Maternal phylogenetic relationships and genetic variation among rare similar phenotype donkey breeds

Maternal inheritance is an indispensable aspect in donkey rare breed population biodiversity management and breeding programs. It is a challenge to characterize breeds genetic inheritance using morphology and historical records, we study mtDNA, to overcome those limitations. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing is a highly informative system to investigate maternal lineages and breed linkage such as molecular evolution and phylogenetic relationships. Martina Franca, Ragusano, Pantesco and Catalonian donkey mtDNA sequencing analyses were used to study intraspecific genetic diversity and population structure, and to reconstruct phylogenetic relations among these geographically isolated breeds.A wide lost in variability among all breeds emerged. In this scenario, the primeval haplotypes, higher haplogroups variability and larger number of maternal lineages are preserved in Martina Franca and Ragusano. Accordingly, a putative pivotal role in the phyletic relationship is likely for such breeds.Given the level of endangerment undergone by these breeds, some actions are necessary to ensure their longtime survival and conservation. Improving the reproduction and management of existing populations, clarifying their historic interactions by studying the genetic status of their populations, extending and improving monitoring maternal lineages represent valid options.View Full Text