Interpretive Summary: Analysis of ddRAD-seq data provides new insights into the genomic structure and patterns of diversity in Italian donkey populations
By: Andrea Criscione, Giorgio Chessari, Alberto Cesarani, Michela Ablondi, Vittoria Asti, Daniele Bigi, Salvatore Bordonaro, Roberta Ciampolini, Claudio Cipolat-Gotet, Michele Congiu, Pasquale De Palo, Vincenzo Landi, Nicolò Pietro Paolo Macciotta, Donato Matassino, Baldassare Portolano, Silvia Riggio, Alberto Sabbioni, Maria Teresa Sardina, Gabriele Senczuk, Serena Tumino, Matteo Vasini, Elena Ciani, Salvatore Mastrangelo
Donkeys assume relevant economic importance in several countries worldwide. However, the genetic structure of these populations is less investigated compared to other species. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic background of nine different Italian donkey populations. A total of 220 animals were genotyped with about 27K markers extracted by the double-digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing. The consistency of the results across different approaches agreed with the demographic history, the origin, and previous results on the nine donkey populations, suggesting that our conclusions are robust. Moreover, the results of the present study highlighted low to moderate levels of admixture and, for some breeds, confirmed the success of proper management conservation plans.
Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.
