Data from: Genetic homogeneity of North-African goats

North Africa represents a rich and early reservoir of goat genetic
diversity, from which the main African breeds have been derived. In this
study, the genetic diversity of four indigenous Algerian goat breeds
(i.e., Arabia, Makatia, M’Zabite and Kabyle, with n = 12 for each breed)
has been investigated for the first time by genome-wide SNP genotyping;
moreover in a broader context, genetic structuration of Algerian and
Moroccan goats was explored (via FST, MDS, STRUCTURE, FineSTRUCTURE, BAPS,
sPCA and DAPC analyses). At national level, the study revealed high level
of genetic diversity and a significant phenomenon of admixture affecting
all the Algerian breeds. At broader scale, clear global genetic
homogeneity appeared considering both Algerian and Moroccan stocks.
Indeed, genetic structuration was almost nonexistent among Arabia (from
Algeria), Draa, Black and Nord (from Morocco), while the ancestral Kabyle
and M’Zabite breeds, reared by Berber peoples, showed genetic
distinctness. The study highlighted the threat to the Maghrebin stock,
probably induced by unsupervised cross-breeding practices which have
intensified in recent centuries. Moreover, it underlined the necessity to
deepen our understanding of the genetic resources represented by the
resilient North-African goat stock.