Background: This study was conducted to identify genetic diversity among goat breeds in Algeria, Türkiye, and Nigeria, which is believed to have arisen due to historical influences, trade networks, and environmental adaptations, using 12 microsatellite markers. Additionally, the study provided insights into the population structure and kinship relationships among the breeds. Methods: The animal material of the study consisted of 514 goats from eight breeds: four Algerian (n = 224), two Turkish (n = 140), and two Nigerian (n = 150) native goat breeds. The quality and quantity control of DNA obtained from blood samples was determined using the Nanodrop 2000 device. In the study, 12 microsatellite markers were used. Capillary electrophoresis was used to separate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragments labeled with fluorescent dye in the Beckman Coulter GeXP Genetic Analyzer. Statistical analyses were used to calculate molecular genetic parameters, F-statistics, and genetic distances. Factorial correspondence analysis, structure analysis, and dendrogram construction were used to explore population structure. Results: The study used microsatellite markers to analyze genetic diversity in various breeds, revealing 149 alleles with a mean of 12.41 per locus. Positive inbreeding coefficient within subpopulations (FIS) values indicated a heterozygote deficiency, suggesting potential breeding strategies. Population structure analyses revealed distinct genetic clusters and relationships, providing insights into genetic variation within populations. Conclusion: The study provides a detailed analysis of goat populations in Algeria, Türkiye, and Nigeria, revealing the presence of heterozygote deficiency and the need for strategic breeding interventions to preserve genetic diversity. The findings also reveal distinct genetic clusters and relationships with historical influences, particularly the role of the Mediterranean Sea, adding depth to our understanding. The research offers practical guidance for the sustainable management of these valuable genetic resources, emphasizing adaptive strategies to ensure the resilience and adaptability of goat populations. The findings are crucial for informed decision-making in conserving and utilizing diverse livestock breeds, urging further exploration of goat populations’ genetic landscapes.

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Background: Morphometric traits, defined as quantitative and qualitative measures of animal form and structure, are key indicators of goats’ adaptation to ecosystems. They also shed light on the interaction between genetics and the environment. Aim: This study characterizes the morphometric diversity of goats in four ecoregions: the local Arbia breed in 3 regions in Algeria and the Sahel breed in the Sahel region of Mauritania. Methods: Principal Component Analysis and Mahalanobis distances were used to reveal the phenotypic characteristics of 736 adult goats. Results: We identified three groups. Group 1, which includes desert and Sahelian regions, shows the highest divergence between goats (distance = 4.599), reflecting their contrasting adaptations: compact morphology in arid environments (HW = 65.1 cm, BL = 71.7 cm), and elongated necks in the Sahel (NL = 27.3 cm). Conversely, goats in the coastal and pastoral areas are morphologically closer (distance = 1.741), and form two distinct groups: group 2 includes robust goats (HW = 66.6 cm), typical of pastoral steppes, while goats in group 3 (coastal) have a deep chest (CD = 35.0 cm). These results suggest that ecological isolation is more likely to occur in extreme regions (desert/Sahel), whereas in temperate zones (coastal/pastoral), goat populations tend to be more homogeneous. Conclusions: The study advocates conservation strategies to improve goats’ water resilience in arid regions and optimize their productivity in pastoral areas. It also emphasizes the importance of integrating genomic data to further our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the different adaptations.

Welcome to this volume dedicated to the conference “BIODIVERSITY: Food Security & Health”, the 9th International Seminar MGIBR, which was held on April 20, 21, and 22 in the conference room of the University of Tlemcen