Donkeys are widely reared animals, with more than 150 breeds worldwide. In spite of their vital economic importance, especially in developing countries, donkeys have received less attention than other livestock species. Analysis of genomic data is increas- ingly becoming part of the livestock sector and is an invaluable tool for the effective management of breeding programs in small populations, providing background information concerning genome structure in domestic animals. A scientific working group has recently been established to join efforts and resources for the genomic characterization of local Italian donkey populations. The main objective is to investigate the genomic structure of these important animal genetic resources, in order to provide information on their current conservation status which in turn will foster the management of the genetic variability. Biological samples from about 200 animals (20–30 per population) belong- ing to nine Italian donkey populations (Amiata, Asinara, Grigio Siciliano, Martina Franca, Pantesco, Ragusano, Romagnolo, Sardo and Viterbese) were collected for the analyses. Considered the absence of a specific beadchip array, we used double-digest restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing to obtain approximately 50,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and to overcome the limitations of previous studies based on microsatellite markers. The dataset will be analyzed to study sev- eral aspects of genetic diversity, such as relationships and gene flow, admixture and level of genomic inbreeding. In addition, a comparative analysis of conserved haplotypes will be conducted to identify selection signatures related to physiological processes of adaptation, resistance and milk production. The analysis of the data will pinpoint the genetic distinctiveness among Italian donkey populations. Moreover, the obtained results will contrib- ute to a better characterization of their history and genetic structure.
A first overview on genome-wide diversity of Italian donkey populations
Roberta CiampoliniMembro del Collaboration Group
;
2023-01-01
Abstract
Donkeys are widely reared animals, with more than 150 breeds worldwide. In spite of their vital economic importance, especially in developing countries, donkeys have received less attention than other livestock species. Analysis of genomic data is increas- ingly becoming part of the livestock sector and is an invaluable tool for the effective management of breeding programs in small populations, providing background information concerning genome structure in domestic animals. A scientific working group has recently been established to join efforts and resources for the genomic characterization of local Italian donkey populations. The main objective is to investigate the genomic structure of these important animal genetic resources, in order to provide information on their current conservation status which in turn will foster the management of the genetic variability. Biological samples from about 200 animals (20–30 per population) belong- ing to nine Italian donkey populations (Amiata, Asinara, Grigio Siciliano, Martina Franca, Pantesco, Ragusano, Romagnolo, Sardo and Viterbese) were collected for the analyses. Considered the absence of a specific beadchip array, we used double-digest restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing to obtain approximately 50,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and to overcome the limitations of previous studies based on microsatellite markers. The dataset will be analyzed to study sev- eral aspects of genetic diversity, such as relationships and gene flow, admixture and level of genomic inbreeding. In addition, a comparative analysis of conserved haplotypes will be conducted to identify selection signatures related to physiological processes of adaptation, resistance and milk production. The analysis of the data will pinpoint the genetic distinctiveness among Italian donkey populations. Moreover, the obtained results will contrib- ute to a better characterization of their history and genetic structure.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
