Article of the month in Animal journal

The work titled "Signatures of selection analyses reveal genomic differences among three heavy pig breeds that constitute the genetic backbone of a dry-cured ham production system" has been selected as the article of the month in the journal Animal, one of the most prominent scientific journals in the livestock sector. Using genomic data from over 9,000 pigs of the three key breeds for the Parma ham production chain, the research group, in collaboration with ANAS (National Association of Pig Breeders), analyzed the genomes of these breeds, identifying genetic markers that distinguish them. In particular, "signatures of genomic selection" emerged—specific genetic regions that have been strengthened over generations through artificial selection.