Microsatellite genotyping of medieval cattle from central Italy suggests an old origin of Chianina and Romagnola cattle.

ABSTRACT: Analysis of DNA from archeological remains is a valuable tool to interpret the history of ancient animal populations. So far most studies of ancient DNA target mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which reveals maternal lineages, but only partially the relationships of current breeds and ancient populations. In this study we explore the feasibility of nuclear DNA analysis. DNA was extracted from 1000-years old cattle bone collected from Ferento, an archeological site in central Italy. Amplification of 15 microsatellite FAO-recommended markers with PCR products yielded genotypes for four markers. Expected heterozygosity was comparable with values of modern breeds, but observed heterozygosity was underestimated due to allelic loss. Genetic distances suggested a position intermediate between (1) Anatol

SUBMITTER: Gargani M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4349168 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature