Genetic Resources Conservation Programme Research Articles

Freezability of semen collected from ganders of 12 breeds covered by the Polish genetic resources conservation program

Abstract A rapid decline in wild animal biodiversity, as well as in the number of local livestock breeds of lower economical values, makes species and breeds protection and creation of genetic reserves a necessity and a challenge of the 21st century. For birds, semen freezing is still the best method of gene preservation ex situ in vitro. The aim of the presented study was to assess the susceptibility to freezing process and to establish the semen gene bank of twelve goose breeds covered by the Polish genetic resources conservation program. Sexually mature ganders were randomly selected from four northern local breeds: Kartuska, Pomorska, Rypinska, Suwalska, four southern local breeds: Garbonosa, Kielecka, Lubelska, Podkarpacka and four foreign goose breeds: Kuban, Landes, Roman and Slovakia. Each breed was represented by 12 males, twelve repetitions were carried out. Semen samples were frozen in a computer-controlled cryogenic chamber using a method developed for White Koluda goose. The basic evaluation criterion was sperm morphology in fresh and freeze-thawed semen assessed in nigrosine-eosin stained histological smears. The percentage of live in total and live normal sperm in the fresh semen differed significantly (P<0.05) between breeds. Semen of Kartuska and Suwalska ganders (northern breeds), contained the highest percent of live sperm - 94.4 and 94.1 respectively, including 52.5% and 54.2% of live normal sperm, while the lowest number of these forms were observed for Slovakia goose – 86.4% and 29.2%, respectively. The freezing process resulted in a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the total number of live and live normal sperm and an increase in dead sperm in all groups. Cryopreservation process was the most effective in case of Suwalska goose semen (28.4% of live normal cells in thawed semen) and the less profitable for Landes (7.4% of live normal cells). The analyzes showed significant differences between breeds in sperm morphology in fresh and thawed semen. Moreover, the high proportion of live spermatozoa in the fresh semen did not guarantee a high proportion of spermatozoa after thawing, indicating the differences in semen susceptibility to cryopreservation process depending on goose breed.

Analysis of the genetic diversity of Ayrshire cattle in Russia. Message 2. Genome analysis based on data on the distribution of ROH patterns in Ayrshire cows

BACKGROUND: The analysis of ROH distribution is an important focus of genetic resource conservation programs of cattle. Characterization of ROH-islands allows to identify genetic factors affecting productivity traits of dairy cattle.
 AIM: was to analyze intra-breed genetic diversity and population structure of Ayrshire cattle, based on data on distribution of homozygosity patterns, as well as to identify loci associated with selection intensity and utility traits.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: ROH distribution data were obtained using whole genome genotyping on Illumina BovineSNP50 (50K) DNA chips (Illumina Inc., USA). The object of the study was the DNA of Ayrshire cows (600 cows), which belonged to farms with different levels of selection and breeding work.
 RESULT: The results of our studies showed a generally similar level of inbredness of the analyzed Ayrshire cattle herds. The homogeneity of the population is confirmed by a large number of animals (72.83%) with FROH values between 0.10 and 0.20. Cluster analysis revealed consolidated groups of individuals, due to their ancestral origins. The discovered ROH-patterns included 268 genes, 32 of which were involved in regulation of the synthesis of protein and fat milk components. The results obtained may be used in breeding programs for Ayrshire cattle in Russia.
 CONCLUSIONS: The Russian population of Ayrshire cattle is distinguished by unique qualities in protein and fat milk composition and genome architecture, while maintaining genetic diversity and insignificant traces of Ayrshire cattle gene pool.

Effect of fattening and slaughter value of Puawska gilts on their lifetime piglet production

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of performance test traits of young gilts on the number of piglets born and reared during their reproductive life. The material for the study consisted of the entire population of Puawska sows, kept in breeding herds and included in the genetic resources conservation programme in the years 20012019. Dataset was created for 2,722 Puawska gilts with complete information from fattening and slaughter evaluation and reproductive performance results. In order to determine the influence of selected factors on sow production performance, 4 groups of factors were created (for parity, body weight, daily gain and meatiness). It was found that young gilts evaluated at a body weight of up to 55.9 kg and with daily gains of up to 519 g/day were statistically significantly characterised by the worst production parameters in both the first and subsequent parities. In the case of meatiness, its excessive content in the carcass of females (60%, class S) contributed to the reduction in the number of piglets born and reared mainly in the first parities. In the second and third parities, a high value of meatiness contributed to a reduction in the number of piglets reared.

