Abstract:
Selection of Angora goats over the past decades has focused on traits related to fitness, body
weight and fiber production. Research for genetic improvement of the Angora has been based on
quantitative selection and more recently molecular technology has been applied. Although
considerable progress has been made at increasing fine mohair production, the inability of Angora
goats to survive sub-optimum conditions has become a concern. Selection emphasis on fibre
production resulted in unthrifty animals and the South African (SA) Angora industry is still hampered
by the loss of young goats. DNA marker information assists conventional selection by increasing
selection accuracy, improving the rate of genetic improvement and leading to a better understanding
of the physiological background of traits. The genetic diversity of the SA Angora goat breed was
estimated and an improved linkage map was recently developed. The extensive production systems in
South Africa pose a challenge for pedigree integrity, and a microsatellite panel was constructed for
parentage verification. Selection for quantitative trait loci (QTL) will lead to increased genetic
progress and offers the opportunity to improve understanding of and exploit phenotypic variation.
Putative QTL associated with fleece and growth traits have been identified in the South African
Angora goat population. The current goat SNP chip does not include any fibre-producing goat breed,
and this chip is currently being verified in the SA Angora goat population, in conjunction with the
sequencing of certain keratin genes.
