Abstract
Guangdong province has diverse local goose breeds with unique characteristics, but there is limited research on their genetic diversity, formation history and breed-specific genes. This study uses whole-genome sequencing to analyze 120 local geese representing four officially recognized breeds and two lines of the folk breed Sanzhou Black goose, as well as five museum goose samples in the region, combined with 56 geese whole genome data from NCBI, with the aim of understanding the genetic diversity and relationships of Guangdong geese, identifying the history of breed formation, and discovering genes linked to various traits in these geese. The results show a considerable degree of genetic diversity in Guangdong local geese. The museum Sanzhou Black goose exhibit multiple ancestral components, and the Magang goose may be derived from the Sanzhou Black goose. A multitude of genes have been identified as related to various functional phenotypes in different Guangdong geese, such as fat deposition (ACER3), feather color (ACTA2), skin pigmentation (GDA), and body growth and development (ARHGAP21), collectively defining the distinctive attributes of indigenous breeds. These results provide a way to study the history of breed formation and a basis for selective breeding or utilization targeting goose breeds in Guangdong.