Characterization of the Grey Goat of Lanzo Valleys (Fiurinà), a new Italian dairy population

Genetic diversity, geographical distribution, breeding systems, morphological characteristics, milk production performance, and milk quality of the Grey Goat of Lanzo Valleys, a new Italian dairy goat population, were revealed in a 3-year study. Only about 150 heads of this breed exist, including it among the animal genetic resources at risk of extinction. This goat, locally named Fiurinà, is only reared in few alpine valleys (from 400 to 1,400 m a.s.l.) of the Piedmont region (NW Italy). Data were collected in about 20 farms, breeding approximately the 50% of the whole Fiurinà population. The genetic uniqueness of the breed was pointed out by means of microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analyses, the latter highlighting for the first time the presence of sequences belonging to the haplogroup C in an Italian goat breed. Extensive or semi-extensive farming systems are practiced in all the flocks. When fresh grass is available, the goats graze on pasture, while in winter the diet is exclusively based on conserved forages. The breed is of medium size, with a quite high frequency of well-developed and turned backward horns. The distinctive morphological trait of the breed is the color of its fleece: a mixture of white, grey, and black course outer hairs with brown under-down, from which the local name “Fiurinà” (= speckled) derives. Mammary apparatus evaluation shows that udder is usually pyriform and well supported with symmetric, directed downward and cylindrical-shaped teats. An appreciable, although quite variable, milk yield (from 1 to 3.5 L/head/day) was recorded. Milk fat, protein, casein, and lactose contents average 3.58%, 2.99%, 2.45%, and 4.41%, respectively; such values are similar to those reported in the literature. Despite hand milking is practiced in all farms, milk has a low number of somatic cells, indicating correct milking practices. Among fatty acids, α-linolenic acid shows a notable concentration (0.82 g/100 g fat), representing a promising nutritional aspect due to the beneficial effects of this fatty acid on human health. The genetic uniqueness of the breed is also confirmed by casein polymorphism analysis: the casein cluster is characterized by an interesting and wide variability, which includes the presence of rare and unique haplotypes (i.e., A-C-F-C’, E-A-C-B, F-C1-F-C’). A comprehensive knowledge on Fiurinà breed characteristics constitutes the basis for effectively supporting and safeguarding this livestock genetic resource.