A high-density genome-wide approach reveals novel genetic markers linked to small ruminant lentivirus susceptibility in sheep.

Visna/Maedi virus (VMV) is lentiviral disease of sheep responsible for severe production losses. Multiple genomic regions associated with infection were reported indicating genetic complexity. In this study, a combined genome-wide approach using a high-density SNP array has been performed, comparing VMV-infected ( = 78) and non-infected ( = 66) individuals of the Valle del Belice breed.

Analysis of ddRAD-seq data provides new insights into the genomic structure and patterns of diversity in Italian donkey populations.

With more than 150 recognized breeds, donkeys assume relevant economic importance, especially in developing countries. Even if the estimated number of heads worldwide is 53M, this species received less attention than other livestock species. Italy has traditionally been considered one of the cradles of European donkey breeding, and despite a considerable loss of biodiversity, today still counts nine autochthonous populations.

Polymorphisms at Candidate Genes for Fat Content and Fatty Acids Composition: Effects on Sheep Milk Production and Fatty Acid Profile Using Two Dietary Supplementations.

The nutritional value of sheep's milk and its derivatives is influenced by the lipid fraction, which is affected by diet and genetics. This study aimed to explore the genetic variations in the and genes and assessed the impact of the genotype on milk quality in Valle del Belìce sheep, considering diet supplementation with carob pulp and barley grain. Among the potentially polymorphic sites, only g.

Genome-wide population structure, homozygosity, and heterozygosity patterns of Nero Siciliano pig in the framework of Italian and cosmopolitan breeds.

Analysis of genomic data is becoming more and more common for the effective management of livestock breeding programmes, even in the case of local populations. In this work, the genome-wide data of Nero Siciliano pig breed were compared to that of wild boar, Italian local and cosmopolitan breeds to investigate its genetic structure, and runs of homozygosity (ROH) and heterozygosity patterns. The Nero Siciliano has been reported to have the highest rate of genetic diversity among the Italian breeds, and a genetic variability comparable to that of the cosmopolitan breeds.

Polymorphism at the Locus and Energy Intake Level Affect Milk Traits and Casein Profiles in Rossa Mediterranea Goats.

A total of twenty-seven Rossa Mediterranea lactating goats, consisting of nine homozygous for strong alleles (), twelve heterozygous () and six homozygous for weak alleles () at the locus, were used to evaluate the effect of genotype, diet and genotype × diet interaction on goat milk traits and casein profile. The goats were used in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments, with three genotypes (, and ) and three different energy intake levels: high (H), medium (M) and low (L). The diets supplied a complete pelleted feed containing 65% of alfalfa hay, respectively, at 150%, 100% and 70% of the total energy requirements.