Objectives:

1. To compare the genetic diversity of ancient and extant Ethiopian goats

2. To investigate the evolutionary history and relationships within and between Ethiopian modern goats and world goats using a published database

3. To identify whether extant Ethiopian goat breeds are descendants of the first introduced goats in Ethiopia

4. To estimate dispersal route(s) and timing of goat introduction to Ethiopia

5. To evaluate the genetic diversity and structure within and between Ethiopian goats

6. To identify genes responsible for the phenotypic variations (meat, milk and disease resconomically important genes of each breed

7. To evaluate adaptive genetic mechanisms of Ethiopian goats to different agro-ecologies and infections