Inroduction & Objective: The use of molecular markers, especially microsatellite markers provides very valuable information about the existing genetic structure under study. This information can be used to protect an endangered species or to investigate the location of genes affecting quantitative traits (QTL). The purpose of this study was to emphasized the importance of microsatellite markers for the study of genetic diversity in MARKHOZ GOATs and their use in conservation strategies. Material and Method: In this study, blood samples were taken from 240 Markhz GOATs in Kurdistan province randomly. DNA extraction from whole blood samples was performed by salting out method. Then, the genetic diversity of 30 microsatellite markers was investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Alleles of each individual were identified using silver staining method. Genetic parameters related to the genetic structure of MARKHOZ GOAT were calculated using POPGENE software. Results: The quality of sperm parameters in copper sulfate with a concentration of 200 mg / kg decreased significantly (Except for INRA040 marker, all markers used were well amplified. Among the amplified markers, MCM136 showed low polymorphism but other markers had high polymorphism. ILSTS030 markers with 6 alleles and MCM136 markers with 3 alleles produced the highest and lowest number of alleles, respectively. ILSTS030 marker showed the highest (0. 7504) and MCM136 marker showed the lowest (0. 0158) expected heterozygosity. Conclusion: Microsatellite markers seem to be a useful and reliable tool for identifying GOAT breeds and their use can be a solution to protect endangered breeds.

The follicle arrangement and secondary to primary follicle ratio (S/P) were studied in the skin of nine male and nine female MARKHOZ GOATs breed from one week to 16 weeks of age. The skin samples were taken from mid-side area of each animal in nine stages every other week. The follicles were arranged in groups, predominantly including three primary and several secondary follicles. Each primary follicle associated with sudoiferous gland, bilobed sebaceous gland and erector pili muscle and each secondary follicle associated with only monolobed (and some bilobed) sebaceous gland. The mean of S/P ratio was significantly different in different stages (except stages six and seven) (P£0.05). The maximum SIP ratio was observed at 16 weeks after birth. Effect of sex and interaction of sex and age on S/P ratio was not significant (P > 0.05).

Pedigree analysis is a useful tool for the study of structure, genetic diversity and history of populations. This study was conducted to characterize population structure, estimation of inbreeding and effective population size in MARKHOZ GOATs using pedigree analysis. Data consisted of pedigree records of 5726 animals, collected between 1987 and 2016 by MARKHOZ GOAT Performance Testing Station. Computer programs, including CFC for descriptive statistics of pedigree, ENDOG for estimation of effective population size and generation interval and EVA for inbreeding trend were used in this research. The ratio of inbred animals was 54. 3% of total population. The mean of co-ancestry and inbreeding coefficients in the population were 2. 61 and 2. 68, respectively, indicated that the observed inbreeding level is higher than expectation. Estimated effective number of founders was 85. 65, represents unequal founder contributions in population. Undesirable trend for inbreeding could be due to high contribution of few ancestors in reproduction and low migration rate of animals in MARKHOZ GOAT station. The mean generation interval for total population and founders were 3. 23 and 5. 73 years, respectively, emphasizing the replacement of young bucks and does in the recent generations. Effective population size computed via individual increase in inbreeding was equal to 60. 41 and was not far from the 50, a critical level proposed for an ideal population. The results indicate that the biodiversity of population has decreased. In conclusion this research supports the priority for conservation genetic strategy instead of selection programs in MARKHOZ GOAT.

This study aimed to explore the current status and assess the risks faced by the MARKHOZ GOAT population in its breeding region. To achieve this objective, we gathered census data, population distribution information, and biological parameters, focusing on three key criteria: geographic, demographic, and genetic. We employed four risk assessment systems from reputable entities, namely the World Food Organization (FAO), the European Union (EU), the European Association of Livestock Products (EAAP), and private organizations (NGOs). In addition, we used Vortex version 10.5.5 to simulate past population dynamics, specifically investigating genetic changes. According to the latest census, 1297 GOATs were distributed across the primary region (50%), other areas (7%), and stations (43%). Notably, the region dedicated to GOAT breeding has experienced a significant reduction in size over recent years. Presently, 88% of the GOAT population in the region is concentrated within a circle with a radius of fewer than 6 kilometers in Armardeh, Baneh. The decline in population size, as well as breeding males and females in the MARKHOZ GOAT's breeding region, has led to a reduction in effective population size and an increase in the rate of inbreeding in recent years. Inbreeding in the last year of investigation was calculated at 0.1049, and its rate (∆F) had reached more than 0.5% in each generation since 2015. Our study's findings indicate that across all assessment systems and considering demographic, geographic, and genetic criteria, the MARKHOZ GOAT breed is currently at risk of extinction in its breeding region.

