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On the origin of the S lovenian C ika cattle
Author(s) -
Simčič M.,
Lenstra J.A.,
Baumung R.,
Dovč P.,
Čepon M.,
Kompan D.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of animal breeding and genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.689
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1439-0388
pISSN - 0931-2668
DOI - 10.1111/jbg.12034
Subject(s) - breed , biology , beef cattle , microsatellite , genetic resources , selection (genetic algorithm) , geography , microbiology and biotechnology , zoology , genetics , allele , gene , artificial intelligence , computer science
Summary In 2002, it was discovered that several C ika cattle in the mountain areas of S lovenia had escaped the official policy of cross‐breeding. Here, we report a genetic characterization to assess their status as autochthonous breed. We compared genotypes for 14 microsatellite markers in 150 C ika cattle individuals with data from 16 C entral E uropean cattle breeds. We show that C ika cattle are genetically as diverse as other E astern A lpine breeds, are more diverse than A ustrian S immental but less than the B alkan B usha cattle. STRUCTURE analysis showed P inzgauer admixture in several individuals but also indicated a unique genetic identity for C ika. This analysis also allowed a selection of the most genetically pure C ika individuals as assessed by the panel of microsatellites. These original C ika cattle form an E astern A lpine breed cluster together with P inzgauer and P ustertaler cattle. C ika cattle should be considered as an authentic and valuable genetic resource, which offers clear opportunities for sustainable agriculture and landscape conservation in marginal and mountain areas.