Genetic polymorphism at the CSN1S1 gene in Girgentana dairy goat breed

The aim of this work was to evaluate the variability of the as1-casein locus in the endangered Girgentana dairy goat breed in order to define genetic improvement and a conservation program for this breed. The study was performed on 200 dairy goats by means of different PCR protocols. Themost frequent alleles were A (0.590) and F (0.290) followed by B (0.065) and N (0.047).CSN1S1 E allele was identified with a very low frequency (0.008). The most common genotype was AF (0.365) followed by AA (0.340). The high frequency of the strong genotypes is associated with the production of milk with high fat and protein content andwith optimal technological properties. In Girgentana goat breed, theCSN1S1 genotype information could be utilised in selection strategies formilk protein content andmilk yield, in order to select genetic lines for the production of ‘drinking milk’ using weak and null genotypes, and for niche products using strong genotypes. Additional keywords: Girgentana goat, milk production. Received 13 July 2012, accepted 13 October 2012, published online 7 February 2013