Analysis of MC1R polymorphism in Sardo-Modicana cattle

Coat colour has been a topic of interest for both breeders and geneticists. Currently most cattle breeds are identified by their coat colour. In mammals, red/yellow and black/brown colours are determined by the distribution of two pigments: pheomelanin and eumelanin. The relative amounts of these pigments are primarily controlled by two loci, namely Extension (E) and Agouti (A). Extension gene encodes a seven trans-membrane domain receptor called Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R). Activation of MC1R causes the production of eumelanin, whereas its inhibition leads to the production of pheomelanin. In cattle, three main alleles are known for MC1R gene: i) E+ (wild type), ii) ED (dominant black), and iii) e (recessive red). Mutations in coat colour genes have already been utilized for breed traceability of livestock products. Sardo-Modicana is an old local breed that experienced a gradual decrease in numbers as a result of the mechanization of agriculture. Following the recent tendency of market for typical products, there is a renewed interest for cheese and meet produced by this breed. Traceability protocols for this breed will be useful to guarantee the consumers and protect Sardo-Modicana breeders. The aim of this investigation was to analyse MC1R polymorphism in Sardo-Modicana cattle breed and evaluate if these DNA markers can be useful for product traceability in this breed. A total of 60 genomic DNA samples from Sardo-Modicana cattle collected in seven farms in the Monti Ferru area of western Sardinia were analysed by PCR-RFLP method. DNA was amplified using specific primers designed on the base of the bovine sequence from GenBank Acc. no. U39469. The obtained 402 bp amplicons were separately digested with restriction endonucleases MspA1l to score allele ED and Msp1 for allele e respectively. The fragments were run on 2.5% agarose gel stained with Ethidium Bromide. Results on Sardo-Modicana breed highlighted an almost exclusive occurrence of wild type allele except in one animal that resulted heterozygous E+/e. A larger number of animals of the same or other breeds farmed in Sardinia is needed to clarify if the locus polymorphism for MC1R is a valid DNA marker for the identification of Sardo-Modicana products

Characterization of donkey milk and metabolite profile comparison with human milk and formula milk

Donkey milk is considered a potential substitute to human milk for infants affected by cows’ milk protein allergy. With the aim to widen our knowledge on this valuable food, we explored the compositional characteristics of Sardinian donkey milk. Donkey milk showed a low lipid content and high lysozyme levels compared to human milk, and a bacterial count below the recommended threshold. Hydrophilic compounds such as amino acids, organic acids and mono and disaccharides, were analyzed by GC-MS for donkey milk, formula milk and human milk. Results of the multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the metabolite profile of donkey milk is more similar to human milk than cow milk based formulae, the latter being richer in sugars and lower in amino acids. Moreover, modifications of human milk and donkey milk metabolite profiles during lactation time were studied. An increase of protein levels was observed in donkey milk, while in human milk pyroglutamic acid and myo-inositol levels increased and decreased, respectively