Caracterización genética del Ca Rater Mallorquí con microsatélites.

This study deals with the genetic characterisation of the dog Ca Rater Mallorquí, whose former function was hunting small mammals. The aim of this study is to analyse the within and between breed genetic diversity and genetic differentiation by comparing this population with other breeds with the same geographical distribution and functional characteristics. Thirty-three microsatellites recommended by the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) were analysed in 79 samples. The betweenbreeds genetic diversity study was carried out with data obtained from 275 samples of 5 Balearic dog breeds: Ca Mè Mallorquí, Ca de Bou, Ca de Bestiar, Ca de Conills de Menorca and Ca Eivissenc (Podenco Ibicenco). The population has not a significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, with an HO of 0.656 and an HE of 0.685. The FST statistic showed that 13,10% of the genetic differentiation is due to between-breed differences. The analysis of the genetic structure clearly showed the differentiation of the Ca Rater Mallorquí from the rest of breeds, without any evident signs of substructure. In conclusion, the Ca Rater Malloquí presents a high genetic diversity, it is a defined and genetically homogeneous breed that shows no signs of crossbreeding with the rest of the breeds included in the study. These results provide essential knowledge of the genetic situation of the Ca Rater Mallorquí and constitute a starting point for the design and implementation of a conservation plan for the breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]