Domestic Breeds Research Articles

CONCEPTUAL PRINCIPLES OF COMMERCIALIZATION OF BREEDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

The article substantiates that one of the prerequisites of the new development vector of Ukraine is the commercialization of the results of the intellectual activity of scientists. It has been established that the commercialization of intellectual property objects represents the transformation of the results of intellectual activity into a marketable product for the purpose of obtaining profit. In order to identify the state of commercialization of breeding achievements, monitoring and questionnaires of research institutions in the agricultural sector were conducted. It was found that breeding centers use a mixed form of commercialization, that is, they use intellectual property both in their own production and grant non-exclusive licenses to third parties for the right of use. The article establishes that there are the following ways of commercializing objects of intellectual property rights: using them in one's own production, adding rights to the authorized capital, transferring rights to an object of intellectual property. It has been proven that each of the above methods of commercialization is effective and capable of bringing profits to the owner of the rights in case of their effective use. Taking into account the results of the conducted research, a model for choosing methods of commercialization of intellectual property rights of agricultural research institutions is proposed, which is able to form the basis for making effective management decisions regarding the choice of forms and methods of commercialization of innovative products in certain conditions of the operation of an agricultural research institution. It is noted that, in practice, the transfer of rights to use intangible assets involves the licensor receiving income in the form of royalties and a lump sum payment, with the receipt of which the patent owner covers his expenses for scientific research. It has been proven that with improper organization of control over the payment of royalties, there is a risk of non-payment of such remuneration by the licensees. A clear and transparent approach to the payment of royalties could significantly change the relationship between breeders and seed producers to ensure fair financial settlements, and would provide a new cardinal impetus for the development of domestic breeding.

Z galerii ziemian lubelskich. Kazimierz Piaszczyński ze Snopkowa – hodowca koni, trzody chlewnej i owiec karakułów. Zarys działalności hodowlanej w latach 1895–1914

The article is an attempt to present the breeding activity of Kazimierz Piaszczyński, co-owner of the Snopków estate near Lublin. In the field of breeding horses and pigs, he continued the work carried out by his father-in-law, Antoni Bobrowski, who died in 1895, and he himself took up the breeding of Karakul sheep. At the turn of the century, Snopków was famous for its excellent horse-drawn carriage and riding stables, and repair horses were also appreciated. In the Kingdom of Poland and Russia, a pig farm also maintained its strong position, the fame of which was established by the breeding of pedigree English pigs. Piaszczyński, like his father-in-law, enjoyed the opinion of an excellent specialist among his contemporaries, as evidenced by numerous awards won at breeding exhibitions and the demand for local animals that remained at an even level. The year 1914 put a clearly outlined turning point for Snopków – the outbreak of World War I closed the period of Piaszczyński’s greatest successes, and the following years brought irreparable losses to the stud and the pigsty. Considering the above, I think it is worth reminding a wider group of readers the character and achievements of a man who has permanently entered the history of domestic livestock breeding.

Managing genomic diversity in conservation programs of Chinese domestic chickens

BackgroundEffective conservation and utilization of farm animals are fundamental for realizing sustainable increases in food production. In situ and ex situ conservation are the two main strategies that are currently used to protect the genetic integrity of Chinese domestic chicken breeds. However, genomic diversity and population structure have not been compared in these conserved populations.ResultsThree hundred and sixty-one individuals from three Chinese domestic chicken breeds were collected from populations conserved in situ and ex situ and genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). First, we used different parameters based on heterozygosity, genomic inbreeding, and linkage disequilibrium to estimate the genomic diversity of these populations, and applied principal component analysis (PCA), neighbor-joining tree, and ADMIXTURE to analyze population structure. We found that the small ex situ conserved populations, which have been maintained in controlled environments, retained less genetic diversity than the in situ conserved populations. In addition, genetic differentiation was detected between the in situ and ex situ conserved populations of the same breed. Next, we analyzed signatures of selection using three statistical methods (fixation index (FST), nucleotide diversity (Pi), and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) to study the genetic footprints that underlie the differentiation between in situ and ex situ conserved populations. We concluded that, in these small populations, differentiation might be caused by genetic drift or by mutations from the original populations. The differentiation observed in the population of Beijing You chicken probably reflects adaptation to environmental changes in temperature and humidity that the animals faced when they were moved from their place of origin to the new site for ex situ conservation.ConclusionsConservation programs of three Chinese domestic chicken breeds have maintained their genomic diversity to a sustainable degree. The small ex situ conserved populations, which are maintained in controlled environments, retain less genetic diversity than populations conserved in situ. In addition, the transfer of populations from their place of origin to another site for conservation purposes results in genetic differentiation, which may be caused by genetic drift or adaptation. This study provides a basis for further optimization of in situ and ex situ conservation programs for domestic chicken breeds in China.

Polymorphisms and expressions of ADSL, MC4R and CAPN1 genes and their effects on economic traits in Egyptian chicken breeds

In recent years, strategic plans for poultry production have emphasized quantitative traits, particularly body weight and carcass traits (meat yield), in response to overpopulation challenges. Candidate genes such as adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL), melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R), and calpain 1 (CAPN1) have played vital roles in this context due to their associations with muscle growth and body composition. This study aims to investigate the influence of polymorphisms and gene expressions of the aforementioned genes on body weight (BW), growth rate (GR), breast weight (BrW), and thigh weight (TW) across four distinct chicken breeds: Fayoumi, Matrouh, Mamourah, and Leghorn. The use of PCR-SSCP analysis revealed genetic polymorphisms through the identification of various patterns (genotypes) within the three examined genes. The ADSL, MC4R, and CAPN1 genes exhibited five, three, and two different genotypes, respectively. These polymorphisms displayed promising connections with enhancing economically significant production traits, particularly BW, BrW and TW. Furthermore, gene expression analyses were conducted on breast and thigh tissues obtained from the chicken breeds at 60 days of age, where ADSL and MC4R exhibited a noteworthy up-regulation in Fayoumi and Matrouh breeds, and down-regulation in Mamourah and Leghorn. In contrast, CAPN1 expression decreased across most breeds with a slight increase noted in Fayoumi breed. In conclusion, this investigation underscores the substantial impact of ADSL, MC4R, and CAPN1 genes on economically important production traits within Egyptian domestic chicken breeds. Consequently, these genes emerge as significant molecular markers, holding potential utility in avian selection and breeding programs aimed at enhancing productive performance.

Quality of bull beef of the Ukrainian black and white dairy breed in dependence on the development of subcutaneous adipose tissue

Determining the compliance of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the domestic cattle breed beef by the EUROP carcass standards is of great importance during Ukraine's accession to the European Union. The beef quality of a 21-month-old bull of the Ukrainian black and white dairy breed dependent on the subcutaneous adipose tissue development was evaluated at "Zhuravushka" FG in Kyiv region. From birth to 4 months of age, they were kept in groups of 25 heads. Growth and fattening were carried out at a feeding platform. For slaughter, the cattle were formed by a method of analogous groups. Following the EUROP system, the coverage of the carcasses with the subcutaneous fat was visually evaluated in five classes. The colour of the muscular and adipose tissue was determined by a scale of 1 to 7. The marbling of the muscular tissue was evaluated on a scale of 1 to 12, and the thickness of the carcass fat was measured between the 12th and 13th ribs as per the JMGA method. For chemical analysis to be conducted, 300 g of m. longissimus dorsi were taken from each cattle. The minced meat from that place was analyzed for total fat content – according to DSTU ISO1443:2005, mass, total ash - according to DSTU ISO 936-2008, moisture – according to DSTU ISO 1442-2005, pH – according to DSTU ISO 2917-2001 with the use of the laboratory ionometer (I-160M), penetration with the use of the automatic penetrometer PM DH in the laboratory of the department of meat, fish and seafood technologies of the National University of bioresources and nature management of Ukraine (NUBNMU). The beef's moisture-retaining capacity, broth tasting, and cooked meat were carried out in the "Meat Quality" laboratory of the Department of Milk and Meat Production Technologies of the NUBNMU. As the amount of subcutaneous fat increases, the marbling class of the bull beef does not increase. The development of the subcutaneous adipose tissue has no impact on the colour, pH, boiling, and transverse cut force of the beef. Due to better subcutaneous adipose tissue development, the meat has a higher moisture-retaining capacity than beef with its smaller amount. The development of the adipose tissue on the carcasses of the 21-month-old bull beef of the Ukrainian black and white dairy breed by the EUROP standard does not permit the prediction of the qualitative characteristics of the beef.

Evaluation of sex differences in pelvis and femur x-ray images in British shorthair cats by geometric morphometric method.

