Diversity Of Animal Genetic Resources Research Articles

Understanding roles and functions of cattle breeds for pastoralists in Benin

Animal genetic resources (AnGR) are essential for food security and the livelihoods of many pastoralists. However, the AnGR diversity is currently being eroded, as well as the traditional ecological knowledge associated to the use of indigenous breeds and their environment. The objectives of this study were to: i) inventorise indigenous breeds of cattle and their performance in selected traits, ii) analyse pastoralists’ preferences for specific breeds and reasons for that, and iii) determine whether the knowledge about breeds and their traits was transmitted across generations and was consistent across agro-ecological zones. Data were collected through focus groups discussions, and individual interviews with 72 pastoralists. Interviewees belonged to three generations and three agro-ecological zones in the periphery of the W Biosphere Reserve in Benin. From the focus groups discussions we identified the most common breeds in the region (i.e. Keteeji, Jaliji, Bodeji, Tchiwali and Gudali) and the most relevant traits (i.e. milk production, meat production, endurance and tolerance to trypanosomiasis) to assess cattle breeds according to pastoralists. Individual interviewees scored the performance of cattle breeds in the four main traits based on a three-point scale. Finally, we determined the consistency of pastoralists’ knowledge across generations and agro-ecological zones. Keteeji was valued for its endurance and tolerance to trypanosomiasis, Bodeeji was highly valued for endurance and Gudali was perceived of high value for meat and milk production, but of low value for endurance. Keteeji was the preferred breed by the majority of the pastoralists (nearly 50%), especially for the adaptive trait withstanding hunger. Gudali was the least preferred breed (11%). 80% of pastoralists selected a preferred cattle breed based on adaptive traits, i.e. withstanding hunger, intelligence (beyond obedience to herder) or withstanding disease. Pastoralists’ knowledge about breed traits did not differ among generations, but some differences appeared among agro-ecological zones. This study suggests that pastoralists prefer adaptive traits of breeds over production traits to deal with the changing and unfavourable conditions of their environment.

English

The dramatic development of molecular genetics has laid the groundwork for genomics. It has introduced new generations of molecular markers for use in the genetic improvement of farm animals. These markers provide more accurate genetic information and better understanding of the animal genetic resources. Scientists, unfamiliar with the different molecular techniques tend to get lost as each has its own advantages and disadvantages. This review represents a trail to shade alight on the different types of molecular markers by introducing a brief summary on the development of genetic markers including both the classical genetic markers and more advanced DNA-based molecular markers. This review could be helpful to better understand the characteristics of different genetic markers and the genetic diversity of animal genetic resources.

Utilization of farm animal genetic resources in a changing agro-ecological environment in the Nordic countries.

Livestock production is the most important component of northern European agriculture and contributes to and will be affected by climate change. Nevertheless, the role of farm animal genetic resources in the adaptation to new agro-ecological conditions and mitigation of animal production’s effects on climate change has been inadequately discussed despite there being several important associations between animal genetic resources and climate change issues. The sustainability of animal production systems and future food security require access to a wide diversity of animal genetic resources. There are several genetic questions that should be considered in strategies promoting adaptation to climate change and mitigation of environmental effects of livestock production. For example, it may become important to choose among breeds and even among farm animal species according to their suitability to a future with altered production systems. Some animals with useful phenotypes and genotypes may be more useful than others in the changing environment. Robust animal breeds with the potential to adapt to new agro-ecological conditions and tolerate new diseases will be needed. The key issue in mitigation of harmful greenhouse gas effects induced by livestock production is the reduction of methane (CH4) emissions from ruminants. There are differences in CH4 emissions among breeds and among individual animals within breeds that suggest a potential for improvement in the trait through genetic selection. Characterization of breeds and individuals with modern genomic tools should be applied to identify breeds that have genetically adapted to marginal conditions and to get critical information for breeding and conservation programs for farm animal genetic resources. We conclude that phenotyping and genomic technologies and adoption of new breeding approaches, such as genomic selection introgression, will promote breeding for useful characters in livestock species.

A Glance over the Last Decade of Literature about Animal Sperm Banks

Global population growth threatens the diversity of AnGRs (Animal Genetic Resources), which is critical for livestock and wild animal viability, food safety and rural development. The AnGRs are also fundamental to preserve the natural heritage for the future [1-3]. In this sense, animal sperm banks are tools to secure the genetic diversity [4]. A retrospective analysis of the bibliography in this area was performed to unveil the most recurrent topics in animal sperm bank research in the last decade.

Focus on status and prospects of conservation and sustainable use of indigenous livestock genetic resources in Zimbabwe

This is a review paper that looks at the current status and prospects of conservation of indigenous livestock genetic resources in Zimbabwe. Indigenous livestock genetic resource conservation and sustainable use can contribute to reduced vulnerability, increased food security and accelerated economic growth in rural areas of Zimbabwe. There is a consensus that global animal genetic resources diversity is under pressure. The existence of threat to animal genetic resources is accepted, even though debate remains about the severity of genetic erosion. Local effort on improvement and conservation of indigenous cattle are described and challenges highlighted. The need to invest in indigenous livestock research and human resource development to support livestock conservation to accrue maximum benefit is acknowledged. Strategy on livestock conservation should be instrumental in ensuring the survival of indigenous livestock genetic resources, while making superior animals available to smallholder farming sector. Unknowingly some of our indigenous livestock genetic resources may be classified as insecure or vulnerable but not however endangered as such. Natural disasters have resulted in loss of valuable indigenous genetic resources, breeding tracts and mixing of genetic characteristics of various genetic grouping. Indigenous livestock genetic conservation should encompass changes in value and attitude of smallholder livestock producers from the present consideration for number of stock as status symbol to more important objectives of higher productivity and socioeconomic benefits that are business oriented. The review paper therefore, concludes that in the planning and implementation of indigenous livestock conservation interventions to increase livestock production, smallholder livestock farming sector approach is proposed, placing the household as focal point of livestock conservation. Small scale farmers approach should become increasingly important and can have a tremendous influence on achieving the primary objective which should be the conservation of indigenous livestock genetic resources one of the most vital resources in rural economy.

Review on the development of genotyping methods for assessing farm animal diversity

Advances in molecular biotechnology have introduced new generations of molecular markers for use in the genetic improvement of farm animals. Consequently, more accurate genetic information can be obtained to better understand existing animal genetic resources. This review gives a brief summary on the development of genetic markers including both the classical genetic markers and more advanced DNA-based molecular markers. This review will help us better understand the characteristics of different genetic markers and the genetic diversity of animal genetic resources.

Introduction of domestic buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) into Ethiopia would be feasible

AbstractDue to its high agro-ecological variation and favorable production environment, Ethiopia has been endowed with high diversity of animal genetic resources and huge livestock population. However, the per capita consumption of livestock products is among the least in the world. To increase this consumption level, Ethiopia needs to keep livestock species that would be able to thrive under sub-optimal management systems, while providing some amount of products and services. The domestic buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is one of the large ruminants that contribute to the least developed world's food and agriculture production. Therefore, introduction of the riverine-type buffalo would support food and agriculture production in Ethiopia. Moreover, the existing high demand for milk and meat, and the agro-ecological conditions are in favor of introduction of the riverine-type buffalo. More specifically, the riverine buffalo excels over indigenous cattle in its milk yield and quality of milk components. It also has a long productive life, a special ability of converting poor-quality roughage into animal protein, docile temperament and a wide range of adaptation. The presence of wild buffalo also shows Ethiopia's suitability for domestic buffalo rearing. Therefore, even though it seems illogical to make direct comparison between the performance of the Ethiopian indigenous cattle and the domestic buffaloes kept elsewhere; the hardy nature of buffalo and its wide range of adaptation would indicate the adaptation of the riverine-type buffalo in Ethiopia. However, the introduced riverine-type buffalo needs to be handled on experimental stations until management expertise is developed.

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 wool properties and body weights of the indigenous Red Karaman and Karyaka sheep breeds of Turkey

Sheep breeding has an important role in animal production in Turkey. The diversity of animal genetic resources of Turkey have not been fully appraised and some indigenous farm animal breeds are in danger of disappearing even before being scientifically defined. An equilibrium is needed between the genetic improvement studies and the conservation of the genetic resources Ozcan et al (1994). The greatest part of the wool produced by the indigenous sheep breeds in Turkey is of coarse and mixed type of wool and most of it is used in the hand woven authentic carpet production Kizilay (1986). This paper reports body weights and wool production characteristics of the indigenous Red Karaman and Karayaka sheep breeds.

Genetic diversity and sustainable management of animal genetic resources, globally

SummaryGeneral trends of development imply an increasing uniformity of animal genetic resources, caused by the loss of endangered breeds and increased inbreeding within commercial breeding populations. The implications of these trends point to a reduction in the genetic diversity of the animal genetic resources, which may reduce possibilities for utilization in the future, while at the same time a dramatic change in environmental production conditions can be observed. In order to change this developmental trend, sustainable management of animal genetic resources must be promoted globally. The fundamental issues for such sustainable management are illustrated by the principles given in the Convention on Biological Diversity. In order to accomplish sustainable management of these resources, the following actions must be taken:• The development of policies to promote national and global responsibility for maintaining genetic diversity, which will not be addressed within this paper• The development of knowledge as a fundamental concept to impose sustainable management principles on these animal genetic resources. This will be dealt with in this paper. A more complete description of these features can be found in Woolliams et al, 2005 in (Sustainable Management of Animal Genetic Resources).

Diversity of animal genetic resources and sustainable development of animal production in China

SummaryDevelopment of China's animal production in the last twenty years regarding farm animal diversity and the risk it faces in China are presented. The approaches of animal genetic resources conservation to satisfy a sustained development for animal production in future are expressed. Six approaches and measures are recommended.