Animal Genetic Resources Research Articles

Cytogenetical techniques for improvement of cattle

The animal genetic resources of India are represented by a broad spectrum of livestock. The genetic characterization of synthetic crossbred cattle is a major prerequisite in its conservation as well as improvement programmes. It helps in confirmation of the species of origin.

Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer in Asiatic cheetah using nuclei derived from post-mortem frozen tissue in absence of cryo-protectant and in vitro matured domestic cat oocytes

Recent accomplishments in the field of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) hold tremendous promise to prevent rapid loss of animal genetic resources using ex situ conservation technology. Most of SCNT studies use viable cells for nuclear transfer into recipient oocytes. However, preparation of live cells in extreme circumstances, in which post-mortem material of endangered/rare animals is improperly retained frozen, is difficult, if not impossible. This study investigated the possibility of interspecies-SCNT (iSCNT) in Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus), a critically endangered subspecies, using nuclei derived from frozen tissue in absence of cryo-protectant at −20 °C and in vitro matured domestic cat oocytes. No cells growth was detected in primary culture of skin and tendon pieces or following culture of singled cells prepared by enzymatic digestion. Furthermore, no live cells were detected following differential viable staining and almost all cells had ruptured membrane. Therefore, direct injection of donor nuclei into enucleated cat oocytes matured in vitro was carried out for SCNT experiments. Early signs of nuclear remodeling were observed as early as 2 h post-iSCNT and significantly increased at 4 h post-iSCNT. The percentages of iSCNT reconstructs that cleaved and developed to 4–16 cell and morula stages were 32.3 ± 7.3, 18.2 ± 9.8 and 5.9 ± 4.3%, respectively. However, none of the iSCNT reconstructs developed to the blastocyst stage. When domestic cat somatic and oocytes were used for control SCNT and parthenogenetic activation, the respective percentages of oocytes that cleaved (51.3 ± 13.9 and 77.3 ± 4.0%) and further developed to the blastocyst stage (11.3 ± 3.3 and 16.8 ± 3.8%) were comparable. In summary, this study demonstrated that enucleated cat oocytes can partially remodel and reactivate non-viable nuclei of Asiatic cheetah and support its reprogramming back to the embryonic stage. To our knowledge, this is the first report of iSCNT in cheetah using non-viable frozen cells.

Tailoring slaughter weight of indigenous Vietnamese Ban pigs for the requirements of urban high-end niche markets

Slaughtered at heavy live weights, carcasses of the autochthonous Vietnamese Ban pig breed are not marketable on the highly remunerative niche markets of the urban Red River Delta. Therefore, Ban pigs are traded often at just 10 to 15kg to avoid excessive fat accumulation. However, already, a moderate increase of slaughter weights might lead to rising profits for smallholder farmers in the uplands. Thus, this research aimed at investigating the effect of increasing live weight on the carcass composition and meat quality of indigenous Ban pigs qualifying for commerce on high-end markets. Fifty-six castrated male Ban fatteners with body weights ranging from 6.5 to 29.3kg were collected from smallholder farmers applying a feeding system based on banana pseudostem (Musa spp.) and slaughtered by local slaughterers according to common practice. The carcass quality of 51 animals and, additionally, meat quality parameters of the loin and ham of 56 animals were assessed. For the evaluation of increased live weights on commodity prices, two pricing systems based on actual market prices for Ban fatteners in Son La town and Hanoi were suggested. Carcass fat depots did not significantly increase when body weights were raised from 12 to approximately 20kg, and the distribution of primal cuts and the meat quality of the loin and ham were relatively stable. Thus, the currently applied slaughter weights for purebred Ban pigs appear to be suboptimal, and a moderate increase of slaughter weights to approximately 20kg is feasible and could result in monetary benefits. In this context, the role of small-scale slaughterers for value chain upgrading is discussed. In conclusion, increasingly formalized value chains for traditional pork products could provide the potential to not only contribute to rural development in the Southeast Asian Massif, but also to the conservation of animal genetic resources of a highly valuable eco-cultural region.

ECONOMIC BASES OF GENE POOL OF LOCAL AND ENDANGERED BREEDS OF FARM ANIMALS SPECIES PRESERVATION IN UKRAINE

The aim was to determine the amount of state financial support for the full gene pool preservation of local and endangered breeds of farm animals in Ukraine for 2016-2020.
 Given the great strategic and economic importance of the problem of gene pool preservation and rational use to enhance food security, the level of state financial support for preservation of the gene pool of local and endangered breeds of farm animals was determined for using two methods of conservation: in situ (live animals) and ex situ (cryoconservation of their genetic materials).
 The level of budget support to preserve gene pool objects involves calculating the minimum (normative) amount of genetic resources (livestock females, bull semen, embryos) and rational choice of methodical approach to determining the level of budget support for the preservation of each type of genetic resources.
 The level of budget support for in situ maintenance of gene pool objects was determined based on level of budget subsidy per head and livestock number of each species, recommended to preserve (normative). The basis of the level of budget subsidies was determined as compensation amount of normative costs for feed produced at cost. Normative costs of feed were determined on the basis of scientifically grounded rations for species and breeds of animals taking into account their productivity.
 The full in situ preservation of dairy and dual-purpose breeds of cattle requires the holding herds of each breed which include animals of all main bloodlines, where at least 3 live bulls and 60 cows should be kept per bloodline. In gene pool subjects of beef breeds at least 3 bulls and 20 cows should be kept per bloodline. Breeding cattle of all breeds should be performed by linear purebred breeding and randomized fixing of bulls in lines. Under these conditions, it is possible to preserve purebred livestock number for 5-6 generations, or 20 years. To preserve in situ the gene pool of local and endangered breeds of pigs, sheep and poultry it is necessary to provide herd size not less than 25 boars and 100 sows, 20 rams and 200 ewes, 10 stallions and 50 mares, 50 geese and 200 fowl, 50 drakes and 250 ducks, 50 cocks and 250 hens.
 The constancy of gene pool of local and endangered breeds is fully possible to provide only by ex situ method, providing measures to preserve genetic fund of breeds, types, lines in an artificial environment (cryoconservation of gametes, somatic cells, zygotes, tissues).
 Ex situ preservation of the gene pool of local and endangered breeds is expedient as a "virtual" cryo-herds. For their expansion annually 1-3 thousand doses of bull semen of dairy, dual-purpose and beef breeds per each farm or genealogical line (depending on the number of bulls in a line) must be collected and stored in cryo-depositories in over 3 thousand doses of bull semen for each line. Annual accumulation and storage of semen of rams should be accordingly 1.2 and 2.4 thousand doses, boars – 2 thousand doses and stallions – 300 doses in both cases. The annual need for purchasing sires’ semen of farm animals is 35.7 thousand doses. For implementation of programs for preserving the gene pool of local breeds it is necessary to pass 10% of annual purchased semen to the Bank of Animal Genetic Resources of Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics nd. a. M.V.Zubets of NAAS.
 The normative costs for an annual storage of sires’ semen in 2015 have been determined, which amount is UAH 4.54 and UAH 2.98 according to normative capacity of cryo-depositories (5 thousand doses and 20 thousand doses).
 The project of preserving populations of local and endangered breeds of cattle as "cryo-herds" (cryopreserved bovine embryos) during 2016-2020 requires the state support for obtaining 250 bovine embryos, prepared for long-term storage, of each breed and storing them in Bank of Animal Genetic Resources of Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics nd. a. M.V.Zubets of NAAS.
 To provide the full preservation of the gene pool of local and endangered breeds of farm animals in Ukraine using two methods of conservation: in situ (live animals) and ex situ (“virtual cryo-herds”) during the next five years it is necessary to finance UAH 75,137.5 thousand from the State Budget. The implementation of the developed economic mechanism ensures the gene pool preservation of domestic autochthonous and local breeds of farm animals and their further use for breeding animals of specialized and dual-purpose breeds, the execution of commitments laid down by international agreements of Ukraine for the biodiversity preservation. These research results have been used in the development of the Programme of preservation of local and endangered breeds of farm animals in Ukraine for 2016-2020.

EVALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF NANOBIOMATERIALS

The main role in modern technology of long-term preservation of livestock gene pool is not only in conditions of low temperature conservation of reproductive cells and embryos, but also in composition of biomedia which are able to preserve their maximum integrity during this process. That is why cryomedia have been permanently improved in order to provide maximum vitality of cells after deconservation. Previously it was found that admixture of slight amount of high disperse (nanosized) silica (UFS) to the standard LGY-cryomedium for bull sperm freezing result in the increase of gametes survival after deconservation. As for UFS, it is widely used in preparation of drugs as a supporting substance, because in certain concentration limits it is physiologically non-harmful and compatible with biological systems. Such SiO2 has the developed surface, covered by hydroxyl groups, which demonstrates high adsorption activity with respect to a lot of substances. Replacement of hydroxyls by synthetic or natural compounds makes it possible to synthesize on this base immobilized biologically active preparations with prolonged and adsorption action. Thus, immobilization of some carbohydrates on UFS surface allowed us to obtain nanobiomaterials (NBM) which, being admixed to some cryomedia, provided higher survival of gametes after their defrosting in comparison with initial SiO2. The aim of present work was obtaining NBM, based on UFS, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and N-acelylneuraminic acid (N-ANA) and also examination of its biological activity using ejaculated bovine gametes of Holstein bulls (Strolh 379536/678, Tom 379545/345 and Тryplle 244), which are kept more than 29 years in the Bank of Animal Genetic Resources of Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics nd. a. M.V.Zubets of NAAS. NBM UFC/N-ANA was obtained by impregnation of UFS, surface of which was preliminary heated during 2 hours at 200о С. NBM UFS/BSA and UFS/BSA/N-АНК were obtained by non-covalent adsorption of biomolecules. They were added to bovine gametes on the stage of their deconservation in concentration 0,001 %. Effect of NBM on spermatozoa was estimated in percents using the index of vitality according to activity of their movement. It was found out that after defrosting of bovine spermatozoa they demonstrated average activity of about 50,0 ± 5,77%. The same index of gametes activity in the control (without NBM admixture) lowered during 30 minutes only 3,3%, and reached 46,7 ± 6,01%. In experimental groups after 30 minutes the most active ones were gametes, which were in contact with UFS/BSA/N-ANA (56,7 ± 8,82 %). Gametes mixed with UFS demonstrated the lowest activity. In comparison with the control it decreased by 10 % and by 20 %, in comparison with UFS/BSA/N-ANA. Thus, admixture of UFS in concentration 0,001 % to deconservated bovine spermatozoa, stored in frozen state for considerable time, is inappropriate. In presence of NBM UFS/BSA, unlike to UFS/BSA/N-ANA, the mobility of gametes decreased only by 1,7 %. At the same time, in presence of NBM without protein – UFS/N-ANA, the decrease of mobility by 11,7 % was observed. It testifies in favour of possible stabilization of mobile cells number in presence of protein in NBM. But at low concentrations of nanoparticles in the media, containing cells, the probability of their contact with cell surface is insignificant. So, it may be assumed that this effect is observed due to interaction of NBM with components of semen plasma and cryomedium and this may result in redistribution of forms of water. After 60 minutes of experiment, the most active were gametes in compositions with UFS/N-ANA (48,3 ± 4,41 %) and UFS/BSA/N-ANA (51,7 ± 8,82 %). In the control during this period the lower mobility was observed (41,7 ± 7,26 %) in comparison with upper mentioned samples and higher mobility by 13,4 % and 1,7 % in comparison with BSA and UFS/BSA. After 1,5 hours of the experiment both in control and experimental samples the gradual decrease of mobility was observed. Summarizing the estimation of biological activity of NBM, the most promising was UFS/BSA and UFS/BSA/N-ANA. The first NBM provided for initial increase of spermatozoa mobility up to level 55,0 ± 5,77 %, whereas UFS/BSA/N-ANA, as it was shown previously, – up to 56,7 ± 8,82 %. Difference between them was not practically observed, but special role of protein was noted as a surface active substance. But mechanisms of activity of each NBM seem to be different. As for N-ANA in NBM, according to its functional properties it is able to provide for increase of chemical affinity of nanomaterials to certain components of semen or corresponding cell receptors, in contrast to protein. Thus, we have proved the possibility to increase the level of mobility of deconservated bovine spermatozoa, previously stored for a long period in liquid nitrogen, caused by addition of NBM based on UFS and upper mentioned biomolecules, which result is particularly important further, on the initial stages of egg fertilization.

Characterization and conservation of indigenous livestock genetic resources for wealth creation in tropical Africa: A review

The objective of the study was to review the methods of characterization and conservation of indigenous livestock genetic resources for wealth creation in tropical Africa. Animal genetic resources have been contributing to food and agriculture for more than 12, 000 years, providing the human population with a wide range of food products, along with fibre, manure for crops, droppings for fuel and draught power. In addition, animal genetic resources frequently reduce farmers’ risk exposure, generate employment and contribute to rural development. It is estimated that, directly or indirectly, domestic animals contribute 30 to 40 percent of the total value of food and Agriculture production in Nigeria. In the course of the development of diverse human societies, livestock became a very important cultural element and is essential in maintaining many traditional lifestyles. Farmers and breeders have been using animal genetic diversity effectively to develop breeds and varieties that were suitable for local environmental conditions and provided for different human needs and wants. The domestication process and breeding under different environments has resulted in over 6,000 identified breeds developed within about 40 animal species. The total diversity of animal genetic resources available to farmers makes it possible for humans to survive in a wide range of production environments, from hot-humid tropics to arid deserts and cold, severe mountainous regions. Genetic diversity also supported livestock adaptation to many limiting environmental factors, such as diseases, parasites, wide variations in the availability and quality of feed and water, and extreme temperatures. It is therefore, concluded that, animal genetic resources should be preserved and conserved and not be allowed to erode away. Local breeds that are hardy and withstand harsh climates should not be let go to extinction because of their role to wealth creation in both rural and urban communities in Nigeria and tropical Africa as a whole.

The Use of SNP Microarrays for Biodiversity Studies of Sheep – A Review

Abstract The conservation of farm animal genetic resources and their protection against genetic erosion requires knowledge of biodiversity status. Genetic variation in populations can be estimated using both traditional pedigree-based methods and molecular techniques. SNP microarrays are a new generation of molecular genetic tools, which have found application in analysis of biodiversity in populations of domestic and wild sheep, in studies of resistance to intestinal parasites and foot rot, and in searching for markers associated with meat and milk yield, or colour inheritance traits. The aim of the study is the review of recent literature on the biodiversity and the use of molecular markers for population genetics in different breeds and populations of sheep.

Primary phenotypical characterization of the Pirot sheep from Stara Planina, Republic of Serbia: can we save the forgotten zackel?

Summary The Pirot sheep is a small Zackel that has been developed in the region of Pirot and the neighbouring municipalities in Serbia. Pirot sheep population has been reduced to only 60 animals in the Republic of Serbia. An overview of qualitative phenotypical and morphometrical characteristics of Pirot sheep from the Stara Planina is presented in this paper. The sheep included in this study belong to the last flock of the breed. The evaluation aims to obtain the phenotypical description of this indigenous breed as a phase of preservation strategy. Therefore, a total of 51 ewes and two rams were measured to obtain the detailed data concerning conformation. The phenotypical characteristics of animals included were also described. Based on the results, the Pirot sheep is a small breed with compact, slightly rectangular body frame (body length 115.40 percent of height at withers). The investigated sheep population was homogeneous, and morphological variations were limited to the data obtained in our research. The differences detected among different age groups were significant and reflected late maturing and slow growth of individuals. The comparison of the data determined by the evaluation of the modern population of Pirot sheep with the description from the older literature did not reveal that many significant changes of the morphological characteristics have occurred during the last 30 years. The small effective population and increasing inbreeding can threaten the efforts to preserve this sheep. The cultural heritage of the local community is also in danger due to the fact that the cornerstones of rural tradition in the area have been production of the three nationally important agricultural brands in Serbia – Pirot kilim (Pirot rug), Pirot/Stara Planina lamb and Pirot/Stara Planina Kachkaval cheese, all of which are depending on the Pirot sheep breeding. Additionally, some problems affecting the preservation of animal genetic resources in Serbia are reviewed with the focus on the Stara Planina. The research indicated that ex situ conservation should also be considered in the case of the Pirot sheep.

Conservation of animal genetic resources – A new tact

For the past 20 years countries have initiated programs to sustainably conserve farm animal genetic resources. At the same time the growing need for increased animal productivity has emerged. Viewing gene banks and in vivo conservation in the context of food security, climate change, and product demand suggests the need for a more efficient use of these mechanisms to support sustainable productivity. Some advances have been made in developing and implementing in-vivo conservation programs, but those efforts appear to be predicated upon various types of government subsidies, which are subject, to policy changes. Given the in-vivo situation, it is suggested conservation efforts shift toward gene banks as the primary conservation mechanism. Globally, national gene banking efforts have increased and they have the capacity and potential to become more dynamic, incorporate different biological materials and facilitate increased use of genetic diversity. The next steps for gene banks are to better utilize information systems to integrate and store data from genetic/genomic assessments, cryopreservation, phenotypes and environmental conditions. These types of benefits plus the reduced conservation costs gene banks can speed the rate of conserving breeds while freeing the livestock sector to increase productivity with the breeds of their choosing.

Valor ecológico ambiental y conservación de razas ovinas

An analysis of the current situation of the use of sheep is performed in the grazing programs as a tool for forest fire prevention in order to lay the foundations for the economic valuation of the conservation of local breeds endangered through the provision of this environmental service. We verified the majority share of sheep in Grazing-Firewall Network of Andalusia and no differences between the use of sheep herds and other species depending on the degree of compliance in fire prevention work. Finally, we estimate that the use of sheep breeds endangered in the provision of these environmental services through grazing could constitute a clear alternative for in situ conservation of animal genetic resources.

La adaptabilidad de los recursos zoogenéticos Criollos, base para enfrentar los desafíos de la producción animal

Main livestock species in Latin America and the Caribbean (ALC) introduced from the Iberian Peninsula, have evolved for 500 years in diverse and adverse environmental conditions, suggesting that Criollo animals have genes for adaptation in different frequencies than the exotic breeds. The purpose was to show evidences of the presence of genes related to adaptation of Criollo ruminants under adverse environments. Compared to exotic breeds, Criollo animals have genetic variability that favors reproductive fitness, ability for body temperature homeostasis, better survival and less environmental impact of grazing in rangelands. Application of molecular tools for selection of better Criollo breeding animals of traits related to adaptation is scarce. Main limitations include the lack of a breeding structure to allow the involvement of sparse small Criollo populations and the implementation of uniform pedigree and performance recording programs. One additional limitation is the lack of human resources trained to analyze large databases. There is an opportunity to identify genes related to adaptability traits in Criollo populations that are maintained in unfavorable environments. As a consequence of the climatic change, it is expected that the already large adverse area for livestock production in ALC will increase and there will be an opportunity to develop resilient animal production systems based on Criollo animal genetic resources.

Development of Animal Genetic Resources in the Slovak Republic

The first step in conservation of animal genetic resources is monitoring of populations. Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra is responsible for this task in the Slovak Republic. The status of populations is monitored on regular basis in cooperation with the Breeding Services of the Slovak Republic, s.e. and authorized breeders` organizations. The development of 15 breeds during 10-year period was studied in this work. Twelve breeds were classified as being endangered in 2015 from which 6 were classified as critically endangered. The class of endangerment of three breeds was upgraded and two breeds downgraded. Despite the support for in situ conservation the effective population size decreased in six breeds. Based on the results it is assumed that financial support is not the only factor for maintaining the live animals. Important factor is the passion and tradition of farmers in maintaining certain breed.

New insights into the quality characteristics of milk from Modenese breed compared with Italian Friesian

This study examined the milk quality of the autochthonous cattle breed Modenese (MO) in comparison with Italian Friesian (IF), at peak and mid lactation, with the aim to support the interest in sustainability of the local cattle breeds in Europe. Forty-eight individual milk samples were collected from 11 MO and 14 IF pluriparous cows, housed in a free stall barn under similar conditions of feeding and management, at 8 and 21 weeks post-calving; daily milk yield (MY) and body condition score (BCS) were individually recorded. Breed differences were observed, being MY lower in MO cows, but BCS, titratable acidity, freezing point, casein (MC), total calcium (Ca), total phosphorus (P) and colloidal P contents were higher compared to IF cows. Time affected BCS, MY, milk protein (MP), MC, urea, casein P and the micellar content of colloidal Ca and colloidal inorganic P. A factorial analysis was performed and four common factors were obtained with a cumulative explained variance of 77.7% of the total original. MO milk showed a nutritionally interesting mineral profile and processing properties suitable for the production of typical cheese that could be interesting for improving the interest in the conservation of animal genetic resources.

Uniparental genetic systems: a male and a female perspective in the domestic cattle origin and evolution

Over the last 20 years, the two uniparentally inherited marker systems, namely mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome have been widely employed to solve questions about origin and prehistorical range expansions, demographic processes, both in humans and domestic animals. The mtDNA and the Y chromosome, with their unique patterns of inheritance, continue to be extremely important source of information. These markers played significant roles in farm animals in the evaluation of the genetic variation within- and among-breed strains and lines and have widely applied in the fields of linkage mapping, paternity tests, prediction of breeding values in genome-assisted selection, analysis of genetic diversity within breeds detection of population admixture, assessment of inbreeding and relationships between breeds, and assignment of individuals to their breed of origin. This approach offers a unique opportunity to save genetic resources and achieving improved productivity. In the past years, significant progress was achieved in reconstructing detailed cattle phylogenies; many studies indicated multiple parental sources and several levels of phylogeographic structuring. More detailed researches are still in progress in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of such extant variability. This paper is focused on reviewing the use of the two uniparental markers as valuable tool for the characterization of cattle genetic diversity. Furthermore, their implications in animal breeding, management and genetic resources conservation are also reported. Normal 0 21 false false false IT X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;}

Present status and future prospects of Gir cow

Gir cattle in Saurashtra provide milk, manure and draught power. Animal genetic resources of native breeds are largely underutilized in India and indiscriminate crossbreeding has degraded large numbers of local breeds. This is also true with Gir cattle in its native breeding tract. (i) About two-third population is either graded Gir or Gir like and hence not pure Gir, (ii) only one-third population i.e. 7.6 lakh could be 95% towards pure Gir. Hence, it is difficult to obtain large number of pure Gir animals. Since 2003–04 to 2012– 13, contribution of Saurashtra to state total indigenous cattle milk yield is 60%. A 25 years data analysis on Gir cows at CBF revealed average lactation yield as 2029 litre in 321 days lactation length and 1843.8 litre milk yield in 300 days. Production performance of Gir cows in three districts:(1) Junagadh (2) Rajkot and (3) Bhavnagar showed that average test day milk yield in Gir cows over a lactation were 7.99±0.05 litre/d for Junagadh, 6.43±0.03 litre/d for Rajkot and 6.71±0.04 litre /d for Bhavnagar district, projected values for 300-days milk yield being was 2397, 1929, and 2013 litre for the three districts respectively. Average AFC in Gir cattle of the station herd was 1527.7±14.1 days (51 mth) whereas survey study in Junagadh, Rajkot and Bhavnagar districts indicated AFC in field Gir cows as 45, 49, and 46 month, respectively. Parity had a significant effect on total lactation milk yield in Gir cows at CBF. Highest total lactation yield was observed in 2nd lactation (2132±123.4 litre) while lowest was observed in 10th lactation (1456.8±219.1 litre). Milk production traits LY and 300-d LY exhibited 10 to 13 % genetic variability in the herd. This suggests that to increase variability in the herd, genetic material from outside herd needs to be introduced.

Factors and determinants of animal genetic resources management activities across the world

This paper investigates the factors affecting the implementation of various management activities related to the characterization, use and conservation of animal genetic resources (AnGR) across countries. The 128 official country reports provided for The Second Report on the State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture were analysed based on a multivariate approach. These reports investigated topics related the national level of AnGR diversity, the extent of characterization activities, use and breeding programmes and conservation activities, as well as capacities in AnGR management and the use of biotechnologies related to livestock breeding. A large part of the variability (34.7%) of the dataset could be explained by one synthetic variable, which could be interpreted as the general extent of AnGR related activities, and indicate that country efforts on AnGR are directed relatively homogenously towards the various activities and species considered. This variable differentiated mainly OECD and BRICS countries from less developed ones. OECD and BRICS countries also appeared to be differentiated with respect to the use of some specific biotechnologies such as cloning, genetic modification and transplantation of gonadal tissues. With regards to economic and development indicators, the first synthetic variable showed large correlation with the number of researchers in agricultural sciences per inhabitant (r=0.643) and national GDP (r=0.516). Capacities in research therefore appeared to be one of the main enabling forces for activities related to AnGR and the implementation of the Global Plan of Action (GPA) for AnGR.

Implementation and cost analysis of a regional farm animal cryobank: an Italian case study

Scientific and technical reports on farm animal genetic resources (AnGR) cryoconservation activities, and related costs, are needed to optimise conservation programmes. In this paper, we presented the recent Italian AnGR gene banking development, including the creation of the first regional animal cryobank, the ‘Lombardia Farm Animal Genetic Resources Cryobank’ (LABank). In order to provide indications on cryobanking costs, a detailed analysis of the expenses incurred during the creation of LABank was carried out. Currently, in LABank genetic material (spermatozoa, blood and hair bulbs) of Italian cattle, sheep and goat local breeds is cryopreserved, for a total amount of approximately 2500 semen doses collected from 46 donors of five local breeds. The costs incurred by creating the semen storage showed differences among species and semen collection procedures, providing indications to enhance the setting up of regional cryobanks.

Molecular identification of livestock breeds: a tool for modern conservation biology.

Global livestock genetic diversity includes all of the species, breeds and strains of domestic animals, and their variations. Although a recent census indicated that there were 40 species and over 8000 breeds of domestic animals; for the purpose of conservation biology the diversity between and within breeds rather than species is regarded to be of crucial importance. This domestic animal genetic diversity has developed through three main evolutionary events, from speciation (about 3 million years ago) through domestication (about 12000 years ago) to specialised breeding (starting about 200 years ago). These events and their impacts on global animal genetic resources have been well documented in the literature. The key importance of global domestic animal resources in terms of economic, scientific and cultural heritage has also been addressed. In spite of their importance, there is a growing number of reports on the alarming erosion of domestic animal genetic resources. This erosion of is happening in spite of several global conservation initiatives designed to mitigate it. Herein we discuss these conservation interventions and highlight their strengths and weaknesses. However, pivotal to the success of these conservation initiatives is the reliability of the genetic assignment of individual members to a target breed. Finally, we discuss the prospect of using improved breed identification methodologies to develop a reliable breed-specific molecular identification tool that is easily applicable to populations of livestock breeds in various ecosystems. These identification tools, when developed, will not only facilitate the regular monitoring of threatened or endangered breed populations, but also enhance the development of more efficient and sustainable livestock production systems.

A method for single nucleotide polymorphism selection for parentage assessment in goats

Accurate pedigrees are essential to optimize genetic improvement and conservation of animal genetic resources. In goats, the use of mating groups and kidding management procedures hamper the identification of parentage. Small panels of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have been proposed in other species to substitute microsatellites for parentage assessment. Using data from the current GoatSNP50 chip, we developed a new 3-step procedure to identify a low-density SNP panel for highly accurate parentage assessment. Methodologies for SNP selection used in other species are less suitable in the goat because of uncertainties in the genome assembly. The procedure developed in this study is based on parent–offspring identification and on estimation of Mendelian errors, followed by canonical discriminant analysis identification and stepwise regression reduction. Starting from a reference sample of 109 Alpine goats with known pedigree relationships, we first identified a panel of 200 SNP that was further reduced to 2 final panels of 130 and 114 SNP with random coincidental match inclusion of 1.51×10−57 and 2.94×10−34, respectively. In our reference data set, all panels correctly identified all parent–offspring combinations, revealing a 40% pedigree error rate in the information provided by breeders. All reference trios were confirmed by official tests based on microsatellites. Panels were also tested on Saanen and Teramana breeds. Although the testing on a larger set of breeds in the reference population is still needed to validate these results, our findings suggest that our procedure could identify SNP panels for accurate parentage assessment in goats or in other species with unreliable marker positioning.

SNP-based genetic diversity of South African commercial dairy and fiber goat breeds

Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) have not been a prioritized livestock species with regards to molecular research. The genetic characterization of commercial South African (SA) goat breeds should contribute to improving the management of available animal genetic resources. The aim of this study was to investigate genetic diversity within and among SA commercial goat breeds utilizing the 50k goat beadchip. 88 goats originating from four breeds (dairy: British Alpine, Saanen, Toggenburg; fiber: Angora) were genotyped with the goat SNP50 beadchip. Average MAF values ranged from 0.25 for the Angora to 0.29 for the Saanen, with 46 983 and 50 368 polymorphic SNPs obtained for the respective breeds. Observed heterozygosity values ranged from 0.365 for the Angora to 0.431 for the Toggenburg breed. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) estimation revealed average r2 values of 0.12 and 0.15 for dairy and fiber breeds, respectively. LD decay was shown to occur after a distance interval of 20–40KB and 40–60KB for dairy and Angora breeds, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) produced clusters corresponding to the different production types (dairy and fiber). The Angora, British Alpine and Saanen breeds showed high proportions of membership to respective inferred ancestral populations with ADMIXTURE (97%, 84% and 92%, respectively). The results obtained in this study indicated genetic uniformity within dairy and fiber goats due to production-specific trait selection. Sufficient levels of genetic variation was, however, observed to allow genetic progress for SA commercial goat breeds pending the improved management of these goat genetic resources.