The study covers British Shorthair cats, which is a popular domestic cat breed in our country and defined as 'brachycephalic' in terms of skull structure. Article focuses on the pelvis and femur region of cats which gynaecological and orthopaedic diseases of this cat breed, which are frequently encountered in clinical practice, is found to be important. It is aimed to reveal the shape differences between male and female individuals using geometric morphometric method. X-ray images were used to examine the pelvis and femurs of cats via geometric method. Radiological images were obtained from a total of 40 British Shorthair cats (20 females and 20 males) in two positions, ventro-dorsal (VD) and latero-lateral (LL), and shape differences between the sexes were examined. As result, it is seen that the measurement points taken from the males are more outward and have sharper angles than the females. Study also shows pelvis is a better choice than femur when it comes to sex discrimination. Although traditional morphometric methods are more useful in clinical practice, it is thought that is important to support or re-evaluate the data with the geometric morphometric method in academic field for a further approach.

Productivity and grain quality of winter wheat varieties depending on the fractional nitrogen top dressings and seeding rates

The study was carried out in the Kostroma region on soddy-podzolic soils with an average degree of cultivation in 2019–2022, with three repetitions of a field trial. The purpose of the study was to estimate the effect of different doses of nitrogen top dressings applied at critical phases of plant development on productivity and grain quality of winter wheat at seeding rates of 2, 4, and 6 million germinating kernels per hectare. There have been studied 5 winter wheat varieties of domestic breeding, such as ‘Moskovskaya 39’ (a standard variety), ‘Moskovskaya 40’, ‘Moskovskaya 56’, ‘Nemchinovskaya 57’ and ‘Nemchinovskaya 85’. The used agrotechnology corresponds to the zonal one in the Kostroma region. As a result of the study there has been identified a productivity variation from 2.9 to 3.7 t/ha depending on a variety. The largest productivity was formed by the variety ‘Moskovskaya 56’ with the use of a triple dose of nitrogen at a seeding rate of 6 million germinating kernels per hectare, which significantly exceeded the control variant on 0.5 t/ha. There has been estimated an influence of doses of nitrogen top dressings on technological parameters and flour properties of winter wheat grain. There has been found that the high content of crude protein (17.44–19.41 %), gluten (28.16–35.80 %) and hardiness (65.9–74.6 %) was demonstrated by the variety ‘Moskovskaya 40’. There has been also established a large hardiness of the variety ‘Nemchinovskaya 57’ (62.5–75.0 %). The largest 1000-grain weight (42.0–45.2 g) has been found in the variety ‘Moskovskaya 56’. Through three years of the study, there has been proved a stable response of the studied varieties to the improvement of productivity and n qualitative indicators as a result of the use of doses of nitrogen top dressings for winter wheat crops.

Redefining the Evolutionary History of the Rock Dove, Columba livia, Using Whole Genome Sequences.

The domestic pigeon's exceptional phenotypic diversity was key in developing Darwin's Theory of Evolution and establishing the concept of artificial selection. However, unlike its domestic counterpart, its wild progenitor, the rock dove Columba livia has received considerably less attention. Therefore, questions regarding its domestication, evolution, taxonomy, and conservation status remain unresolved. We generated whole-genome sequencing data from 65 historical rock doves that represent all currently recognized subspecies and span the species' original geographic distribution. Our dataset includes 3 specimens from Darwin's collection, and the type specimens of 5 different taxa. We characterized their population structure, genomic diversity, and gene-flow patterns. Our results show the West African subspecies C. l. gymnocyclus is basal to rock doves and domestic pigeons, and suggests gene-flow between the rock dove's sister species C. rupestris, and the ancestor of rock doves after its split from West African populations. These genomes allowed us to propose a model for the evolution of the rock dove in light of the refugia theory. We propose that rock dove genetic diversity and introgression patterns derive from a history of allopatric cycles and dispersion waves during the Quaternary glacial and interglacial periods. To explore the rock dove domestication history, we combined our new dataset with available genomes from domestic pigeons. Our results point to at least 1 domestication event in the Levant that gave rise to all domestic breeds analysed in this study. Finally, we propose a species-level taxonomic arrangement to reflect the evolutionary history of the West African rock dove populations.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВНЫЕ ГИБРИДНЫЕ ФОРМЫ ВИНОГРАДА СЕЛЕКЦИИ ФГБНУ СКФНЦСВВ

The results of the study of white-berry hybrid forms of wine grapevine bred by Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "North Cauca-sus Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Winemaking FSBSI NCFSCHVW) – Tana 72 (Save Villar 12-309 × Muscat Ku-ban), Tana 73 (Muscat Kuban × Vertes Chilaga), Tana 74 (Save Villar 12-309 × Muscat Kuban), Tana 82 (Madeleine Angevin × Villar Blanc), Tana 92 (Zala dend x Mtsvane) are pre-sented. These forms of grapevines are allocated for the production of high-quality wine prod-ucts. The research results indicate the prospects of hybrid forms for the production of white wines, the expansion of the raw material base and the assortment of local varieties of domes-tic breeding.

Comparison of Goose Breeding Activities in Uşak and Afyonkarahisar Provinces

This study was carried out in order to reveal the current situation of goose breeding in extensive and semi-intensive conditions in Afyonkarahisar and Uşak provinces and to determine the important problems encountered in breeding. The material of the study; consists of a total of 200 survey data, 125 from the villages of the Merkez, Bolvadin, Sinanpaşa, Sultandağı, Çobanlar, and İhsaniye districts of Afyonkarahisar province, 75 from the Central, Banaz, Sivaslı, and Karahallı districts of the Uşak province. According to the research findings, it has been determined that more than half of the producers in Afyonkarahisar and Uşak have an average of 1-10 years of goose breeding. It has been determined that the number of breeding male geese per farm is 1-5, and the average number of breeding female geese is 3-20 (M/F: 1/3-5/20). It has been determined that 64% of the goose shelters in Afyonkarahisar and 50.6% in Uşak are made of briquettes or bricks. In conclusion, it can be said that the main problems of the producers are feed costs, inadequacies in care and feeding, breeding with low-yielding domestic breeds, difficulties in the supply of breeding animals, and problems in marketing. Expanding the scope of the goose incentive will provide an opportunity to prevent losses in our goose stock and to increase our goose presence again in the future.

ОЦЕНКА СУСЛА И ВИНА ИЗ НОВЫХ ГИБРИДНЫХ ФОРМ ВИНОГРАДА СЕЛЕКЦИИ АНАПСКОЙ ОПЫТНОЙ СТАНЦИИ

To produce new brands of high quality wines, it is necessary to select a grape assortment, in-cluding the latest achievements of domestic breeding. The article presents research materials on must and dry wines from hybrid forms of grapes of the AZOSViV breeding – 62-21, 62-20 and 62-24 (F/U Dzhemete×Cabernet Sauvi-gnon). These hybrids are studied in the hybrid plot to identify a set of economically valuable and adaptively significant traits and properties that exceed the standard varieties. All hybrid forms are of technical direction and medium maturity. Productivity is high, tolerant to phyl-loxera. Must and wine from the Cabernet Sauvignon variety were used as controls. Train-ing system "Spiral cordon AZOS-1". Planting scheme 3.5×2.0 m. As a result of the techno-chemical analysis of the must from the studied hybrids, it was revealed that by the time of har-vesting they had accumulated more sugars than the control variety. The titratable acidity of the must of the hybrid form 62-20 and control (Cabernet Sauvignon) was significantly higher than in other variants of the experiment. Based on the glucoacidometric index, the must of hy-brids 62-21 and 62-24 was the most optimal for obtaining high-quality red wines. All hybrid forms contained more phenolic substances in berries than Cabernet Sauvignon (control). Wine materials from the studied hybrids have a high alcohol content and a reserve of extractive and phenolic substances, which exceeds the control in these parameters. As a result of the tasting analysis of wine materials from the stud-ied hybrids, it was revealed that they are not inferior to the control Cabernet Sauvignon, and the forms 62-21 and 62-24 are rated higher than it.

Revelation of genetic diversity and genomic footprints of adaptation in Indian pig breeds

In the present study, the genetic diversity measures among four Indian domestic breeds of pig namely Agonda Goan, Ghurrah, Ghungroo, and Nicobari, of different agro-climatic regions of country were explored and compared with European commercial breeds, European wild boar and Chinese domestic breeds. The double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) data of Indian pigs (102) and Landrace (10 animals) were generated and whole genome sequencing data of exotic pigs (60 animals) from public data repository were used in the study. The principal component analysis (PCA), admixture analysis and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Indian breeds were closer in ancestry to Chinese breeds than European breeds. European breeds exhibited highest genetic diversity measures among all the considered breeds. Among Indian breeds, Agonda Goan and Ghurrah were found to be more genetically diverse than Nicobari and Ghungroo. The selection signature regions in Indian pigs were explored using iHS and XP-EHH, and during iHS analysis, it was observed that genes related to growth, reproduction, health, meat quality, sensory perception and behavior were found to be under selection pressure in Indian pig breeds. Strong selection signatures were recorded in 24.25–25.25 Mb region of SSC18, 123.25–124 Mb region of SSC15 and 118.75–119.5 Mb region of SSC2 in most of the Indian breeds upon pairwise comparison with European commercial breeds using XP-EHH. These regions were harboring some important genes such as EPHA4 for thermotolerance, TAS2R16, FEZF1, CADPS2 and PTPRZ1 for adaptability to scavenging system of rearing, TRIM36 and PGGT1B for disease resistance and CCDC112, PIAS1, FEM1B and ITGA11 for reproduction.

Method of ISSR-marking in the study of genetic diversity of flax varieties

The genetic diversity of crop varieties should be assessed using modern molecular markers. One of the most promising and simple methods of plant genetic analysis is intermicrosatellite labeling (ISSR). The purpose of this research is to study the polymorphism of varieties of fiber flax and linseed flax included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation, as well as local forms of fiber flax using ISSR markers. The objects for the research were 83 samples from the collection of the Federal Research Center for Bast Fiber Crops, among them 24 varieties of linseed flax, 56 varieties of fiber flax of domestic and foreign breeding, and three local forms from the Central Non-Black Earth Region. Genetic analysis was carried out by PCR method using a set of 25 ISSR primers. Detection of amplification products was carried out using electrophoresis in 1.5% agarose gel. Based on intraspecific selection of flax varieties to oilseed and fiber forms, a cluster analysis was performed according to the results of ISSR labeling independently in each of two groups that allowed to increase the reliability of conclusions on the existing dependences. Dendrograms of the genetic similarity of the studied samples of linseed flax and fiber flax were studied independently from each other. As a result of the analysis, linseed flax varieties were divided into five clusters, which made it possible to establish dependencies related to their origin (originator of the variety) and oil content in the seed. The dendrogram which included varieties of fiber flax and its local forms, revealed twelve subclusters forming three uneven groups. Almost every group had its own characteristic feature, not related to the geography of origin. The grouping of varieties occurred mainly on the basis of their various characteristics in terms of flax fiber content, ripening time and resistance to environmental stress factors. The results of the research show the applicability of using the ISSR-markers as a valid and accessible method for developing the elements of marker-associative breeding of bast fiber crops.

Search for genetic markers for selection and breeding aimed at increasing birth weight of piglets

With the intensive increase in the fertility traits of sows, the problem of decreasing the weight of piglets at birth has arisen. In this connection, the search for genetic variants associated with the birth weight of piglets is of particular relevance and scientific significance. The aim of the work was to identify genetic variants associated with piglet weight at birth and test them to select optimal genetic markers for selection and breeding work to improve reproductive performance of pigs on the basis of full genomic genotyping data using the Fst method. The studies were conducted in 2020-2022 on Large White pigs (n=239) bred at CJSC Plemzavod-Yubileiny in the Tyumen Region. Genotyping was performed using GeneSeek® GGP Porcine HD Genomic Profiler v1 (Illumina Inc., USA). Genomic data were filtered according to the following parameters --geno 0.1, -mind 0.1, -maf 0.05, -hwe 1e-7, --indep-pairwise 50 5 0.8. To identify genomic regions associated with piglet birth weight, there was used Fst statistics comparing genetic variants in pigs between two groups with high and low indices. Those in which the Fst values exceeded the quantile level of 0.999 were considered significant variants. Student's test was used to evaluate the significance of the effects of variant genotypes on the birth weight and number of piglets at birth. The results showed that there was a moderate negative relationship (-0.351) between piglet birth weight and number of piglets at birth. 17 SNPs associated with birth weight of piglets were identified, 9 of which were located in the KIF13A, STK24, FDFT1, ADGRD1, STX2, TMEM132D, ENSSSCG00000054866, ENSSSCG00000058459 genes, as well as SNPs rs81450496, rs80887103 in intergenic regions have been identified as promising genetic markers for increase in birth weight of piglets. The results obtained can be used to create domestic breeding technologies that improve the efficiency of pig breeding.

Investigation of the Prevalence of Digestive System Parasites in Chickens in the Kirikkale Region

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the prevalence of digestive system parasites in free-range chickens in Kırıkkale region. 
 Material-Method: One hundred (100) faecal samples were taken by visiting the poultry houses where domestic chicken breeding was carried out. Care was taken to ensure that the faecal samples were fresh and not in contact with soil. Each faecal sample was separately placed in plastic containers with lids and delivered to Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Routine and Epidemiology laboratory under appropriate conditions. The samples were analysed on the same day by native-lugol and Fülleborn flotation technique and the faecal samples which were positive for Eimeria oocyst were sporulated in potassium dichromate for species identification. 
 Result: Sixty-three of the faecal samples (63%) were found to be infected with one or more parasite eggs/oocysts. Eggs/oocysts of one, two and three different parasite species were detected in 42.9%, 39.7% and 11.1% of the faecal samples, respectively. In this study; Eimeria spp. 13%, Ascaridia spp. 6%, Capillaria spp. 12%, Eimeria spp.+Trichostrongylus tenuis, 3%, Eimeria spp. + Ascaridia spp. 3%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. 11%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. + Eimeria spp. 3%, Capillaria spp, 4%, Eimeria spp. + Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 1%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. + Trichostrongylus spp, + Trichostrongylus tenuis, 1%, Capillaria spp. + Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 2%, Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 2% and Trichostrongylus tenuis 1%. Eimeria spp. oocysts were morphologically identified as E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. brunetti, E. mitis and E. maxima. 
 Conclusion: As a result, it is thought that the parasite rate is high due to the fact that the sampled chickens are free-ranging in the natural environment, parasites are more common during the infective periods of parasites or parasite control and treatment are not performed regularly. In order to reduce the presence of parasite infections that cause yield losses, it is recommended that the animals should have access to clean feed and water sources and regular parasitic control and treatment should be carried out.

Whole-genome selective sweep analyses identifies the region and candidate gene associated with white earlobe color in Mediterranean chickens

We compared the genomes of multiple domestic chicken breeds with red and white earlobes to identify the differentiated regions between groups of breeds differing in earlobe color. This was done using a selective sweep mapping approach based on whole-genome sequence data. The most significant selective sweep was identified on chromosome 11, where the white earlobe chicken breeds originated from Mediterranean share a common haplotype, and where multiple candidate genes are located. The most plausible functional candidate gene is the Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R), a receptor known to regulate pigmentation in the skin and hair, and it is also the gene with the strongest positional support from the haplotype-based analyses. It, however, still needs to be explored experimentally to identify effects also on chicken earlobe color variation. Our study is the first exploration of the genetic basis of white earlobe color in Mediterranean chickens using a selective sweep mapping method based on whole-genome sequencing data and shows its value for identifying likely functional genes mediating the pigmentation in earlobe. It also indicates a potential novel role of MC1R in birds and exemplifies how selection on fancy traits has influenced the genome during formation of the modern chicken breeds.

Exploring animal breeding through the lenses of authoritarian and liberal eugenics: why some breeding practices are wrong and what could be new ethical standards?

Animal breeding is a mainstay of our relationship with domesticated species. However, it is sometimes leading to serious health and welfare issues, such as canine brachycephaly or double-muscling phenotype in Belgian Blue cattle. How then can we re-think our breeding system in animals? In this paper, I discuss the ethics of domestic animal breeding and new ways to achieve it. In doing so, I focus primarily on the concept of eugenics and its two major accounts: authoritarian and liberal eugenics. Indeed, the debates surrounding eugenics in humans is a quite prolific framework to question how we can justify animal breeding and has the merits to clarify the conditions needed to consider some practices as morally wrong (e.g. in the case of authoritarian eugenics). I argue that pure-bred breeding is comparable in many ways with authoritarian eugenics primarily because it does not consider the benefits for the animals but external factors such as beauty, productivity or certain behaviors. But arguing so raises the question whether this renders all types of animal breeding unethical. I refute this conclusion and give some arguments to support an active use of more ethical kinds of breeding systems. Specifically, I explore the concept of liberal eugenics and its limitations to defend a breeding practice that is both liberal and responsible. Such new standards can warrant a focus on animal welfare and put forward the central role of breeders in this process.

