# Genomic Dissection of Chinese Yangtze River Delta White Goat Based on Whole Genome Sequencing

## TL;DR

This study uses whole genome sequencing to analyze the genetic structure and selection signatures in Chinese Yangtze River Delta White goats.

## Contribution

The study identifies key genomic regions and genes under selection related to coat color and muscle growth in a specific goat population.

## Key findings

- A significant selection region on chromosome 13 is linked to coat color and muscle growth in Yangtze River Delta White goats.
- The MYH7B gene shows lower nucleotide diversity in this population, indicating it was subject to selection.
- The IGF2BP2 gene, associated with litter size, shows selection signatures in Boer goats but not in Yangtze River Delta White goats.

## Abstract

Whole genome sequencing was performed on the Chinese Yangtze River Delta White goat, aiming to analyze their population genetic structure and genomic characteristics. Selective sweep analysis identified selection-signature genes and their polymorphisms in the goat populations.

The conservation and utilization of livestock genetic resources is essential for the maintenance of biodiversity and breed innovation. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 90 samples from Chinese Yangtze River Delta White goats (YRD), sourced from two populations of Chongming island white goats and Haimen white goats, aiming to dissect their genomic characteristics. In addition, 262 WGS data from nine other breeds of goats were downloaded from the NCBI database. These WGS data obtained were used to identify and analyze genetic variation with the goat reference genome, and the genetic structure of goat populations was analyzed. Through selective sweep analysis, the selection-signature genes and their polymorphic features were identified. It was found that the most significant genomic selection region in YRD goats was in the region of 62.9–64.6 Mb on chromosome 13, which contained genes related to the coat color and muscle growth of the goats. Nucleotide diversity of MYH7B, a gene related to the development of the goat’s skeletal muscle, within the Yangtze River Delta white goat population was significantly lower than in other domestic and foreign goat breeds, suggesting that the gene was subject to selection. In addition, the IGF2BP2 gene, reported to be associated with litter size in goats, showed clear selection-signature characteristics in the Boer goats compared to the YRD goats.