Genetic differentiation between Cinta Senese and commercial pig breeds using microsatellite

Monica Scali, Rita Vignani, Bigliazzi Jacopo, Elisa Paolucci, Andrea Bernini, Ottavia Spiga, Neri Niccolai, Mauro Cresti

Abstract

Background: Cinta Senese is an autochthonous Tuscan breed, which risked extinction since the ‘60s. Results: Monitoring the genetic variability of the actual population by use of DNA molecular markers is essential to address a correct breeding policy, finalized to obtain the race preservation and its fitness in the future. 17 SSRs autosomal markers and 1 associated to the X chromosome were used to genotype 86 individuals belonging to the CS and 12 belonging to two main white races L, LW and crosses between LW and L and L and CS widespread in Tuscany and used in the recent past to obtain hybrids with the CS. Conclusions: A dendrogram of similarity measures the relative genetic distance between individuals in the population. Data show that CS pigs have a distinct genotype from L, LW, LW x L and L x CS.