Microsatellite-Based Assessment of Genetic Variation and Demographic Bottlenecks in Kilis Goats Between Two Agro-Ecological Zones

The Kilis goats, one of Türkiye's prominent indigenous goat breeds, are extensively raised in the southern regions of the country due to its exceptional milk production potential. This study aimed to investigate the population dynamics of the Kilis goats, which are renowned for their high milk yield and remarkable adaptability, at the molecular genetic level. A total of 190 individuals from Kilis goat populations raised in two different provinces were characterized using 16 microsatellites. A total of 274 alleles were detected across all loci studied. The results for the mean number of alleles, expected heterozygosity, and polymorphic information content were 17.13, 0.85, and 0.83, respectively. It was revealed that 99.0% of the total genetic variation can be attributed to genetic differences among individuals, while only 1.0% can be explained by differences among populations. The FST value obtained (0.022) indicates a low level of genetic differentiation between the studied populations. These findings consistently indicate a high degree of genetic similarity and effective gene flow between the two provincial populations. STRUCTURE analysis revealed the presence of three distinct genetic clusters among the studied populations, indicating intra-breed sub structuring rather than clear inter-population divergence. Bottleneck analysis the analysis produced an L-shaped curve in the allele frequency distribution, indicating no significant recent genetic bottleneck in the studied populations. This study provides important insights into the genetic diversity and population structure of Kilis goat populations raised in the Gaziantep and Kilis provinces. The results demonstrate that the Kilis goat population exhibits high genetic diversity. Overall, the results highlight substantial within-breed genetic diversity, low inter-population differentiation, and the absence of a recent demographic bottleneck, providing a scientific foundation for sustainable genetic management.