Mitochondrial DNA variants of Podolian cattle breeds testify for a dual maternal origin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Over the past 15 years, 300 out of 6000 breeds of all farm animal species identified by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have gone extinct. Among cattle, many Podolian breeds are seriously endangered in various European areas. Podolian cattle include a group of very ancient European breeds, phenotypically close to the aurochs ancestors (Bos primigenius). The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity of Podolian breeds and to reconstruct their origin.

Methodology

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control-regions of 18 Podolian breeds have been phylogenetically assessed. Nine non-Podolian breeds have been also included for comparison.

Conclusion

The overall analysis clearly highlights some peculiarities in the m

SUBMITTER: Di Lorenzo P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5819780 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature