ABSTRACT
The Slovak Pinzgau breed faces the bottleneck effect and the loss of diversity due to unequal use of founders and a significant population decline. Further population size reduction can lead to serious problems. Information obtained here and in other studies from high-throughput genotyping of 179 individuals was used to characterise genetic diversity and differentiation of Slovak Pinzgau, Austrian Pinzgau, Cika and Piedmontese cattle by Bayesian clustering algorithm. A gene flow network for the clusters estimated from admixture results was produced. The low estimate of genetic differentiation (FST) in Pinzgau cattle populations indicated that differentiation among these populations is low, particularly owing to a common historical origin and high gene flow. Changes in the log marginal likelihood indicated Austrian Pinzgau as the most similar breed to Slovak Pinzgau. All populations except the Piedmontese one displayed two ways of gene flow among populations, indicating that Piedmontese cattle was involved in producing of the analysed breeds while these breeds were not involved in creation of Piedmontese. Genetic evaluation represents an important tool in breeding and cattle selection. It is more strategically important than ever to preserve as much of the livestock diversity as possible, to ensure a prompt and proper response to the needs of future generations. Information provided by the fine-scale genetic characterization of this study clearly shows that there is a difference in genetic composition of Slovak and Austrian populations, as well as the Cika and Piedmontese cattle. Despite its population size, the Slovak Pinzgau cattle have a potential to serve as a basic gene reserve of this breed, with European and world-wide importance.