The State of Local Cattle of Busha Type in Albania and Kosovo. Their Identification and Morphometric Description

Abstract

Local cattle population of Busha type are still found in remote areas of  Albania and Kosovo.  They have survived until now because of geographic isolation and harsh conditions that are not suitable for exotic breeds. The number of these populations is rapidly declining putting them in danger of extinction. Conservation of this genetic diversity is challenging for both countries.  Identification of local cattle populations of Busha type farmed in different regions of Albania and Kosovo , their phenotypic and genetic characterization, has been and currently is one of interesting study subject with the aim of  compiling a sustainable breeding strategy that will help to run a national or cross border conservation program. The study was conducted in 5 regions distributed in the north-west and north –east of Albania whereas in Kosovo the east and south-west regions both countries: The number of local  cattle’s sampled of Busha type for phenotypic characterization was 94 of which 86 were females and 8 were males. The linear body measurement of  adult animals only were done according to FAO guidelines 2012. The means of morph metric variables were calculated  for animals not divided by sex. Local cattle of Busha type is characterized  of different coat colors  from intensive red, reddish, dark and light  brown. Velipoja local cattle has the lowest mean of wither height, heart girth and body length than other populations (103.07, 137.57 and 113.5 cm). It can be noticed that the populations located in the border between Albania and Kosovo (Kukes and Prizren regions) as well as the population of Gjilan  have similar mean values of wither height, heart girth and budy length. Higher mean value of wither height is found at Gjakova local cattle (133.0 cm). Despite these small differences in body size the milk production is rather different between Albanian and Kosovo populations. Discriminate analyses model was used to evaluate the level of local differentiation of cattle populations. Three groups are formed: Back Rjoll herd of Albania showing  constant differentiation from other groups, the group composed by three herds located in Kukes (Albania), Prizren and Gjilan(Kosovo); the  group  where we find only Gjakova herd. The results of discrimanate analyses shows that the process of evolution of morphometric trais and selection have been associated with the presence of isolation in distance. The results need further verifications.   Keywords: Local cattle, identification, morphometric measurement, local differentiation.