STUDY OF THE SPERM MICROBIOME OF BULLS USING METAGENOMIC ANALYSIS

The study aimed to obtain information about the microbial communities in bull sperm, which is used for artificial insemination. The research included ten samples of cryopreserved bull sperm obtained from domestic breeding farms and 24 imported sperm samples. Next-generation sequencing technology on the Illumina Miseq platform was used for the analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the QIIME2 software package. The obtained whole-genome sequencing data showed a low level of biodiversity in the analysed samples. Diversity index values were determined for two groups of samples: sperm from domestic and foreign bulls. The Shannon index values were 1.40±0.12 and 1.30±0.08 for each group, respectively. Student's t-test calculations indicated no statistically significant differences in the α-biodiversity parameters between these groups. Up to 19 known bacterial types were detected in the samples, with only Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Tenericutes present at frequencies exceeding 5%. Fusobacteria and Firmicutes dominated Russian bull sperm samples, while the predominant type in foreign bull sperm was Proteobacteria. Of the 18 detected bacterial classes, genetic material from 11 classes was found in at least one of the samples at a frequency exceeding 5%. Russian bull samples contained up to 13 genera of bacteria with genetic material above 1%, while foreign bull samples contained up to 15 genera. The predominant genus for domestic bull sperm samples was Fusobacterium, while for alien bull sperm, it was an unidentified genus of the Clostridiales order. The presence of representatives from the Campylobacter and Pseudomonas genera was also noted in the samples. Possible associations between the presence of specific bacterial taxa and morphofunctional indicators of bull sperm quality are discussed.

Rural Development perspective factors in the Russian Federation: breeding, seed farming and pedigree work

The article studies the specific Rural Development features, defines the main Rural Development elements as systems: village-forming enterprises (agricultural enterprises, as well as enterprises of other activity spheres within a given agricultural area), rural infrastructure, housing complex, etc., which is necessary for the life of the population in rural areas. The necessity of the breeding, seed production and pedigree business development as an important condition for the agricultural plants seeds provision of higher reproductions and high-productive breeds of farm animals is substantiated. Trends in the agricultural plants and animals breeding development are analyzed. The breeding research development problems have been analyzed, including the poor level of Public Research Institutes material and technical base development, lack of modern equipment and technologies, qualified personnel, which makes it difficult to carry out breeding work. The conditions for the rural areas development are defined and grouped, namely: conditions that have a direct and indirect impact on the rural areas development. The need for the enterprises development that form the core of rural areas (agricultural enterprises and enterprises of other spheres of activity), including through the agricultural enterprises interaction with scientific organizations in the field of breeding is determined. The authors justify the need for revival and development of experimental production farm, seed farms and breeding farms for successful implementation of the scientific research results in the breeding, seed production and breeding field. It is justified the fact that the full rural areas development is possible only by ensuring the cumulative effect of these conditions. The main constraining factors in the practical use field of breeding varieties and breeds of animals in the agrosphere are determined. The directions of rural areas development on the basis of use by agricultural producers of achievements of domestic breeding are formulated.

Associations of polymorphisms in prolactin and dopamine receptor D2 genes with reproductive traits on Silkie chicken

The Silkie chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus Brisson) is one of domestic chicken breeds with commercial rearing and breeding potentials for egg production. Prolactin (PRL) and dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) are potential genes associated with reproductive traits in chickens. This study was conducted to analyze the association of PRL and DRD2 insertion/deletion (Indel) polymorphisms with chicken reproductive traits in Silkie chickens. A total of 380 hens from 16-40 weeks of age were used, with each one being placed in a separate cage. DNA isolation was performed using feather samples, and genotypes were detected using the Indel technique. Two polymorphisms consisting of 24 base pair (bp) Indel in the promoter region of the PRL gene and 22 bp Indel in the promoter region of the DRD2 gene were identified. At both sites, the Indel polymorphisms did not follow the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In addition, with the exception of total eggs over 23 weeks of laying in the PRL gene, the analysis revealed no association between these polymorphic loci and any traits collected. In conclusion, birds with the DD genotype produced the maximum egg yield (73.6 eggs/hen), whereas those with the II genotype produced approximately 9 fewer eggs (64.1 eggs/hen), resulting in laying rates of 45.7% and 40.1%, respectively. For enhancing the egg-laying capacity of Silkie chickens via selective breeding, opting for DD birds with DD genotype of PRL Indel is highly recommended.