Evaluation of genetic and production potential of local mountain goat breeds in Thai Nguyen Vietnam

Tran Van Thang, Bui Thi Thom, Nguyen Thi Minh Thuan, Đao Thi Hong Chiem, Cu Thi Thuy Nga, Duong Thi Khuyen, Nguyen Duc Nghia and Nguyen Duy Hoan

Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry Tan Thinh Ward, Thai Nguyen City 25000, Vietnam
ndhoan@tnu.edu.vn

Abstract

This study assessed local mountain goat breeds' genetic diversity and production traits in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam (LMGT) to support conservation and selective breeding strategies. Molecular genetic techniques, including PCR analysis of the COI marker, were used to evaluate 10 LMGT samples, which were compared with three global reference sequences from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) USA. The results showed a 99% genetic similarity between LMGT and Capra aegagrus hircus, with minor sample variations. Reproductive and growth performance data collected from 356 goats over two years revealed modest reproductive metrics, including an average of 1.54 litters and 1.13 offspring per year. Growth analysis indicated slower weight gain compared to imported breeds. Despite its genetic uniqueness and adaptability to mountainous terrains, LMGT's low productivity underscores the need for improved feeding and selective breeding strategies to enhance its economic value.

Keyword: indigenous goat, genetics, mountain goat, PCR, Vietnam

Introduction

The local mountain goat breed in Thai Nguyen (LMGT) represents an indigenous strain that has been reared by local communities for generations, leveraging the area's abundant natural resources. As a distinct lineage of the Co goat, the LMGT is recognized for its exceptional agility and climbing abilities. Acknowledging its significance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development officially classified LMGT as a recognized livestock breed (Bui Thi Nga et al., 2022). Due to its inherent adaptability to the rugged mountainous environment, LMGT outperforms lowland or hybrid goats in this setting. However, the breed faces challenges, including slow herd growth, limited fertility, low growth rates, small body size, and modest economic returns.

A recent study by Nguyen Van Thu and Do Thi Thanh Van (2024) reported that approximately 150 households in the region currently raise LMGT goats, with a total herd size of around 2,000 animals. A molecular genetic study was conducted to assess genetic diversity and production capabilities under natural, free-grazing conditions without supplemental feeding to evaluate the breed's potential comprehensively. The findings provide valuable insights into the genetic resources of the LMGT breed and lay the groundwork for its conservation. Furthermore, this research underscores the breed’s adaptability and highlights its role in promoting sustainable livestock farming in mountainous rural areas.

The objectives of this study were to assess local mountain goat breeds' genetic diversity and production traits in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam.

Materials and Methods

Thai Nguyen province, located in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam, is distinguished by its rugged topography, high hills, and mountains, with forested areas accounting for nearly 60% of its total land area. Dinh Hoa stands out among its districts due to its pristine limestone mountain range, which rises between 150 and 200 meters in height and extends over 30 km. The region’s favorable climate, weather patterns, and soil conditions enable the year-round proliferation of diverse vegetation, including species favored by goats, such as hibiscus, bananas, cassava, mulberries, leucaena, rhododendrons, and melastomas.

Despite the region's marked seasonal variation—temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C in summer and 15°C to 25°C in winter, with humidity levels between 65–85% and 55–75%, respectively—the availability of diverse vegetation remained consistent throughout the year. Regardless of the season, the goats had access to preferred forage species, including hibiscus, wild bananas, cassava, mulberries, leucaena, rhododendrons, and melastomas.

A total of 356 one-day-old local mountain goats (LMGT), comprising 137 males and 219 females, were selected and raised in six households across Thai Nguyen province to assess their reproductive and growth performance. To mimic natural foraging behavior, the goats were reared under free-range conditions, without supplementary feeding. Each household maintained simple barns constructed from locally sourced materials, serving as shelters for the goats at night. During the day, the goats were released to graze freely on nearby hills and mountains.

Genetic research

PCR analysis was conducted on ear samples from ten adult mountain goats (D2, D3, D9, D42, D44, D46, D63, D68, D78, D81) to amplify targeted DNA using the COI marker. COI primers were designed according to Kadri Karim (2020). Similarities and differences between these ten samples and three reference samples from NCBI (codes HQ269435.1, HQ269436.1, and HQ269438.1) were assessed with DNASTAR software (v5.0). BioEdit software facilitated comparisons of COI gene sequences between the study samples and COI markers from the Capra aegagrus hircus species on NCBI. Phylogenetic relationships among samples were visualized using MEGA software (v7.0.5).

Production Potential Research

To evaluate reproductive performance, 120 goats (14 males and 106 females) were monitored over 36 months. Key reproductive parameters assessed included age at sexual maturity, age at first mating, gestation duration, litter frequency, and litter size. Growth performance was evaluated in a separate cohort of 96 goats, consisting of 38 males and 58 females, tracked from birth to 12 months of age. Monthly weighing was conducted to determine sex-specific growth rates, providing critical insights into the development patterns of the LMGT under natural grazing conditions.

Data analysis

Data from genetic studies were processed using specialized software as mentioned in the research methods section such as DNASTAR version 5.0, Bioedit software, and Mega version 7.0.5. software. All data from the study evaluating the production performance of local mountain goats collected from the experimental study were coded and entered in an Excel spreadsheet (SAS 9.1).

Results and discussion

Evaluation of the genetic potential of local mountain goats in Thai Nguyen

PCR amplification results of COI markers of samples

Figure 1. PCR results of COI markers of LMGT goat samples

Note:Well L: Ladder GeneRuler 1kb, runs from 1 to 10 are samples D2, D3, D9, D42, D44, D46, D63, D68, D78, D81 respectively

The above results in Figure 1 show that all markers were successfully amplified. The PCR product only gave a single band; no by-products appeared. Compared with Thermo Scientific's standard DNA, the size of the COI marker amplification product was exactly as expected, ~750bp. Thus, the PCR product was qualified for sequencing.

COI marker analysis results

To confirm that the amplified COI markers were the COI markers of Capra aegagrus hircus, the research team BLASTed the COI sequences of sample D42 of the LMGT goat breed. The results are shown in Figure 2. The BLAST results showed that 10 amplified and sequenced COI markers were markers of Capra aegagrus hircus, and the COI markers of the research goat sample had a high similarity of 99% compared to the COI markers of Capra aegagrus hircus published on GenBank.

Figure 2. BLAST result of COI marker of sample D42 with COI marker of Capra aegagrus hircus published on NCBI

Analysis of genetic differences in COI markers among the research samples

Using Bioedit software, compare the DNA sequences of COI markers of 10 research samples and 3 COI markers of Capra aegagrus hircus species published on NCBI with code numbers HQ269435.1, HQ269436.1, and HQ269438.1, respectively.

Figure 3. Comparison of the difference in the nucleotide sequence of the COI marker of 10 research samples with 3 COI markers on NCBI

Based on the result of Figure 3 we get the following table

The results of Table 2 show that the length of the COI region between the 10 research samples and the 3 samples in the gene bank is from 669 to 671 bp, the GC ratio in this region is from 43.8% to 44.4% and there are 10 differences between the compared sequences, accounting for 1.49% of the entire sequence. It can be seen that the COI region has differences in the nucleotide sequence. The differences are caused by nucleotide deletion and substitution mutations at positions in the COI gene region of the research goat samples. The results of the analysis of the similarities and differences between the 10 research goat samples are shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Differences in the nucleotide sequence of COI marker of 10 samples of LMGT and 3 samples on NCBI

Figure 4 shows that the COI gene region classification index is highly conservative. The similarity coefficient between the 10 research and 3 world samples ranges from 99.4% to 100%. The difference coefficient between the research samples ranges from 0 - 0.6%. The highest similarity coefficient between the 3 world samples HQ269435.1, HQ269436.1, and HQ269438.1 with the 2 research samples D81 and D68 is 100%. The lowest similarity coefficient between D2 and D3 and between D63 and D9 is 99.4%.

Phylogenetic tree construction

Figure 5. Phylogenetic trees of 10 research samples and 3 samples from the world with NCBI based on COI markers

The analyzed samples were divided into 2 large groups: group I included 3 world samples and 9 research samples, and group II had only sample D3. The samples in group I were divided into 2 small groups, Ia and Ib, group Ib had only sample D9, group Ia included 3 world samples and the remaining 8 research samples. This group division is due to the different nucleotide positions between samples that are not fixed in the same species group. Observation of the genetic tree showed that the genetic distance between the research samples was shallow and had a very close relationship with 3 goat samples worldwide.

Evaluation of the production potential of local mountain goats in Thai Nguyen

Some reproductive indicators of local mountain goats

The results in Table 3 show that: The sexual maturity of local mountain goats is average compared to other goat breeds. The average age of first estrus is 233.8 days (ranging from 170 to 266 days). The average gestation period is 149.2 days, ranging from 146 to 150 days. Due to free-range farming and no supplementary food, the reproductive performance of local mountain goats is low. The number of litters is only 1.54 liters/year, and the number of newborn goats is 1.13/liters. If semi-free-range farming is applied and additional food is provided, the reproductive performance of mountain goats will be improved (Ogah 2016; Mearg et al 2019)

Growth performance of local mountain goats

Local mountain goats (Figure 6) have relatively low body weights, averaging only 70% of those seen in imported breeds like Bach Thao, Beetal, and Jumnapari goats. Male goats weigh 1.81 kg at birth, reaching 11.4 kg at 6 months and 20.7 kg at 12 months. Females weigh 1.62 kg at birth, 10.2 kg at 6 months, and 17.5 kg at 12 months. At 12 months, neither male nor female goats reach full adult weight, which typically occurs around 18–20 months, with males reaching 24–26 kg and females 20–22 kg. Native breeds generally show lower productivity due to harsh survival conditions, including limited food availability and challenging climate factors (Djouza and Chehma, 2018; Hopker et al 2019).

Daily weight gain over 12 months (Figure 7) is also lower than that of imported and crossbred goats, with a decreasing trend over time. On average, males gain 50.8 grams/day, while females gain 44.1 grams/day.

Figure 6. Body weights of local mountain goats (kg/goat)

Figure 7. Daily weight gain of local mountain goats (g/head/day)

Due to climate change, the amount of food for goats in the wild is often lacking, which affects both the reproductive performance and growth of goats raised under the free-range method. If supplemented with suitable grasses, some minerals will increase some indicators of goats' reproductive and growth performance from 15 to 37%. (Arias-Margarito et al 2012; Nguyen Van Thu and Do Thi Thanh Van 2024; Gbadamosi and Olanipekun 2020).

Conclusion

• Genetic analysis indicates that the Thai Nguyen local mountain goat breed exhibits high genetic homogeneity and shares a close genetic relationship with prominent global goat breeds, highlighting its importance as a genetic resource in need of preservation.
  
  
• Under free-range conditions without supplemental feeding, these goats show low productivity and modest growth rates. Female goats produce an average of 1.54 liters of milk per year and 1.13 offspring per litter. At 12 months, males weigh an average of 20.7 kg, while females weigh 17.5 kg, with daily growth rates of 51.9 g for males and 43.6 g for females.

Photo 1. Location Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam	Photo 2. Male and female goats
Photo 3. The goats go foraging	Photo 4. Free range goats

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