Genetic variability of proteins and microsatellites in Portuguese cattle dog breeds

In Portugal some autochthonous dog breeds are used for livestock guarding. In order to assess their genetic variability we collected blood samples fro m three different cattle dog breeds (Cao de Gado Transmontano, Cao da Serra da Estrela and Rafeiro Alentejano), as well as a Portuguese hunting dog br eed (Perdigueiro Portugues), and studied four polymorphic proteins (MPI, GO T-1, PEP-D and TF) by means of conventional electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. Additionally, a set of six microsatellites was also used (2137, VIAS-D10, 2054, D-INRA21, 2159 and LEI008). The protein analysis revealed n o clear differentiation between the different breeds. On the other hand, mi crosatellites showed to be very polymorphic, and differences in the mean nu mber of alleles as well as average heterozygosity were found between breeds . These data are discussed in light of the breed's history.