Genome Characterization of Native Portuguese Domestic Goats and its rumen (GERUCA)

Portugal has six autochthonous caprine breeds with specific characteristics being the most representative Serrana (representing nearly 50% of the national herd of indigenous goats) meanwhile Serpentina, Algarvia and Charnequeira are on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 4000 females each. The main objectives of the present study is to estimate the proportion of variation that only exists in our caprine native breeds, identify the local resources and reveal microbiome composition. We will identify regions of the genome that for its singularity can be used for meat and milk traceability tests as well as to assist breeding. For achieve these goals we will apply NGS methods as RAD Seq and metagenomics. We also will perform association studies among phenotype, genotype, rumen composition, productivity and geographic environment to detect traits influencing animal efficiency. Our results will have a global implications ranging from climatology, to applied animal production or to conservation.

Dates: 01 jul 2018 – 30 jun 2022 

Total funding: 238 724,67 €
FEDER support: 202 915,97€
National Funding: 35 808,70€