our objective was to perform, for the first time, a genome-wide diversity characterization using Illumina GoatSNP50 BeadChip of autochthonous Drežnica goat breed from Slovenia. Genetic diversity analyses revealed that the Slovenian Drežnica goat has a distinct genetic identity and is closely related to the neighboring Austrian and Italian alpine breeds. These results expand our knowledge on phylogeny of goat breeds from easternmost part of the European Alps. For analysing genetic background of Dreznica goat, we genotyped 96 animals with the Illumina Goat SNP50 BeadChip. These genotyped animals capture a majority of farms/breeders (N=26), both production types (dairy and meat), and all main coat color patterns.