Simple Summary The Martina Franca (MF) donkey breed primarily inhabits rural areas in the Apulia region of Italy, and, to a lesser extent, small farms in northern and central Italy. This study examined 91 MF donkeys from eight breeding stations in central and southern Italy. We assessed 27 morphological features of the donkey using a tape measure, Hauptner's hippometer, and digital animal scales. The MF Donkey and Murgese Horse Breeders' Association considers only three parameters for including the MF donkey in the studbook, as the height at withers, the thorax circumference, and the shin circumference. Our study found the mean values for these three parameters are highly representative of the population, with minimal dispersion up to a maximum of 10% across observed target measurements in both genders. This indicates the standard of the MF donkey has been maintained, while additional measurements suggest certain traits within the population denote uniformity. Sexual dimorphism was evident with females presenting with a greater distribution in angular measurements than males.Abstract The Martina Franca (MF) donkey breed (Equus asinus) primarily inhabits the rural areas surrounding the homonymous municipality, as well as neighboring municipalities in the provinces of Bari and Brindisi, all located in the Apulia region of Italy. The objective of this study was to assess the current phenotype through the evaluation of 27 morphologic measurements. The study was conducted on 73 female and 18 male breeding animals from eight different herds located in central and southern Italy. Statistical analysis was performed in order to demonstrate statistical differences between males and females, as well as sexual dimorphism and uniformity of all measurements in both genders. The results demonstrated that the mean of three parameters used for the evaluation of an MF donkey (height at withers, circumference of thorax, and shin circumference) are highly representative of the population, with minimal dispersion Cv<^> = 0.05-0.06 up to a maximum of 10%, as evidenced by relatively low standard deviations across observed measurements in both genders. Regarding sexual dimorphism, a statistically significant difference was found between males and females. This dimorphism is linked to reproductive activity and is useful during gestation. Overall, our findings suggest that the MF donkey phenotype has been largely preserved over time with high uniformity in males, slight inhomogeneity in the female population, and less variability in both genders.
Phenotypic Characterization of the Martina Franca Donkey: An Endangered Italian Donkey Breed
De Berardinis A.;Bucci R.;Del Signore F.
;Parrillo S.;Massirio I.;Vignoli M.
;Carluccio A.
2024-01-01
Abstract
Simple Summary The Martina Franca (MF) donkey breed primarily inhabits rural areas in the Apulia region of Italy, and, to a lesser extent, small farms in northern and central Italy. This study examined 91 MF donkeys from eight breeding stations in central and southern Italy. We assessed 27 morphological features of the donkey using a tape measure, Hauptner's hippometer, and digital animal scales. The MF Donkey and Murgese Horse Breeders' Association considers only three parameters for including the MF donkey in the studbook, as the height at withers, the thorax circumference, and the shin circumference. Our study found the mean values for these three parameters are highly representative of the population, with minimal dispersion up to a maximum of 10% across observed target measurements in both genders. This indicates the standard of the MF donkey has been maintained, while additional measurements suggest certain traits within the population denote uniformity. Sexual dimorphism was evident with females presenting with a greater distribution in angular measurements than males.Abstract The Martina Franca (MF) donkey breed (Equus asinus) primarily inhabits the rural areas surrounding the homonymous municipality, as well as neighboring municipalities in the provinces of Bari and Brindisi, all located in the Apulia region of Italy. The objective of this study was to assess the current phenotype through the evaluation of 27 morphologic measurements. The study was conducted on 73 female and 18 male breeding animals from eight different herds located in central and southern Italy. Statistical analysis was performed in order to demonstrate statistical differences between males and females, as well as sexual dimorphism and uniformity of all measurements in both genders. The results demonstrated that the mean of three parameters used for the evaluation of an MF donkey (height at withers, circumference of thorax, and shin circumference) are highly representative of the population, with minimal dispersion Cv<^> = 0.05-0.06 up to a maximum of 10%, as evidenced by relatively low standard deviations across observed measurements in both genders. Regarding sexual dimorphism, a statistically significant difference was found between males and females. This dimorphism is linked to reproductive activity and is useful during gestation. Overall, our findings suggest that the MF donkey phenotype has been largely preserved over time with high uniformity in males, slight inhomogeneity in the female population, and less variability in both genders.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
