Goat is believed to be the first true livestock domesticated and, apart from its historical importance, keeps playing an essential economic role in very diverse human societies. We have analysed the female gene pool of all Portuguese autochthonous breeds (Bravia, Serrana, Charnequeira, Serpentina and Algarvia) through the mtDNA HVI sequencing of 288 unrelated animals sampled throughout the country. All breeds proved to be extr...