Genetic diversity and population structure of the domestic guinea pig

The aim of this study was to characterise the genetic diversity and establish the phylogenetic relationships between guinea pig subpopulations in the bimodal rainfall agroecological zone of Cameroon. To this end, genomic DNA was extracted from 110 guinea pig blood samples selected on the basis of phenotypic variability, availability from breeders and accessibility to breeding farms. The study was conducted using 16 SSR microsatellite markers. The main results show a total of 11 alleles within the population. Approximately 3% of genetic diversity is attributable to variation between populations, with the remainder due to differences between individuals within the same population. The homozygosity rate is high in this population and the inbreeding coefficient is positive. The average polymorphic information content and the very high gene flow could foreshadow a loss of genetic diversity, which would lead to a reduction in future opportunities for genetic improvement in guinea pigs. The population structure and the phylogenetic tree revealed the existence of three distinct genetic populations.