Reggiana is an autochthonous cattle breed mainly raised in the province of Reggio Emilia, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, in the North of Italy. Reggiana cattle are closely associated with the production of the unique mono-breed branded Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese, which provides the economic support that is needed for the sustainable conservation of this animal genetic resource. The breed population consists of approximately 4500 cattle registered in the herd book, distributed in 60 farms. This study investigated the breed structure by combining genomic data obtained from high-throughput genotyping arrays (GGP Bovine 150k single nucleotide polymorphism chip) and whole genome sequencing, which provided genomic information for 4026 animals of this breed from 45 farms, including 280 sires. Pedigree information available in the herd book was corrected using these genomic datasets. Population genomic structures were investigated using admixture analysis and multi-dimensional scaling plots. Some differences in farm clustering profiles were observed suggesting varying degrees of genetic stratification between farms. The mean Fst value, when comparing a single farm with the global population, ranged from 0.00076 to 0.006. However, the Fst values calculated for specific genomic regions had a higher average of 0.018 ± 0.043, with some comparisons between individual farms reaching a maximum value of 0.648. Genomic inbreeding patterns were determined using runs of homozygosity (ROH). The average inbreeding level, based on Runs of Homozygosity, was 0.066 ± 0.038, ranging from 0.003 to 0.128 when considering specific farms. Farm-specific information was gathered and used to monitor breeding practices and suggest corrections in the genetic management of the herds. The results of this study will be useful in designing more effective genetic improvement and conservation programs for the Reggiana breed, enhancing the sustainability of this animal genetic resource. Research funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) – Mission 4 Education and research – Component 2 From research to business – Investment 1.1 Notice PRIN 2022 PNRR (DD N. 1409 del 14 / 09 / 2022), proposal code P2022ALHF4 – CUP J53D23018270001.
Schiavo, G., Bovo, S., Bertolini, F., Bolner, M., Ribani, A., Taurisano, V., et al. (2025). Describing Reggiana cattle farms using genomic information from the breed population [10.1080/1828051X.2025.2520034].
Describing Reggiana cattle farms using genomic information from the breed population
Giuseppina Schiavo;Samuele Bovo;Francesca Bertolini;Matteo Bolner;Anisa Ribani;Valeria Taurisano;Stefania Dall’Olio;Luca Fontanesi
2025
Abstract
Reggiana is an autochthonous cattle breed mainly raised in the province of Reggio Emilia, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, in the North of Italy. Reggiana cattle are closely associated with the production of the unique mono-breed branded Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese, which provides the economic support that is needed for the sustainable conservation of this animal genetic resource. The breed population consists of approximately 4500 cattle registered in the herd book, distributed in 60 farms. This study investigated the breed structure by combining genomic data obtained from high-throughput genotyping arrays (GGP Bovine 150k single nucleotide polymorphism chip) and whole genome sequencing, which provided genomic information for 4026 animals of this breed from 45 farms, including 280 sires. Pedigree information available in the herd book was corrected using these genomic datasets. Population genomic structures were investigated using admixture analysis and multi-dimensional scaling plots. Some differences in farm clustering profiles were observed suggesting varying degrees of genetic stratification between farms. The mean Fst value, when comparing a single farm with the global population, ranged from 0.00076 to 0.006. However, the Fst values calculated for specific genomic regions had a higher average of 0.018 ± 0.043, with some comparisons between individual farms reaching a maximum value of 0.648. Genomic inbreeding patterns were determined using runs of homozygosity (ROH). The average inbreeding level, based on Runs of Homozygosity, was 0.066 ± 0.038, ranging from 0.003 to 0.128 when considering specific farms. Farm-specific information was gathered and used to monitor breeding practices and suggest corrections in the genetic management of the herds. The results of this study will be useful in designing more effective genetic improvement and conservation programs for the Reggiana breed, enhancing the sustainability of this animal genetic resource. Research funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) – Mission 4 Education and research – Component 2 From research to business – Investment 1.1 Notice PRIN 2022 PNRR (DD N. 1409 del 14 / 09 / 2022), proposal code P2022ALHF4 – CUP J53D23018270001.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