WSTĘPNE OBSERWACJE NAD DZIAŁANIAMI PROFILAKTYCZNYMI W STADACH KRÓW MLECZNYCH RAS ZACHOWAWCZYCH I WYSOKO PRODUKCYJNYCH

Cattle of conserved breeds are more resistant, healthier, and more adaptable to unfavour- able environmental conditions, with less rigid feed requirements. In contrast, cattle of highly productive breeds are more sensitive to deviations in environmental conditions and therefore are assumed to re- quire a wider range of preventive actions. The aim of the study was to present the differences and simi- larities in the use of preventive measures in herds of cattle of conserved and high-yielding breeds. The data for the study were collected by means of an Internet survey. A total of 150 responses from dairy cattle farmers were obtained, from four producer groups. Statistical analysis of the results was per- formed by the chi-squared test. It was concluded from the responses that farmers raising high-yielding breeds more often make use of prophylactic tools such as regular veterinary and zootechnical checks, microclimate measurements, TMR and PMR feeding systems, balancing of feed rations, feed quality testing (especially haylage and maize silage), and use value assessment. However, high-yielding cows had access to pasture much less often than cattle of breeds included in a genetic resources conservation programme. Breeding progress is important in the development of a breeding farm, and therefore farmers should be aware of the value of genetic and cytogenetic testing as additional tools broadening the range of preventive measures that could improve the genetic pool in the dairy cattle population in Poland.

Native Sheep Breeds in Poland-Importance and Outcomes of Genetic Resources Protection Programmes.

Simple SummaryThe aim of this paper was to present the current situation of native sheep breeding in Poland, in terms of the significance and the effects of genetic resources protection programmes. The sheep farming tradition in Poland is deeply rooted in culture, particularly in the mountain and foothill regions. Sheep are permanently linked to many areas of country, not only playing an indispensable part in shaping the landscape, but also providing unique products. The most effective method of conserving native breeds is their sustainable management. It is important to maintain and develop the promotion and certification of high-quality products from native breeds and to control the endangered status of local breeds, which must be monitored and updated on an ongoing basis.The sheep population of native breeds, despite their unique features and the ability to adapt to harsh environmental conditions, has significantly decreased in recent years. Due to the low profitability of breeding, many local breeds of sheep in Poland were exposed to the risk of extinction. Many years of crisis in sheep farming have exacerbated this situation. The aim of this paper was to present the current situation of native sheep breeding in Poland, in terms of significance and effects of genetic resources protection programmes. The conservation of genetic resources of sheep aims to maintain and increase the population size while striving to maintain the greatest possible genetic variability. There are 17 native breeds included in the Polish sheep genetic resources conservation programme. A positive element of the implementation of the conservation of genetic resources programme for sheep is the accompanying measures which are based on the use of the non-productive role of the species. Extensive sheep grazing, as a form of nature conservation, serves to preserve valuable natural landscapes and the culture of local communities associated with sheep farming. Production and promotion of quality products, especially using niche markets and short production chains, are essential to ensure the economic viability of farms. These activities must be accompanied by raising public awareness of indigenous breeds and their alternative use in environmental activities, as well as their role in preserving the cultural heritage of local communities, for example through mountain grazing and the production of traditional products.

Semen characteristics of ganders kept as genetic resources conservation programme.

The creation of genetic reserves of domesticated animal species and breeds almost become a necessity in the recent years, but there is a question what is the value of semen of males kept ex situ in vivo as gene conservation flocks. Presented studies assessed the response to semen collection by dorso-abdominal massage and the quantitative and qualitative semen characteristics of six goose breeds (Pomorska, Garbonosa, Kuban, Landes, Roman and Slovakia) covered by the genetic resources' protection programme. Fourteen semen collection attempts were performed per male. In each breed there were ganders with low and high sensitivity to massage. The most positive reactions were stated in Pomorska ganders (67.9%) and the least in Kuban breed (52.60%). Individual male evaluation showed that only in three breeds (Pomorska, Garbonosa and Kuban) there were individuals showing 100% susceptibility to semen collection, in some breeds only one to four positive reactions (ending with ejaculation) were noted. Results obtained indicated breed and male effect on analysed semen traits, with the exception of sperm motility. The highest number of live normal sperm (44.2% on average), sperm concentration (530×106 ml-1 ), the highest Semen Quality Factor (92.9) and sperm motility (50.30%) were found in semen of Kuban ganders, while the lowest values of these traits (28.7%; 230×106 ml-1 ; 11.4 respectively) in Slovakia ganders. The lowest sperm motility (38.3%) was observed in ganders of Roman breed, but comparing to the other breeds existing differences were not significant. Significant differences in sperm morphology between individual ganders were also observed.

