The genetic variability analysis of the Amiata donkey breed by molecular data

This study presents the results of the genetic characterization of the Amiata donkey breed using STR markers. A total of 18 microsatellite loci were analysed in 50 unrelated individuals reared in Tuscany and in Lazio (34 and 16 animals respectively). The average number of alleles per locus was moderate (5.61 +/- 2.893), ranging from 2 (ASB02) to 13 (HTG7). Mean observed heterozygosity was 0.579, whereas mean expected heterozygosity was 0.609. Six markers showed a significant (P<0.01) deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg proportions. The average similarity values within the two groups were 0.523 +/- 0.020 for animals reared in Tuscany and 0.458 +/- 0.016 for those reared in Lazio (total average similarity 0.489 +/- 0.019) while inbreeding coefficients were respectively 0.440 and 0.390.