Genomic approaches for the valorization of Chianina meat qualità attributes. Gli strumenti di indagine genomica per la valorizzazione degli attributi qualitativi della carne di razza Chianina

Until recent years, there has been only little emphasis on deciphering the genetic basis of meat quality. Recent advances in molecular genetics have led, during the past few decades, to the identification of multiple genes by genetic markers associated with genes that affect traits of interest in livestock. These can be integrated into classical breeding programmes in a process known as Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), with beneficial effects in terms of genetic gain, particularly for those traits, such as meat quality, that are difficult to be measured or that can only be assessed post-mortem. Chianina is a local cattle breed of ancient origin, well renowned for its powerful stature, its rusticity and the excellent quality of meat, also characterized by a very low content of intramuscular fat; this contributes to increase dietetic value and market appreciation of Chianina meat products. The breed is, therefore, of great interest and early investigation have been undertaken in order to identify genes associated with meat quality traits, with particular regard to PRKAG3 gene, encoding the gamma-3 isoform of the AMPK protein chinase regulatory subunit.