The aim of this study was to investigate polymorphism in the exon 3 of myostatin gene and its relationship with twining rate in MARKHOZ GOAT. In this study, blood samples of 150 GOATs were collected from Animal Science Research Station of Sanandaj province. After DNA extraction, one set of specific primers was designed and used to amplify a 475bp fragment of the myostatin gene exon 3. The enzyme digestion of the PCR products confirmed presence of a mutation from T to G nucleotide in position 169 of the amplified fragment. The genotype frequencies of TT, TG, and GG were estimated 81.3%, 12.7% and 6%, and allele frequencies estimated were 88% and 12% for T and G alleles, respectively. The Chi-Square test showed Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in myostatin gene (P<0.01). The amounts of Odd Ratio estimated for twining rate were 1.1032 for first parity on second parity (P>0.05) and 4.9497 on third parity (P<0.1), and 5.4605 for second parity on third parity (P<0.1). Also, the Chi-Square statistic (5.68) showed that twining rate in MARKHOZ GOAT breed is statistically affected by myostatin gene genotypes (P<0.05). The Odds Ratios obtained to compare the different genotypes of the myostatin gene showed superiority for twining rate as TT>TG>GG genotypes. The Chi-Square statistics equal to 2.65 demonstrated significant differences between two TT and GG genotype groups for twining rate in MARKHOZ GOAT. The results of this research demonstrate that the myostatin gene can be considered as a suitable marker to improve twining rate in breeding programs of MARKHOZ GOAT.

Electrocardiographic study of 50 healthy MARKHOZ GOATs ranging from less than 1 to more than 3 years in age was carried out. The heart rate varied from 99 to 123 beats/min with a mean of 110 beats/min. There was a significant difference between the heart rate of GOATs in 3 age groups (P<0.05). The mean duration of P and waves and QT interval in base apex lead, QRS wave in lead I, P-R and PQ interval in aVF lead were higher and duration of QRS and T waves in aVR lead, P wave in lead III, PQ and P-R intervals in lead II and QT interval in aVR lead were lower than those in the other leads. The mean duration of QT interval had significant changes with age (P<0.05).

Objective-The aim of this study was to test the repeatability, the variability, and to establish the reference values of PW measurements in healthy MARKHOZ GOATs. Design-Retrospective study. Animals-20 female MARKHOZ GOATs. Procedure-Using a standardized PW Doppler echocardiographic protocol, 20healthy adult unsedated female MARKHOZ GOATs were investigated three times at one day intervals by the same observer. Mitral, tricuspid, aortic and pulmonary flows were measured from a right parasternal view, and mitral and aortic flows were also measured from a left parasternal view. The difference between left and right side measurements and the intraobserver inter-day repeatability were tested and then the reference values of PW Doppler echocardiographic parameters in healthy adult female MARKHOZ GOATs were established. Results-As documented in other species, all caprine PW Doppler parameters demonstrated a poor inter-day repeatability and a moderate variability. Tricuspid and pulmonary flows were best evaluated on the right side whereas mitral and aortic flows were best obtained on the left side and reference values are reported for healthy adult MARKHOZ GOATs. Conclusion and clinical relevance-PW Doppler echocardiography allows the measurement of intracardiac blood flow indices in GOATs. The reference values establishment will help interpreting these indices of cardiac function in clinical cardiac cases and developing animal models for human cardiology research.

Objective-The aim of this study was to obtain first time diagnosis of pregnancy and study of fetal development in different times of pregnancy period. Design-Descriptive study. Animals-8 pregnant MARKHOZ GOATs. Procedure-2D ultrasound was performed from day 25 to 130 of gestation, twice in week from day 25 to 70 and once in week from day 70 to 130 of gestation on eight GOATs. The ultrasonographic images were obtained Sonosite Titan (USA) 2D ultrasound machine. Results-On the 25th day of gestation, earliest diagnosis of pregnancy was done. On 37th day, clear pictures of conceptus, amniotic membrane, and umbilicus were seen. On 78th day of gestation, internal organs of fetus heart, kidney, liver, urinary bladder, and stomach was seen in image. The scrotum in the male fetus was identified on the 88th day of gestation. Between 115 and 130 days of gestation complete details of internal organs were seen in ultrasonographic images. Conclusions and clinical relevance-The accuracy of ultrasound was 100% for detecting pregnant and non-pregnant cases. Conceptus changed its shape from 25 to 44 days of gestation, and full identifiable conceptus took its shape on day 44.

To evaluate the reproductive performance of MARKHOZ does in an accelerated kid production system (three kiddings in two years) and to compare with a conventional kid production system, 90 mature does in Sanandaj Breeding Station were monitored into three groups: 1-twice mating a year with hormone (CIDR and injection of 400-IU PMSG); 2-Twice mating a year without hormone; 3-Conventional system, once a year (control group). Data on pregnancy rate, twinning or prolificacy rate, litter size, fecundity rate, born kid crop and weaned kid crop and viability rate were calculated and analysis was performed with GLM process using SAS software. The parturition rate and fecundity rate of does in the experimental (1, 2) and control groups was 2, 1. 77 and 1. 66, and respectively 3. 43, 2. 7 and 2. 17 during the 24 months that had a significant difference (P<0. 05). Born Kid Crop and Weaned Kid Crop and weaning rate during 24 months in treatment 1 was significantly more than the treatment 2 and control (P<0. 05). Average of Born Kid Crop and Weaned Kid Crop per doe in the experimental groups and control was 2. 95, 2. 62 and 1. 39 kg respectively, and 10, 8. 01 and 7. 67 kg respectively, that the differences between three treatment were significant (P<0. 05). The Net income of the implementation of reproductive treatments and three kiddings in two years was more than control treatment.