Genomics Confirm an Alarming Status of the Genetic Diversity of Belgian Red and Belgian White Red Cattle.

ABSTRACT: Genetic diversity is increasingly important for researchers and society. Small and local populations deserve more attention especially, as they may harbor important characteristics. Moreover, small populations are at greater risk and their genetic management is often more challenging. Likewise, European red cattle populations are threatened, as they are outcompeted by more specialized cattle breeds. In this study, we investigate the genetic diversity of two local Belgian red cattle breeds: Belgian Red and Belgian White Red cattle. A total of 270 animals were genotyped via medium density SNP arrays. Genetic diversity was assessed using runs of homozygosity screening, effective population size estimation and Fst analyses. Genomic inbreeding coefficients based on runs of homozygosity were est

SUBMITTER: Meyermans R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8697887 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature