Animal Genetic Resources For Food Research Articles

Exploring the genetic origin of Brazilian locally adapted breeds: Admixture, population history and relationship with Portuguese and indicine cattle

The domestication of bovines has given rise to distinct phenotypes resulting in diverse breeds worldwide. Subsequent artificial selection has further enriched the complexity and diversity to cattle sub-species adapting them to their various purposes and evolving environment. Among these cattle sub-species, native Portuguese cattle breeds are considered a repository of biodiversity shaped by genetic and environmental effects accumulated over the years. In Brazil, taurine animals were introduced between the 16th and 17th centuries by the European conquerors to be used for food, leather, and animal traction. Through generations of casual crossings in diverse ecosystems, these animals became adapted to a wide range of environments and displaying varying levels of phenotypic variability and improved fitness to local conditions, hereafter recognized as Iberian-derived Locally Adapted breeds. Thus, we focused in assess 13 cattle breeds representing two geographic origins: Portuguese Iberian cattle and Brazilian Iberian-derived Locally Adapted breeds. The aim is to understand the genetic architecture of Brazilian Iberian-derived Locally Adapted breeds and their potential relationship with Portuguese Iberian cattle and Brazilian indicine breeds. In our study, we observed varying extents of linkage disequilibrium across the evaluated breeds, along with differences in effective population size. Runs of homozygosity analyses revealed different genes associated with common traits, even within a cluster group. For instance, genes related to immune response, such as MAVS (Mertolenga), DTX (Barrosã), ZBTB16 (Brava de Lide), DUSP22 (Pantaneiro), and IL7R (Caracu Dairy and Caracu Beef). Overall, our results highlight that both populations studied, with their specificities, are crucial sources of animal genetic resource of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture. While consanguineous matings are somehow controlled in both Portuguese Iberian and Brazilian Iberian-derived Locally Adapted breeds, our analysis of genetic variability suggests that ongoing precautions are necessary in the management of these populations.

Strategies for promoting sustainable use and conservation of indigenous chicken breeds in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from low-income countries

<ns4:p>This review explores innovative and sustainable strategies for the utilisation and conservation of indigenous chickens (IC) (Gallus domesticus) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), drawing lessons from selected low-income countries. Small-scale farmers (SSF) have kept IC for hundreds of years to meet their households' nutritional needs, incomes, and social-cultural and religious uses. The commitment exhibited by SSF to keeping IC has made them the significant custodians of essential animal genetic resources for food and agriculture (AnGR) in most low-income countries. Between 1991 and 2012, Zambia's private breeders invested over US$95 million in the commercial poultry sector, resulting in over a 100% increase in the annual production of day-old chicks to 65 million. However, high production costs and low market access hindered rural farmers' full participation, hence their continued dependence on IC breeds. The erosion of AnGR poses the biggest threat to livelihoods in SSA. The Food and Agriculture Organisation, an international body of the United Nations, highlighted that over 3.5% (60) of chicken breeds were extinct, 21.3% (368) were at risk of extinction, and nearly 63% (1089) were under unknown risk status. The report stated that 12.3% of the known chicken breeds were not at risk. Poultry diseases, lack of sustainable conservation strategies, and poor use have significantly contributed to these losses. In 2012, 60% of IC were reportedly diseased in parts of SSA. The continued loss of IC-AnGR may negatively impact rural livelihoods, and future research and breeding programs in poultry may suffer. This paper reviews the IC sector in parts of SSA, the socioeconomic, cultural and religious roles of IC, and lessons on researcher community-stakeholder strategies from selected low-income countries. The paper concludes and outlines some recommendations for future research.</ns4:p>

Strategies for promoting sustainable use and conservation of indigenous chicken breeds in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from low-income countries

This review explores innovative and sustainable strategies for the utilisation and conservation of indigenous chickens (IC) (Gallus domesticus) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), drawing lessons from selected low-income countries. Small-scale farmers (SSF) have kept IC for hundreds of years to meet their households' nutritional needs, incomes, and social-cultural and religious uses. The commitment exhibited by SSF to keeping IC has made them the significant custodians of essential animal genetic resources for food and agriculture (AnGR) in most low-income countries. Between 1991 and 2012, Zambia's private breeders invested over US$95 million in the commercial poultry sector, resulting in over a 100% increase in the annual production of day-old chicks to 65 million. However, high production costs and low market access hindered rural farmers' full participation, hence their continued dependence on IC breeds. The erosion of AnGR poses the biggest threat to livelihoods in SSA. The Food and Agriculture Organisation, an international body of the United Nations, highlighted that over 3.5% (60) of chicken breeds were extinct, 21.3% (368) were at risk of extinction, and nearly 63% (1089) were under unknown risk status. The report stated that 12.3% of the known chicken breeds were not at risk. Poultry diseases, lack of sustainable conservation strategies and poor use have significantly contributed to these losses. In 2012, 60% of IC were reportedly diseased in parts of SSA. The continued loss of IC-AnGR may negatively impact rural livelihoods, and future research and breeding programs in poultry may suffer. This paper reviews the IC sector in parts of SSA, the socioeconomic, cultural and religious roles of IC and lessons on researcher community-stakeholder strategies from selected low-income countries. The paper concludes and outlines some recommendations for future research.

Genetic variability analysis of 26 sheep breeds in the Czech Republic

Genetic variability analysis of 26 sheep breeds in the Czech Republic

WHY WE NEED INDIGENOUS BREEDS?

WHY WE NEED INDIGENOUS BREEDS?

Stakeholder involvement and the management of animal genetic resources across the world

The sustainability of activities related to animal genetic resources (AnGR) management depends largely on the participation of a range of stakeholders, both public and private. In this study, we investigated factors explaining differences in stakeholder involvement in AnGR management across countries, based on an historical perspective and an analysis of the 128 official country reports provided during preparation of The Second Report on the State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Results of principal component analyses indicated that countries differed in the involvement of stakeholders in AnGR management, generally with greater involvement of livestock breeders and their organizations in developed countries. Developing countries tended to be divided into two groups, those with little involvement by stakeholders and those with high involvement by government/research organizations. Depending on the country, the involvement of government/research organizations versus breeders/livestock keepers organizations and commercial companies also differed, which could be linked to some extent to their historical background. The level of involvement of breeders ‘associations or cooperatives was positively correlated (r=0.68) to the general extent of AnGR activities within the country. Our results underline the importance of involving breeders and livestock keepers in the development of management activities, while public support is required as well, especially in the early stages of capacity development. In developing countries, development policies relative to AnGR management should therefore seek to promote coordination among livestock keepers through creation and empowerment of cooperatives, associations or community-based approaches.

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.

Rights to Animal Genetic Resources – Basic facts and debates

Different strands of thinking and various lines of arguments lie behind the enquiry into the creation of rights to animal genetic resources. These are fueled by three major developments regarding livestock genetic resources: the increasing volume in trade in animal products, the scientific progress in animal breeding with the advances in genetic engineering, and the so-called erosion of animal genetic resources. This paper discusses questions of conservation and the sustainable use of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture (AnGRFA) in context with international trade and property rights. It provides an overview of the ongoing processes, the current debates and involved institutions. The question asked from a trade angle is whether and how incentives (market incentives) can be created to address the failures that lead to market concentration and uniformity of breeds. The hypothesis is that the questions of ownership and allocation of the rights to the genetic information are key and a basis for creating incentives to provide for adequate investments in traditional breeds and foster fcreativity to adapt them to specific environmental conditions and consumer preferences.

Effects of International Legal Regimes and Policy Measures Aimed at the Protection of Human, Animal or Plant Life or Health on Animal Genetic Diversity

The value of livestock diversity for food security is increasingly acknowledged. Previous studies have found evidence that resistance or tolerance of animals to diseases is related to genetic variation. This study asks whether international zoo sanitary and food safety regimes affect the diversity of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture (AnGRFA) or diversity of livestock, and, if so, whether measures to mitigate these impacts are desirable. The research is based on three case studies: the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Asia (2003-2005); the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the United Kingdom (2002); and a study on the possible impacts of zoo sanitary and food safety measures on creation of export markets for products of breeds at risk. We find no clear answer to the question. However, we conclude that, given the global nature of the risk, the burden of risk prevention measures should also be shared. This calls for a stronger commitment of the developed countries. We make recommendations for the elaboration of emergency, containment and prevention strategies and plans; for mitigating the indirect impacts of standards on trade in animal products; and information and capacity building on measures for the conservation of AnGRFA.

The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources — The road to common understanding and agreement

The first International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, took place from 3 to 7 September, 2007, in Interlaken, Switzerland. The main achievement of the Conference was the adoption of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, the first ever international framework for the promotion of the wise management of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture, endorsed by governments. The article describes the technical and intergovernmental processes developing the Global Plan of Action. The adoption of the Global Plan of Action has created unprecedented momentum for promoting the sustainable use, development and conservation of the world's livestock diversity. The international community is now facing the challenge to ensure that the Global Plan of Action is effectively implemented.

Rights to Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

At the background of the inquiry into the creation of rights to animal genetic resources lie different strands of thinking and various lines of arguments. These are fueled by three major developments in the AnGR sector: the increasing volume in trade in animal products; the scientific progress in animal breeding with the advances in genetic engineering; and the so- called erosion of animal genetic resources. The World Trade Institute of the University of Bern, which has previously deepened the studies on the question of rights to plant genetic resources and traditional knowledge in the international trading system, took up these issues. One year after the adoption of the Animal Genetic Resources Global Plan of Action by the International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (AnGRFA), it gathered a pool of experts to discuss the interface of AnGRFA, international trade and property rights. The result of this exchange is at the centre of this report.

A review of the role of protected areas in conserving global domestic animal diversity

A content analysis of 167 country reports submitted for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture was conducted to determine the extent to which protected areas are recognized as means of conserving domestic animal diversity. For countries in which protected areas were reported to help conserve the diversity of domesticated animals, additional details were sought from a review of related literature. Protected areas were seldom discussed in country reports and were most often mentioned as means to protect biodiversity in general, wild relatives of domesticated animals or wild game species. The most frequently mentioned way in which protected areas conserve domestic animal diversity is through initiatives that utilize indigenous breeds of livestock in nature conservation programmes. By offering farmers financial incentives for these ecological services, protected areas help offset potential economic disadvantages of raising indigenous breeds that may be less productive in industrial environments. Additional incentives to raise indigenous breeds are supported by protected areas such as niche marketing of organic food and fibre, establishing “seed herd” programmes and tourism promotion. Many opportunities exist for protected area managers and authorities responsible for conserving animal genetic resources for food and agriculture to fulfil mutually compatible objectives.

Implementing the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources

The first International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture adopted the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, the first ever international framework for the promotion of the wise management of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture, endorsed by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations member countries. The adoption of the Global Plan of Action has created unprecedented momentum for promoting the sustainable use, development and conservation of the world's livestock diversity. This article describes the first steps that countries have taken in its implementation.

Threats to animal genetic resources for food and agriculture – approaches to recording, description, classification and analysis

En la literatura aparecen descritas numerosas amenazas de los recursos zoogeneticos para la alimentacion y la agricultura (AnGR, por sus siglas en ingles). Todavia el grado de conocimiento acerca de las amenazas que afrontan determinadas razas y sistemas de produccion es incompleto y frecuentemente no esta al alcance de los diferentes agentes implicados. La falta de conocimiento sobres las amenazas a menudo va de la mano con la falta de conocimiento mas general sobre las caracteristicas, utilizacion, gestion y distribucion de las razas de ganado. El estudio de las amenazas debe ser una parte integral de las encuestas y de las estrategias de seguimiento nacionales para los AnGR. Las encuestas de campo representan una oportunidad para recurrir al conocimiento de los propietarios del ganado y otros agentes locales implicados, y disenar el mapa de la distribucion de la raza. Las percepciones del campo deben ser integradas, ademas de con la informacion sobre las tendencias economicas, desarrollo de politicas y la distribucion de los riesgos asociados con las epidemias y otros desastres, en una comprension mas profunda de las amenazas. Si se preve una encuesta a gran escala para conocer la opinion de los agentes implicados, es importante tener claro los objetivos del ejercicio a la hora de disenar clasificaciones en el marco de trabajo para ser usadas en la recopilacion y analisis de datos. El analisis de las amenazas debe perseguir no solo registrar la presencia o ausencia de amenazas particulares, sino tambien proporcionar una mejor comprension de sus movimientos, desde el punto de vista espacial y temporal, y como se ve afectados por el contexto (localizacion, produccion medioambiental, y actitud humana y objetivos, etc.).

Indicators: Do we have effective tools to measure trends in genetic diversity of domesticated animals?

The need to provide policy-makers with succinct, yet informative, messages is widespread in biodiversity management, and has led to the development of various “indicators” that can serve this purpose. While global data on the status of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture (AnGR) have been made available in a number of publications, the issue of developing a global indicator for AnGR has come to prominence only relatively recently. This paper describes the policy background to these developments and reviews initiatives in AnGR indicator development at national and regional levels. It also outlines some of the issues raised at an expert meeting on indicators organized by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in January 2010. To date, AnGR indicator development has largely been restricted to Europe. Globally, options are restricted by the limited availability of data. The expert meeting favoured an indicator set that describes both the relative abundance of native versus non-native breeds and summarizes breed risk status. The former will require a new breed classification system that is acceptable to countries and applicable globally. The risk-status categories of approximately 64 percent of reported breeds are available in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System, but a lack of regular updates of countries' breed population data means that trends cannot be described adequately at present.

Conserve Livestock Genetic Resources, Too

M. S. Swaminathan (“Gene banks for a warming planet,” Editorial, 31 July, p. 517) delivered a convincing argument for strengthening and expanding gene banks and other mechanisms for conservation of the biodiversity of agricultural plants, particularly in the context of climate change. This call to action should be echoed for animal genetic resources for food and agriculture. Similar to plants, animal genetic resources are being lost at an alarming rate. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (1) has reported that at least 20% of existing livestock breeds risk extinction, with insufficient data on an additional 30%. Furthermore, largely due to the need for cryoconservation of animal germplasm when stored ex situ and the associated costs and technical expertise required, gene banks for livestock are relatively rare, especially in developing countries.

Livestock Genomics in Developing Countries

The recent Reports on the bovine genome in the 24 April issue (“The genome sequence of taurine cattle: A window to ruminant biology and evolution,” The Bovine Sequencing and Analysis Consortium et al. , p. [522][1], and “Genome-wide survey of SNP variation uncovers the genetic structure of cattle breeds,” The Bovine HapMap Consortium, p. [528][2]) highlight the enormous potential of genomics to increase the understanding of genetic variation of livestock and to provide benefits for well-planned utilization of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture. Genomic selection ([ 1 ][3]) is already being applied to commercial livestock populations and is expected to increase selection response and decrease the costs of phenotyping relative to conventional approaches. The opportunities of genomics may be even greater for local breeds, in developing countries, assuming that complementary animal identification and recording can be established. Genetic variation is greater than in commercial breeds and projected increases in demand for animal products are much larger in developing than developed countries ([ 2 ][4]). Unfortunately, genomics also presents risks for the sustainable management of animal genetic resources in these countries. Historically, genetic improvement in productivity has commonly been achieved by importation of germplasm and cross-breeding, rendering within-breed improvement less attractive. Increases in productivity have been limited, however, by the poor adaptation of imported breeds to vastly different, and generally harsher, production environments than those in which they were selected. Increasingly precise selection in the same favorable environments is unlikely to overcome this limitation and may even decrease genetic diversity and adaptability. The maximum utility of livestock genomics can only be achieved with research, including collection of phenotypes and genotypes, on developing country breeds (and crossbreeds) in their natural environment. The Bovine HapMap analysis, which included two African and several Bos indicus breeds, is an encouraging start, but must be followed through with continued academic and financial investment. 1. [↵][5] 1. T. H. Meuwissen, 2. B. J. Hayes, 3. M. E. Goddard , Genetics 157, 1819 (2001). [OpenUrl][6][Abstract/FREE Full Text][7] 2. [↵][8] 1. B. Rischkowsky, 2. D. Pilling FAO, The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, B. Rischkowsky, D. Pilling, Eds. (FAO, Rome, 2007). [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1169588 [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1167936 [3]: #ref-1 [4]: #ref-2 [5]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [6]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DGenetics%26rft.stitle%253DGenetics%26rft.issn%253D0016-6731%26rft.aulast%253DMeuwissen%26rft.auinit1%253DT.%2BH.%2BE.%26rft.volume%253D157%26rft.issue%253D4%26rft.spage%253D1819%26rft.epage%253D1829%26rft.atitle%253DPrediction%2Bof%2BTotal%2BGenetic%2BValue%2BUsing%2BGenome-Wide%2BDense%2BMarker%2BMaps%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F11290733%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [7]: /lookup/ijlink/YTozOntzOjQ6InBhdGgiO3M6MTQ6Ii9sb29rdXAvaWpsaW5rIjtzOjU6InF1ZXJ5IjthOjQ6e3M6ODoibGlua1R5cGUiO3M6NDoiQUJTVCI7czoxMToiam91cm5hbENvZGUiO3M6ODoiZ2VuZXRpY3MiO3M6NToicmVzaWQiO3M6MTA6IjE1Ny80LzE4MTkiO3M6NDoiYXRvbSI7czoyNToiL3NjaS8zMjQvNTkzNC8xNTE1LjIuYXRvbSI7fXM6ODoiZnJhZ21lbnQiO3M6MDoiIjt9 [8]: #xref-ref-2-1 View reference 2 in text

Genotype evaluation and breeding of poultry for performance under sub-optimal village conditions

Indigenous and local breeds still contribute meaningfully to poultry meat and egg production and consumption in developing countries, where they make up to 90% of the total poultry population. This is so because they are well-adapted to the extensive husbandry (scavenging) conditions, with very low levels of inputs, under which they are maintained, usually together with other domestic animals. However, the vast majority of these breeds are not or poorly described. In addition, according to The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, about 40% of avian breeds are of unknown risk status. Thus, considerable efforts are needed in order to evaluate these breeds.Genetic improvement of these indigenous breeds is a challenging, but not impossible, task. Such improvement should not lead to a loss of their desirable characteristics. Different breeding strategies are discussed in light of the lessons learnt from previous experiences.

Editorial — The 5th session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Recommendations and advices

Editorial — The 5^th session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Recommendations and advices

Inventory, characterization and monitoring

SummaryInventory of species and breeds, their population sizes, geographic distribution and possibly their genetic diversity is generally undertaken as a first step in any national programme for the management of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture. The primary purpose of such an assessment is to document the current state of knowledge in terms of a population's ability to survive, reproduce, produce and provide services to farmers. Starting an inventory requires some knowledge of the inventory items and their characteristic attributes. Inventory and characterization are, therefore, complementary processes, in which the characterization step provides the baseline information as well as the criteria that will be used to establish and update the inventory. Characterization provides data on present and potential future uses of the animal genetic resources under consideration, and establishes their current state as distinct breed populations and their risk status. As use and management of animal genetic resources are dynamic processes, monitoring the status of a population has to be done on a regular basis. Thus, risk status indicators for use during the monitoring process need to be defined following the inventory and characterization steps.This paper discusses methods and criteria currently available, from research and past experience, for inventory, characterization and monitoring of animal genetic resources, with the view to assist in the development of a more comprehensive framework. Particular consideration is given to emerging tools and technologies. The scope of the review includes all livestock species and their wild ancestors and wild related species. Examples focus on cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens.