Beef cattle breeds from Central and Southern Italy, such as Marchigiana, Chianina, Romagnola, Maremmana, and Podolica, represent a unique genetic resource shaped by centuries of natural and artificial Show more
Beef cattle breeds from Central and Southern Italy, such as Marchigiana, Chianina, Romagnola, Maremmana, and Podolica, represent a unique genetic resource shaped by centuries of natural and artificial selection. Their origin, partly linked to the Podolian group, remains debated, while their adaptation to diverse environments and close association with regional economies enhance their zootechnical and cultural value. Despite their importance, comprehensive assessments of their genomic diversity are still limited, especially in an international context where preserving local breeds is crucial to maintain global biodiversity and resilience in livestock systems. This study investigates population structure, inbreeding, selection signatures, and effective population size using medium-density single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes. Multivariate and clustering approaches confirmed clear genetic differentiation among breeds, with Chianina and Romagnola being the most divergent, in line with their intensive selection history. In contrast, Maremmana and Podolica displayed shared ancestral components, reflecting their adaptation to extensive and marginal environments. Pairwise F Show less