Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of the <i>Comune di Sicilia</i> Goat: Towards the Conservation of an Endangered Local Breed
The Comune di Sicilia, a local goat breed from Sicily (Italy), is currently undergoing recognition as a distinct breed. This study aims to characterize the population both phenotypically and genomically to advance its recognition process. A total of 78 subjects from two locations were enrolled, and...
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MDPI AG
2023-10-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/20/3207 |
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| author | Arianna Bionda Vincenzo Lopreiato Annalisa Amato Matteo Cortellari Carmelo Cavallo Vincenzo Chiofalo Paola Crepaldi Luigi Liotta |
| author_facet | Arianna Bionda Vincenzo Lopreiato Annalisa Amato Matteo Cortellari Carmelo Cavallo Vincenzo Chiofalo Paola Crepaldi Luigi Liotta |
| author_sort | Arianna Bionda |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The Comune di Sicilia, a local goat breed from Sicily (Italy), is currently undergoing recognition as a distinct breed. This study aims to characterize the population both phenotypically and genomically to advance its recognition process. A total of 78 subjects from two locations were enrolled, and their phenotypic data, including qualitative traits and morphometric measurements of adult animals, were recorded and statistically analyzed. The goats were genotyped using the Illumina 50 k Goat SNPchip, comparing them with 473 goats from 15 Italian breeds. Population structure, phylogenetic relationships, admixture, and genomic inbreeding were analyzed. Additionally, subjects with different morphological traits were compared using F<sub>ST</sub> and runs of homozygosity, leading to the identification of potential candidate genes associated with anotia and wattle presence in goats. The Comune di Sicilia breed exhibited distinctive genomic and phenotypic features, setting it apart from other breeds in the same region. However, moderate variability, possibly influenced by selection practices, was also observed. To ensure the breed’s preservation and prevent excessive inbreeding, a comprehensive approach considering both morphology and genomic background is recommended. This study contributes valuable insights into the genetic peculiarities of the Comune di Sicilia goat, supporting its recognition as a unique and valuable breed. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:30:44Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-d1d3def34c3247d79c20f0d26f323954 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:30:44Z |
| publishDate | 2023-10-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj.art-d1d3def34c3247d79c20f0d26f3239542023-11-19T15:24:39ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152023-10-011320320710.3390/ani13203207Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of the <i>Comune di Sicilia</i> Goat: Towards the Conservation of an Endangered Local BreedArianna Bionda0Vincenzo Lopreiato1Annalisa Amato2Matteo Cortellari3Carmelo Cavallo4Vincenzo Chiofalo5Paola Crepaldi6Luigi Liotta7Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali—Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, ItalyDipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, ItalyDipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, ItalyDipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali—Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, ItalyDipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, ItalyDipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, ItalyDipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali—Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, ItalyDipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, ItalyThe Comune di Sicilia, a local goat breed from Sicily (Italy), is currently undergoing recognition as a distinct breed. This study aims to characterize the population both phenotypically and genomically to advance its recognition process. A total of 78 subjects from two locations were enrolled, and their phenotypic data, including qualitative traits and morphometric measurements of adult animals, were recorded and statistically analyzed. The goats were genotyped using the Illumina 50 k Goat SNPchip, comparing them with 473 goats from 15 Italian breeds. Population structure, phylogenetic relationships, admixture, and genomic inbreeding were analyzed. Additionally, subjects with different morphological traits were compared using F<sub>ST</sub> and runs of homozygosity, leading to the identification of potential candidate genes associated with anotia and wattle presence in goats. The Comune di Sicilia breed exhibited distinctive genomic and phenotypic features, setting it apart from other breeds in the same region. However, moderate variability, possibly influenced by selection practices, was also observed. To ensure the breed’s preservation and prevent excessive inbreeding, a comprehensive approach considering both morphology and genomic background is recommended. This study contributes valuable insights into the genetic peculiarities of the Comune di Sicilia goat, supporting its recognition as a unique and valuable breed.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/20/3207local goat breedsgoat morphologygoat genomicsanotiawattlesbreed conservation |
| spellingShingle | Arianna Bionda Vincenzo Lopreiato Annalisa Amato Matteo Cortellari Carmelo Cavallo Vincenzo Chiofalo Paola Crepaldi Luigi Liotta Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of the <i>Comune di Sicilia</i> Goat: Towards the Conservation of an Endangered Local Breed Animals local goat breeds goat morphology goat genomics anotia wattles breed conservation |
| title | Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of the <i>Comune di Sicilia</i> Goat: Towards the Conservation of an Endangered Local Breed |
| title_full | Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of the <i>Comune di Sicilia</i> Goat: Towards the Conservation of an Endangered Local Breed |
| title_fullStr | Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of the <i>Comune di Sicilia</i> Goat: Towards the Conservation of an Endangered Local Breed |
| title_full_unstemmed | Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of the <i>Comune di Sicilia</i> Goat: Towards the Conservation of an Endangered Local Breed |
| title_short | Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of the <i>Comune di Sicilia</i> Goat: Towards the Conservation of an Endangered Local Breed |
| title_sort | phenotypic and genomic characterization of the i comune di sicilia i goat towards the conservation of an endangered local breed |
| topic | local goat breeds goat morphology goat genomics anotia wattles breed conservation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/20/3207 |
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