Data from: Microsatellite genotyping of medieval cattle from central Italy suggests an old origin of Chianina and Romagnola cattle

Analysis of DNA from archaeological remains is a valuable tool to
interpret the history of ancient animal populations. So far most studies
of ancient DNA target mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which reveals maternal
lineages, but only partially the relationships of current breeds and
ancient populations. In this study we explore the feasibility of nuclear
DNA analysis. DNA was extracted from 1000-years old cattle bone collected
from Ferento, an archaeological site in central Italy. Amplification of 15
microsatellite FAO-recommended markers with PCR products yielded genotypes
for four markers. Expected heterozygosity was comparable with values of
modern breeds, but observed heterozygosity was underestimated due to
allelic loss. Genetic distances suggested a position intermediate between
(1) Anatolian, Balkan, Sicilian and South-Italian cattle and (2) the
Iberian, North-European and Central-European cattle, but also a clear
relationship with two central-Italian breeds, Chianina and Romagnola. This
suggests that these breeds are derived from medieval cattle living in the
same area. Our results illustrate the potential of ancient DNA for
reconstructing the history of local cattle husbandry.