Insights into the genetic diversity and population structure of domestic geese in Russia: an exploratory study of native breeds using microsatellite markers

Introduction Presently, domestic geese remain genetically less studied farm animals. Goose breeding is a traditional branch of animal husbandry in Russia. Currently, the Russian goose gene pool includes 21 breeds of domestic and foreign origin; however, many populations have experienced a substantial decline and some are approaching extinction. Therefore, studies of genetic diversity and population structure are essential for developing effective conservation and breeding strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity. Methods Using 17 microsatellite (STR) markers, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of six Russian goose populations maintained exclusively in a conservation flock: Tula Fighting (TULA), Kholmogory White (KHLM_W), Kholmogory Gray (KHLM_G), Large Gray (LRGR), Vladimir Clay (VLDM), and Chinese Gray (CHGR). Genetic relationships among populations were analyzed to reconstruct genetic differentiation patterns and provide insights into their evolutionary history and conservation management. Results Genetic diversity indices varied considerably among populations. KHLM_W and KHLM_G exhibited the highest allelic richness ( A R ≥3.534 ± 0.260), whereas lower values were observed in the remaining populations (1.970 ± 0.213 in VLDM to 3.170 ± 0.193 in TULA). Expected heterozygosity ( uH E ) ranged between 0.191 ± 0.050 in VLDM and 0.599 ± 0.036 in KHLM_G. Among all populations, KHLM_G showed the highest polymorphism levels across diversity indicators ( A R = 4.118 ± 0.196, H O = 0.457 ± 0.054, uH E = 0.599 ± 0.036). The inbreeding coefficient ( uF IS ) indicated a generally low extinction risk across populations, although VLDM demonstrated a potentially vulnerable status (0.258). PCA, Neighbor-Joining, Neighbor-Net, and STRUCTURE analyses consistently identified two major genetic clusters, with TULA or LRGR occupying an intermediate position depending on the analytical approach. Discussion Genetic relationships inferred from microsatellite data were consistent with previous phenetic analyses and historical evidence regarding breed origins. Evolutionarily, CHGR and KHLM populations were associated with the Chinese lineage derived from the swan goose ( Anser cygnoides ), whereas LRGR represented the European lineage originating from the graylag goose ( A. anser ). Composite TULA and VLDM formed a European subgroup, while TULA also exhibited features of an intermediate lineage. These initial findings demonstrate that Russian goose populations represent unique genetic reservoirs containing valuable adaptive diversity and emphasize their importance for conservation and future breeding programs.