Allelic diversity of a panel ofAegilops muticaBoiss (Amblyopyrym muticum(Boiss.) Eig) from Turkey

AbstractThe members of the Aegilops genus serve as a vast pool of allele discovery for wheat improvement in abiotic and biotic stress responses.Aegilops muticaBoiss (Amblyopyrym muticum(Boiss) Eig) is an unexplored candidate with significant potential. Even though it has been used in cytogenetics applications within the last century, natural population diversity and allele discovery have been neglected. As an endemic species for Anatolia and the lower Caucasian region, it has an unexplored population structure. Here, seventy-five genotypes from five different newly collected populations from central Anatolia were evaluated with 29 polymorphic SSR loci. Significant diversity within (83%) and between (17%) the populations was obtained. Three of the populations were clearly separated, while two had some level of the mixture. Relatively easy cross-species hybridization and introgressions makeAe. muticaa good candidate for novel allele discovery and pre-breeding. Here, for the first time, representative natural populations ofAe. muticawere compared and population structures were revealed with SSR markers which may clear the misty vision that geneticists might have regardingAe. mutica. This could be exploited in genetic resource conservation and breeding programs and maybe a point for further studies.

Does Experience Make Hucul Horses More Resistant to Stress? A Pilot Study.

Simple SummaryBreeding programs dedicated to some horse breeds require the application of performance tests, which can be a source of stress exerting a negative impact on the welfare of these animals. By monitoring the level of stress with non-invasive methods, factors that reduce welfare and are not indispensable in horse breeding and use can be eliminated. An attempt was made to investigate whether the age and the number of starts in championships contribute to horses’ experience and therefore increase their resistance to stress. The results of the tests conducted on Hucul mares who participated in the Polish Championships for Hucul Horse showed an increase in cortisol levels in all mares after each element of the championship. Age and a higher number of horse starts did not result in increased resistance to stress accompanying the competition.The aim of the study was to determine whether experience related to horse age and number of starts in championships influences stress level, measured by salivary cortisol concentration. The study involved 18 clinically healthy Hucul mares who participated in the Polish Championships for Hucul Horses. Evaluation of performance value was carried out in accordance with the guidelines specified in the breeding and genetic resources conservation program for this breed. The championship lasted two days, consisting of conformation evaluation, endurance, and Hucul path. Saliva was collected at baseline (T1), after arena assessment (T2), after endurance (T3), and on the second day after the Hucul path (T4). Cortisol levels increased from an average of 2.73 ± 1.18 ng/mL (T1) to 10.46 ± 8.03 ng/mL after T3. Significantly lower levels of free cortisol were detected in the saliva of the younger mares, up to 9 years old, and mares who participated in only one qualifying path after each element of the championship. The highest levels of cortisol (T3) were found in mares competing repeatedly on the qualifying path. No correlation was found between cortisol levels and the championship results. Participation of mares in the championship was associated with stress, which was reflected in the increase in cortisol levels in saliva.

Characteristics of semen collected from gander included in the genetic resources conservation program

Conservative breeding ex situ in vivo is one of the most popular methods of creating genetic reserves. Unfortunately, keeping animals in small closed populations leads to inbreeding which reduces their reproductive capacity. The aim of the study was to characterize the sperm quality of 6 genetic groups of geese (northern and southern breeds) kept in Poland for many generations as genetic reserve flocks. Each breed was represented by 10 randomly selected 1-yr-old ganders, semen was collected 14 times, individually from each male, and the number of positive reactions (ended with ejaculation), semen volume, sperm concentration, and morphology were assessed. The obtained results showed a significant difference between breeds and individuals of the same group, both in males’ reaction and semen quantitative and qualitative traits. From the northern breeds 193 ejaculates were obtained in total (i.e., 45.9% of all attempts), from the southern breeds 242 ejaculates (57.6%). The volume of single ejaculate varied from 0.01 mL (one drop allowing only histological smear and sperm morphology evaluation) to 0.65 mL; sperm concentration varied from 23.0 × 106mL−1 to 2376.0 × 106mL−1; the amount of total live sperm was at a similar level in all breeds (89.6%–97.7%), while live normal cells ranged between 15.2% and 67.9% depending on breed and individuals. When keeping the genetic reserves ex situ in vivo, attention should be paid to the quality of semen and males that are poor in this respect should be eliminated, in order not to lead to an excessive weakening of the reproductive capacity of the flocks covered by the genetic resources protection program.

