Animal Genetic Resources Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF CRYOСONSERVED SPERM OF SIRES OF THE LEBEDINIAN BREED AND ORIGINAL BROWN CATTLE OF GERMANY

In recent years, in Ukraine, as well as around the world, some local breeds have been on the verge of extinction, resulting in irretrievable loss of valuable genes, reduction of genetic diversity. In order to avoid these problems, it is necessary to work on the conservation of animal genetic resources. The creation of banks for long-term storage of biological material is one of the methods of preserving the gene pool of local, small and indigenous breeds of animals.
 Sperm quality is one of the main factors that determines the success of insemination of heifers and cows. Comprehensive analysis of sperm includes a large number of qualitative and quantitative indicators, the accuracy of which is influenced by a number of objective and subjective factors.
 Currently, microscopic analysis of sperm motility and survival is used in production conditions. Such approaches are easy to implement, but their results can be subjective. Research using a computer-based sperm fertility analysis system is becoming a priority today. With the help of CASA-Sperm Vision it is possible to carry out a morphological analysis already during the study of sperm motility.
 The purpose of our research was to analyze the quality of deep-frozen sperm of sires of Lebedinian breed and original brown cattle of Germany in order to attract such genetic material in the conservation of local Lebedinian breed cattle.
 Materials and methods. In the study used cryopreserved sperm doses of five sires of Lebedinian breed and three sires of the original brown cattle of Germany.
 Researches of qualitative, quantitative and dynamic characteristics of sperm of bulls were carried out at the laboratory of biotechnology of reproduction of Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics nd. a. M.V.Zubets of NAAS and production laboratory "Ukrainian genetic company" using computer analysis of sperm motility Sperm Analysis System Version 12 IVOS.
 It was determined that the average dose of cryopreserved sperm of bulls of the Lebedinian breed was 0.25 ml, and of the sires of the original brown cattle of Germany -0.21 ml. It was found that the sires of the original brown cattle of Germany had the best indicators of total sperm motility by 21.7% compared to the sires of the Lebedinian breed (55.7%). They also noted a greater number of sperm with straight-forward movement of 16.5%. (40.2% of the Lebedinian breed sires).
 The average concentration of sperm in one milliliter was 10.5 times higher in animals of the Lebedinian breed (compared to the sires of the original brown cattle of Germany (331 million/ml).
 Comparing the indicators of the average speed of the sperm on the average trajectory (VAP), it should be noted that the minimum value was 85.3 microns/sec, the maximum value for this indicator – 141.7 microns/sec. The results of the VSL study showed that the average value of this indicator of sperm in the studied sperm doses of sires of the Lebedinian breed was 102 microns/sec, of the original brown cattle of Germany – 75.
 Obtained opposite to the direction coefficients of the correlation depending on the origin, between total sperm motility and average sperm speed for the average trajectory, the average speed of the sperm on the real trajectory, the average deviation of the sperm, the degree of straightness of the directed movement of sperm.
 Summary. 
 1. The complex of researches provided an objective analysis of qualitative and quantitative indicators of cryopreserved sperm production of the bulls of original brown cattle of Germany and the Lebedinian breed. It was found that the quality of the studied sperm doses met the requirements of "Instructions for Artificial Insemination of Cows and Heifers" (Order of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine dated August 1, 2001 № 230).
 2. The comparative analysis of sperm production of the original brown cattle of Germany and the Lebedinian breed for its long-term storage was carried out. It is established that the sperm of sires of the original brown cattle of Germany exhibit higher dynamic characteristics of movement, while the sperm of sires of the Lebedinian breed were inferior to them in these indicators.
 3. The possibility of insemination of females with cryopreserved sperm of the studied bulls whose sperm production has been stored for more than 30 years has been proved.

IN MEMORY OF LEONID VYSHNEVSKYI

On May 21, 2019, at the age of 59, a well-known scientist and statesman, head of the department of animal genetic resources of the Institute of Animal Breeding and Animal Genetics of Zubets NAAS, Director of State Enterprise "Main Scientific Production Breeding and Information Center in Animal Production of the Institute of Breeding and Genetics of Animals of NAAS" Candidate of Agricultural Sciences Leonid Vyshnevsky died.
 We have lost an outstanding person who has worked hard throughout his life to improve the breeding stock that meets current European requirements.
 Leonid Vyshnevskyi was born on May 1, 1960 in the village Listvyn of Ovruch district , Zhytomyr region in family of employees.
 After graduating with honors in 1982 from the Zootechnical Faculty of the Zhytomyr Agricultural Institute, he worked for some time as the chief zootechnician in the state farms of the Zhytomyr region. Since 1984 - Junior Research Fellow at the Research Institute of Agriculture of the Non-Black Zone of the USSR. Since September 1985 - postgraduate student of the Department of Breeding of Animals of the Ukrainian Agricultural Academy. After graduation from 1993 to 1998 he worked as a chief specialist of the department of breeding and breeding work of the association of state breeding factories of Ukraine "Ukrderzhplemzavody", carrying out work on the organization of breeding accounting in the farms and introduction of an automated system of management of the breeding process in dairy cattle breeding. From 1999 to 2000, Leonid Vyshnevskyi, being the chief specialist of the department of the Main State Breeding Inspection, was engaged in the formation of the basics of the legal framework on breeding work in animal husbandry and the organization of assessment of breeding animals. From 2000 to 2003 - Deputy Director General of the State Scientific Production Production Selection, and from September 2003 to August 2006 - First Deputy Director of the State Agency for the Identification and Registration of Animals. At this time, with his direct involvement, that a unified state system for the identification and registration of farm animals was introduced at the national level. His responsibilities for being General Director of the Selection concern included the organization of a breeding system in animal husbandry (attestation of the subjects of breeding business in animal husbandry, creation and maintenance of the State Breeding Register, preparation of normative-legal acts on conducting breeding records and evaluation breeding value of different species of farm animals).
 In 2008, Leonid Vyshnevskyi defended his PhD thesis on "Selection and genetic methods of Myrhorod pigs breed improvent productivity and crossbreeding use" in the specialty 06.02.01 - breeding and selection animals. The scientist carried out the results of his research, being first as a scientific scientist, then as a senior researcher, and since September 2010 - head of the laboratory of the beef breed gene pool of the Institute of Breeding and Animal Genetics of NAAS. Due to the creation of the Department of Animal Genetic Resources and Information Systems, whose work was closely linked to the previous activities of Leonid Vasilyevich, he was transferred to the post of Head of Department since June 2011.
 Researches of the scientist have established the possibility of using modern methods of DNA-typing of animals for optimization of the breeding process in animal husbandry. Leonid Vyshnevskyi scientific achievements include a patent for the utility model "Application of ISSR-typing method for optimization of breeding process in small breeds of pigs as a means of individual selection for increasing productivity and preserving the genetic diversity of animals of endangered populations". While working at the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, he actively participated in the development of methodological bases for biodiversity conservation in animal husbandry in Ukraine and the introduction of centralized automated breeding records at the state level.
 The Leonid Vyshnevskyi life is an example of a worthy, responsible leader who was able to organize and rally around the best specialists of the industry. He was able to inspire his energy, find the right word, give the right direction to make the necessary changes.Leonid Vyshnevskyi will forever remain in our grateful memory and our hearts. Light memory, eternal memory….

Genetic Selection for Thermotolerance in Ruminants.

Simple SummaryRuminants make important contributions to agricultural production, protein food security, livelihoods, and socio-cultural values, particularly in the developing world. Changing climate has dire consequences on animal agriculture and presents a real challenge for humankind. Increasing temperatures, solar radiation, humidity, and resultant heat waves, low rainfall, and drought compromise the availability of forage and water. These environmental factors adversely affect animal growth and reproduction and increase disease incidence as well as threaten biodiversity. The mitigation of such effects has been confined to location or breeds and is often expensive and not always sustainable in view of continuous variations in the climatic data. In this review we have proposed that genetic selection and breeding of thermotolerant ruminants provide a sustainable means of minimizing the effect of climate change on their production. Given the variation in the ability of ruminants to tolerate heat stress and the availability of genomic tools to pursue this agenda, heat stress can be minimised. This is a shared responsibility, requiring action by stakeholders across all sectors of society.Variations in climatic variables (temperature, humidity and solar radiation) negatively impact livestock growth, reproduction, and production. Heat stress, for instance, is a source of huge financial loss to livestock production globally. There have been significant advances in physical modifications of animal environment and nutritional interventions as tools of heat stress mitigation. Unfortunately, these are short-term solutions and may be unsustainable, costly, and not applicable to all production systems. Accordingly, there is a need for innovative, practical, and sustainable approaches to overcome the challenges posed by global warming and climate change-induced heat stress. This review highlights attempts to genetically select and breed ruminants for thermotolerance and thereby sustain production in the face of changing climates. One effective way is to incorporate sustainable heat abatement strategies in ruminant production. Improved knowledge of the physiology of ruminant acclimation to harsh environments, the opportunities and tools available for selecting and breeding thermotolerant ruminants, and the matching of animals to appropriate environments should help to minimise the effect of heat stress on sustainable animal genetic resource growth, production, and reproduction to ensure protein food security.

Towards community-based in situ conservation strategies: a typological analysis of Borgou cattle herding systems in northeastern Benin.

A thorough knowledge of cattle herding systems is very important for planning sustainable genetic improvement and conservation strategies. This paper is initiated to characterize Benin native Borgou cattle farming systems in its department of origin by mean of survey including 180 cattle farmers owning at least one phenotype of that breed. Using multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical ascending classification, four groups of Borgou cattle farms have been identified. The first group qualified as "semi-intensive purebred Borgou cattle farming" own high numbers (87.2 ± 3.95 heads) purchased and reared with the view to promote its genetic improvement, its production, and its conservation as Benin animal genetic resource. The second group (sedentary purebred Borgou cattle farming) is represented by Bariba ethnic group with small numbers (22.18 ± 0.71 heads) of purebred Borgou cattle used mainly for draught. Cattle farmers of the third group are "large transhumant of Zebu and Borgou crossbred cattle farmers" represented by Fulani and Gando ethnic groups whose herds are generally composed of high numbers (75.20 ± 3.43 heads) of cattle acquired by purchasing, inheriting, and fostering. The last one is the "small transhumant of Zebu and Borgou crossbred cattle farming" with an average herd size of 31.98 ± 0.72 heads. Cattle farming is their main activity and animals are used for the production of milk and cheese. These distinctions between Borgou cattle farmers can be an anchorage point for designing sustainable community-based in situ conservation strategies for safeguarding this local breed in its original cradle.

Genome-wide association analyses for several exterior traits in the autochthonous Casertana pig breed

Casertana is an autochthonous pig breed reared in the Central-South of Italy, mainly in extensive or semi-extensive production systems. A small number of animals are registered to the breed herd-book. The population of this breed is not completely fixed for several exterior traits, including ear size (small vs large), ear bearing (forward vs floppy), presence or absence of wattles and coat colour (black vs slate-grey) that we recorded in a total of 101 pigs from six different farms. All these pigs were also genotyped with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. Then, with the aim to identify DNA markers associated with these traits, we run four genome-wide association studies (GWAS) comparing pigs having different phenotypes for each of the four external traits. Genome-wide fixation index (FST) analyses were run to confirm the results. GEMMA software was used in the GWAS. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated to the wattle trait were identified on porcine chromosome (SSC) 1 and SSC11. Markers associated to the coat colour trait were located on SSC6, SSC8, SSC14 and SSC15. These chromosome regions were confirmed by the independent FST analyses. FST did not confirm the signals detected for the two ear conformation traits. Candidate genes were identified according to the function of the annotated genes in the detected genome regions. Despite the small number of pigs that could be investigated, this study showed that autochthonous animal genetic resources might be useful to disclose genetic factors affecting traits that are not fixed in a population.

Phenotypic characteristics and comparative evaluation of preserved animals from Lithuanian pig breeds

The aim of the study was phenotypic characterization and comparative evaluation of Lithuanian Indigenous Wattle and Lithuanian White pigs. Physical measurements were taken only from a representative set of adult animals: sows and boars. Evaluation of breeds included discrete (qualitative) and quantitative variables and was performed according to the Guidelines of FAO for Phenotypic Characterization of Animal Genetic Resources. The data were subjected to the analysis of variance in general linear (GLM) and discriminant analysis procedures in SPSS 17. The qualitative characterization of preserved animals validated the characteristics of Lithuanian pig breeds described in old literature. The comparative evaluation of the physical measurements of Lithuanian White and Lithuanian Indigenous Wattle pigs showed the highest significant differences in body, ear and tail length. Due to the different physiological status of females the statement that Lithuanian White pigs are larger animals than Lithuanian Indigenous Wattle pigs better confirms the weight and body dimensions of males. Small differences in body dimensions were found only between the youngest animal groups under 24 months of age and older animals. However, the results of the canonical discriminant analysis did not give any evidence that pigs of different age have different characteristics.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Turkish native cattle breeds

Cattle are an important livestock species for human life, but certain breeds are at risk of extinction. Maintaining genetic diversity plays an important role in sustainable breeding and conservation programmes in farm animals. The aim of this study was to determine genetic diversity among five Turkish native cattle breeds. A total of 199 Turkish native cattle of the Native Southern Yellow (n = 40), South Anatolian Red (n = 40), Anatolian Grey Cattle (n = 40), Native Black Cattle (n = 39) and East Anatolian Red (n = 40) breeds were investigated using 22 autosomal microsatellite markers. The analysis revealed considerable genetic variation among these breeds. All loci were polymorphic, and a total of 545 alleles were found. Among these loci, only INRA032 was at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Thirty-four private alleles with frequencies greater than 5% were found. Expected heterozygosity and polymorphic information content indexes were 0.87 and 0.88, respectively. Native Southern Yellow, South Anatolian Red and Native Black Cattle breeds were closely related. Keywords: animal genetic resources, microsatellite, genetic relationship, genetic conservation

Confronting pastoralists' knowledge of cattle breeds raised in the extensive production systems of Benin with multivariate analyses of morphological traits.

Cross-border seasonal livestock movements in West Africa bring into close contact several cattle breeds. In the coastal countries hosting migrating herders from the Sahel, it often affects the genetic variability and geographical distribution of traditional cattle breeds, through their indiscriminate but also intended crossbreeding with larger-framed Sahelian cattle breeds. The need to secure and effectively manage this genetic variability, in order to respond to changing production and market conditions, is widely recognized by the scientific community, livestock herders and policy-makers. This however requires a comprehensive knowledge of the breeds' characteristics. The indigenous criteria used by pastoralists to characterize and distinguish cattle breeds remain unclear and further validation is required. This study was therefore designed to document and validate herders' knowledge on cattle breeds. From June 2015 to June 2016, 803 cattle herders participated in a phenotypic breed description in seven pastoral communities across the country. Each cattle herder was asked to name and describe morphologically the different cattle breeds in his herd. Subsequently, fifteen body measurements taken on a total of 1401 adult cattle (964 cows and 439 bulls) were submitted to multivariate analyses. Participants distinguished ten different cattle breeds kept in traditional herds according to six primary morphological traits and clearly separated zebuine from taurine breeds. These results were consistent with those of the multivariate analyses of the measured traits. However, herders' classification approach proved to be more accurate in distinguishing breeds within the zebuine subspecies. Hence, while metric measurements and molecular genetic analyses are promising approaches to fill the knowledge gap on the diversity of local farm animal genetic resources, they should integrate livestock herders' traditional knowledge for more precision.

Livestock diversity in shifting cultivation area of North Eastern Hill states in India

The breed of animals and birds reared by the jhumia were mostly non-descript and the method of rearing was traditional or backyard farming. Local breeds are an important self-replicating asset of almost all jhumia people and fulfill functions that go far beyond the output of products. At one end of the spectrum are breeding and production systems in which animals are kept in natural environments and are exposed to a large degree of natural selections imposed by the elements. Such systems are prevalent in ecologically marginal areas and typically practiced by pastoralists for whom adaptation traits are more crucial than production traits. Considering the distinctive features of animal genetic resources, as well as the urgent need for maintaining and conserving domestic animal diversity for future generations, it is necessary to promote more productive and sustainable livestock management.

Genetic diversity and relationships among three Southern African Nguni cattle populations

The Nguni cattle breed has distinct populations that are adapted to the different ecological zones of Southern Africa. This study was carried out to assess genetic diversity and establish the relationships among South African (SA), Mozambican (Landim), and Swazi Nguni cattle populations, using 25 microsatellite markers. Genotypic data were generated from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples of 90 unrelated individuals of the three cattle populations, collected from government conservations and stud herds. DNA profiles of five local beef breeds were used as the reference populations. Most of the 25 microsatellite markers were highly polymorphic across the studied populations, with an overall polymorphic information content (PIC) mean of 0.676. Genetic diversity within populations was high with expected heterozygosity varying from 0.705 ± 0.024 (Landim) to 0.748 ± 0.021 (SA Nguni) and mean number of alleles being highest in the SA Nguni (7.52 ± 0.42). Average observed heterozygosity (0.597 ± 0.046) compared to the expected heterozygosity (0.719 ± 0.022) was lowest for the Swazi Nguni, which also had a high number of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) deviated loci (13), confirming the relatively high level of inbreeding (0.158 ± 0.058) in that population. Analysis of molecular variance revealed only 9.61% of the total variation between the populations and 90.39% within populations. A short genetic distance (0.299) was observed between Landim and Swazi Nguni, with the SA Nguni (> 0.500) being the most genetically distant population. The distant relationship between SA Nguni and the other two Nguni cattle populations was further confirmed by a principal coordinates analysis. The three Nguni populations clustered independently from each other, despite some evidence of admixture. Therefore, it can be concluded that SA Nguni, Landim, and Swazi Nguni populations in Southern Africa exhibit high levels of genetic diversity and are genetically distant; with the two latter populations being less genetically apart. These results present useful information for the development of strategies for regional management of animal genetic resources, through conservation and sustainable utilisation.

Indigenous Tswana pig production characteristics and management practices in southern districts of Botswana.

Indigenous animal genetic resources are vital in agriculture especially in the era of climate change because they are adapted to the harsh local conditions. Therefore, their conservation through utilisation is necessary. Indigenous Tswana pigs are one of the animal genetic resources that need to be protected from becoming extinct. The aim of this study was to determine the population of Tswana pigs, their production characteristics and management practices in the southern districts of Botswana. A survey was done in 15 villages in Kweneng, Kgatleng and South East districts of southern Botswana. A combination of purposive and convenience sampling methods was used to select villages and households where the survey was conducted. A questionnaire with closed- and opened-ended questions was administered to 71 indigenous pig farmers. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics procedure, frequency procedure and principal component analysis. The study established that indigenous Tswana pigs are mainly kept and managed by middle-aged and elderly women with lower level of education and no formal employment. These farmers keep Tswana pigs alongside other livestock species. The population of indigenous Tswana pigs in the surveyed districts is 620. Farmers keep indigenous pigs for cash and for home consumption. The pigs are kept in the backyard and fed kitchen leftovers and others are left to scavenge for feeds. Farmers do not put much effort in attending the health of the indigenous pigs; hence, their ignorance of the parasites and diseases affecting the pigs.

Identification of genetic families based on mitochondrial D-loop sequence in population of the Tatra chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica)

The Tatra chamois is an endemic subspecies of Northern chamois, indigenous only in the Tatras, a wild animal genetic resource unique to Slovakia. The main goal of this study was to describe the distribution of mtDNA haplogroups in isolated populations inhabiting geographical areas in the Slovak part of the Tatras and the development of methodologies for reliable differentiation between the closely related Alpine and Tatra subspecies based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation. A partial sequence of the D-loop region was obtained to enable analysis of the mtDNA and subsequent estimation of the population haplotype structures. Despite the relatively short fragment of the D-loop region (final length 480 bp) analysed, reliable differentiation of the selected subspecies as genetically unique was obtained. Moreover, the study results indicated the occurrence of four haplotypes within the sampled population. Except for three previously published haplotypes, the analysis of the target mtDNA region suggested the occurrence of a new group, here noted as Tatra 10, indicating the existence of a new, unique haplotype. From the geographical point of view, this new haplotype, seems to be restricted to the area of the Western Tatras. Thus, our study provides new insight into the haplotype structure of the native Tatra chamois population in Slovakia and can be beneficial for the management of its conservation status. It should be emphasised that the Tatra chamois is regarded as a critically endangered species. Therefore, the systematic monitoring of genetic diversity, including the distribution of mtDNA haplotypes, is necessary to develop an appropriate conservation strategy.

Phenotypic characterization of local female duck populations in Indonesia

Information on phenotypic traits is a prerequisite in animal genetic resource conservation and improvement. Phenotypic characteristics of 180 Indonesian female ducks collected from six populations (Alabio, Bayang, Magelang, Pegagan, Pitalah, and Rambon ducks) were studied. Data on qualitative traits were analyzed with descriptive statistics (percentages), while one-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the effect of populations on quantitative traits observed. The results revealed that the predominant plumage colors of the neck, breast, abdomen, back, secondary wings, primary wings, and thigh were brown (49.74%), brown (34.03%), brown (31.94%), brown (50.26%), dark brown (25.13%), light brown (35.08%), and brown (31.94%), respectively. The dominant bill and web color were black (77.49%) and dark brown (48.17), respectively. Variations were also found in quantitative morphological traits. The principal component analysis showed two to four principal components extracted from the factor analysis with varimax rotation, which accounted for 57.33%, 66.26%, 64.43%, 54.66%, and 77.44% of the total variance in the original variables for Alabio, Magelang, Pegagan, Pitalah, and Rambon ducks, respectively. Generally, the first factor in each population had high loadings on beak width. The observed phenotypic diversity in Indonesian local ducks could be useful in designing breeding programs and selection.

The effect of adding Rosmarinic and Ascorbic acids to vitrification media on fertilization rate of the mice oocyte: An experimental study.

BackgroundOocytes vitrification is a pivotal step for the widespread and safekeeping of animal genetic resources. Oocytes endure notable morphological and functional damage during cryopreservation. Oxidative stress is one of the adverse effects that vitrification imparts on oocytes.Objective In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant effect of Rosmarinic and Ascorbic acids on the quality and fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed mice oocyte.Materials and MethodsIn this experimental study, germinal vesicle oocytes obtained from two-months-old (30–40gr) NMRI mice were randomly divided into four groups. The basic cryoprotectants were 7.5% (v/v) ethylene glycol+7.5% (v/v) Propanediol as an equilibration media. Vitrification medium contained 15% (v/v) ethylene glycol+15% (v/v) propanediol, and 0.5 M sucrose. In the first group (Control), nothing was added to vitrification mediums, whereas, in the second and third groups, 0.5 mmol/L of Ascorbic acid and 105 µmol/L of Rosmarinic acid were added into vitrification medium, respectively. The cumulative concentration of Rosmarinic and Ascorbic acids were added to group 4. Mouse oocytes were vitrified and preserved for one month. The thawed oocytes were transferred into the α-MEM medium (Alpha Minimum Essential Medium) and maintained in this medium for 24 hr, to be matured and reach the metaphase II stage.Results The addition of Rosmarinic and Ascorbic acids to the vitrification solution improved the survival, maturation of Germinal vesicles, fertilization rate, and finally development to 4-cell stage. Maturation rates to 4-cell stage for Ascorbic acid, Rosmarinic acid, and both of them together were 80%, 80.76%, and 86.61%, respectively.ConclusionThese results indicate that the addition of a cumulative concentration of 0.5 mmol/L Ascorbic acid and 105 µmol/L of Rosmarinic acid to the cryopreservation solution for the mouse immature oocytes would be of significant value (p 0.01).

Opportunities for investment into small ruminant breeding programmes in Brazil.

The social contribution of goat and sheep industries is very important to many Brazilian families mainly in semi-arid regions of the country. However, the productive chains of these two species in Brazil are unorganized and ultimately informal. On the other hand, there is potential for growth and development to which an upscaling of breeding programmes will be essential. Historically, many attempts to structure these programmes have been unsuccessful. Inadequate understanding of how to achieve genetic improvement often leading to distributing unsuitable exotic genetics among the producers is one of the reasons for the failure. Another important factor is related to the sources of funding and the priorities for the use of funds. According to the experience and the state of the art in Brazil, the priorities for funding must be in the characterization of the different systems and animal genetic resources, organization of information collection procedures and national databanks, training of technicians and producers and development of system to enable animal evaluation.

Polimorfismos FecXR, FecGI y FecGH en el ovino de pelo colombiano

El ovino de pelo criollo (OPC) es un recurso zoogenético de gran importancia para Colombia, no existen programas de mejoramiento genético en el OPC, por lo que los cruzamientos absorbentes son los más comunes con el fin de aumentar la prolificidad. No se han estudiado los genes con efecto mayor sobre la prolificidad en el OPC, por lo que el objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar el polimorfismo genético en el locus FecXR del gen BMP15 y los loci FecGH y FecGI del gen GDF9. Para ello, se genotiparon 150 ovinos por PCR directa para el locus FecXR y por PCR-RFLP para los loci FecGH y FecGI. Se estimaron las frecuencias genotípicas y alélicas, se calculó la heterocigocidad observada (Ho) y esperada (He), los valores de F, el equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg (EHW) y un análisis de varianza molecular (AMOVA). Los loci FecXR y FecGH fueron monomórficos, solo se encontró el genotipo y alelo silvestre en cada uno. El locus FecGI presentó frecuencias de 0,76 y 0,24 en los genotipos GG y GA, respectivamente. No se encontró el genotipo AA. Las frecuencias alélicas fueron G = 0,89 y A = 0,11. Las frecuencias aquí presentadas concuerdan con varios reportes en razas al rededor del mundo. La Ho fue mayor (0,226±0,15) que la He (0,189±0,12), con exceso de heterocigotos dentro (FIS = -0,127, p>0,05) y entre los rebaños (FIT = -0,119, p>0,05). La variación entre rebaños fue baja (1%) y el FST fue de 0,008 (p>0,05). La población se encontró en EHW. Este es el primer reporte de estos polimorfismos en el OPC que podrían ser utilizados en esquemas de selección para mejorar la prolificidad en esta raza.

Prioritising Support for Cost Effective Rare Breed Conservation Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis

Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) are threatened by breed homogenisation. Rare breeds may carry important genes that allow breeders to respond to global production challenges including climate change and emerging disease risk. Yet, exploration of approaches to improve cost-effectiveness of investments in farm animal genetic diversity has been limited. We employ multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to investigate how rare breed incentive schemes can be rationalised. A performance matrix was used to score assess 19 UK cattle native breeds at risk, in terms of diversity, marketability and endangerment criteria, and an expert workshop was used to assign weights for prioritisation. The workshop participants suggested that criteria pertaining to diversity, marketability and endangerment should be weighted 30%, 20% and 50% respectively. A principal component analysis (PCA) on the criteria suggested that fewer criteria could be used to characterise breed status but that each criteria node contributed effectively in explaining variation in breed scores. Breed scores from the MCDA model were used in a hypothetical exercise to rationalise monetary investments across the case study breeds. TModelling the allocation of thea hypothetical breed improvement fund (BIF) revealed that the greatest variation in the allocation of incentives occurred when marketability was weighted highest, while least variation occurred when endangerment received the highest weight. We suggest MCDA can support more targeted investments in diversity by considering the multiple factors that may be driving extinction risk in addition to the cultural and diversity attributes that compliment conservation.

Novel report on mutation in exon 3 of myostatin (MSTN) gene in Nilagiri sheep: an endangered breed of South India.

The variability in breeding program leads to rapid loss of genetic potential for which National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources is emphasized to conserve the indigenous breeds. The variation in myostatin (MSTN) gene and its association with growth traits will throw light on its potential use as marker in selection. Hence, the study was conducted to detect polymorphism in exon 3 of MSTN, one of the most important growth regulatory gene and its association with growth in Nilagiri sheep breed. Blood samples were collected from Nilagiri sheep (n = 103) of South India and growth data up to 1year of age was recorded. Genomic DNA was isolated and amplified for part of MSTN gene; PCR products were genotyped by restriction digestion (MspI) and confirmed by sequencing. Restriction digestion has revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism at locus G5622C in exon 3 which was confirmed by sequencing. The wild-type DNA molecule (MM) cleaved by MspI produced 301-bp and 314-bp fragments and those with mutation (mm) would remain undigested. The genotypic frequencies were MM (0.689) and Mm (0.311) with complete absence of mm genotype; and allelic frequencies were M (0.8445) and m (0.1555). The locus was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The association analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in mean birth, weaning, 6-, 9-, and 12-month weight between MM and Mm genotypes at g.5622G>C locus of exon 3 of MSTN gene. This is the first report of mutation in exon 3 of MSTN gene. The non-significant effect and absence of mm genotype at this locus needs further studies based on large population size and haplotype analysis.

Conservation contracts for supplying Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) conservation services in Romania

This paper describes a choice experiment (CE) administered to explore farmer preferences for conservation agreements to conserve rare breeds among a sample of 174 respondents in Transylvania (Romania). The study site was chosen due to the prevalence of small-scale and extensive farm systems threatened by a changing policy environment that is increasing the scale and intensity of production units. Agreement attributes included length of conservation contract (5 or 10 years); scheme structure (community or individual managed conservation programme), and scheme support (application assistance or farm advisory support). A monetary attribute that reflects compensation for scheme participation allows the assessment of farmers’ willingness to accept (WTA) for different contracts. Results suggest 89% of respondents would be willing to farm with rare breeds; cattle and sheep being the most popular livestock option; 40% of farmers were reportedly farming with endangered breeds. However, only 8% were likely to qualify for funding support under current requirements. WTA estimates reveal minimum annual compensation values of €167 and €7 per year respectively, for bovine and ovine farmers to consider enrolling in a contract. These values are comparable to Romanian Rural Development Programme (RDP) support offered to farmers keeping rare breeds of €200 and €10 per year for bovine and ovine farmers respectively. Our estimates of scheme uptake, calculated with coefficient values derived from the CE, suggest rare breed conservation contracts are considered attractive by Romanian farmers. Analysis suggests meeting farmer preferences for non-monetary contractual factors will increase participation.

Comparative fatty-acid profile and atherogenicity index of milk from free grazing Nguni, Boer and non-descript goats in South Africa

This study aimed to determine and compare the fatty acid composition and atherogenecity index of milk fat from Nguni, Boer and non-descript at two different sampling periods. The goats (n = 10 for each goat genotypes) were raised under an extensive system of husbandry. Milk samples were collected from each individual goat to determine fatty acids, as methyl esters, using gas chromatography. The result revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) in fatty acid profiles among the three goat genotypes for butyric, caproic, myristic, palmitic, stearic, vaccenic, linoleic, conjugated linoleic, α-linolenic, arachidic, eicosatrienoic and docosapentaenoic acids, among other milk fats. The time of milk sampling also had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on caproic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, margaric, stearic, linoleic, arachidonic, docosapentaenoic and conjugated linoleic acids of milk fat. In addition, Nguni goats’ milk fat had a healthier fatty acid than those of Boer and non-descript goats, characterized by a lower content in saturated fatty acid (68.65, 73.77 and 71.73 (P < 0.05), respectively). Goat genotypes and milk sampling time had an influence on the fatty acid composition of goat milk. These findings support the fact that goat milk is an important source of health-promoting substances and support the sustainable use of animal genetic resources to improve goat milk fat quality, and hence deserve further investigation with local indigenous goat breeds.