Genome-wide analysis of runs of homozygosity in Italian Mediterranean buffalo

Runs of homozygosity (ROHs) are a powerful method not only for inbreeding analysis in animal populations but also for detecting signatures of selection through ROH islands. The present study explored the patterns of ROH and calculated inbreeding coefficients in the Italian Mediterranean buffalo population. We identified regions in the genome that were associated with production traits. In addition, several ROH islands were found to be overlapped with major genes in cattle mainly involved in milk production traits. These findings would help to better understand the unique characteristics of Mediterranean buffaloes and provide insight for future breeding strategies for the targeted genetic improvement.