Pedigree analysis in the Polish Red cattle population

The objective of this study was to describe the population structure and inbreeding level of the population of Polish Red Cattle (PRC). The structure of the breed was analysed in the context of the existing genetic resources conservation programme. The level of genetic diversity and the effective population size were also determined. The analyses were carried out based on pedigree records of 9 170 animals. Data and pedigree information were collected during the time period of 1950–2014. Records were collected by the National Research Institute of Animal Production in Balice, Poland. The population structure was analysed using the CFC programme. All the animals were grouped into five classes according to their inbreeding coefficient: the first class included non-inbred animals; and the next classes included inbred animals 0% < F ≤ 5%, 5% < F ≤ 10%, 10% < F ≤ 20%, 20% < F ≤ 30% or F > 30%. The average inbreeding in PRC population was 4% and there were 2 182 (23.8%) inbred animals. The study also included the determination of ancestral paths for the PRC population. The longest ancestral path (LAP) consisted of 12 generations (three animals) while only 229 animals (2.53%) had an LAP comprising at least 10 generations. Therefore, a need exists, particularly in PRC as a small local breed, to manage selection and mating decisions to control future coancestry and inbreeding, which would lead to better handling of the effective population size. The study results showed the possibility of disrupting the balance of the structure of a small population like PRC. Hence, endangered populations need to be monitored on a continuous basis.

Breeding and Performance Potential of Puławska Pigs – A Review

Abstract The aim of the study was to discuss breeding of pigs of the Puławska breed, which is included in a Genetic Resources Conservation Programme, and to analyse performance parameters that are useful in domestic pig production. The Puławska breed is the oldest native breed of pig in Poland. Since 1996 it has been protected by a genetic resources conservation programme, owing to breeding traditions and the production traits characteristic of the breed. The use value of these pigs is currently at the level of maternal breeds: number of live piglets born per litter – 10.54; number of piglets reared per litter – 9.37; daily weight gains – 569 g for breeding boars and 562 g for breeding gilts; meat content – 54.6% for breeding boars and 54.9% for breeding gilts. An important element in favour of the use of this breed in domestic production of fresh pork and pork products is its meat quality parameters. The mean values for physical traits (WHC 22.42%, pH45 6.47, pH24 5.63) and chemical parameters (protein 22.70%, fat 2.65%) are characteristic of meat of normal quality. The Puławska breed can be used to produce high-quality fresh meat and meat products, including traditional and regional ones. Puławska pigs are bred and reared according to the principles of sustainable agriculture, which reduces the negative impact of pig production on the natural environment.

Genetic Variation of Eight Indonesian Swamp-Buffalo Populations Based on Cytochrome b Gene Marker

Genetic variation is a major concern in animal genetic resources conservation program. This study aimed to analyze genetic variation and phylogeography of eight Indonesian swamp-buffalo populations based on cytochrome b gene marker. A total of 78 DNA fragment samples originating from eight Indonesian swamp-buffalo populations were used in this study, namely Bombana Island, Bombana mainland, Kolaka, Konawe, North Toraja, West Nusa Tenggara, Banten, and Aceh with 11, 10, 13, 14, 10, 10, 5, and 5 samples, respectively. The cytochrome b gene sequence and genetic variation parameters were analyzed in MEGA software (ver 6), and DnaSP software (ver 5.10.01). The results of this study showed that all DNA-fragment samples were successfully amplified by PCR technique with the size target (906 bp). Based on the distribution of all samples, it was found 9 polymorphic sites, and 10 haplotypes with the haplotype diversities were 0.6590. The average of genetic distances between populations ranged from 0.0000-0.002. They were grouped into two main clusters. The first cluster consisted of Aceh, North Toraja, West Nusa Tenggara, Banten, Kolaka, and Konawe populations, meanwhile, the second cluster consisted of Bombana Island, Bombana mainland, Kolaka, and Konawe populations. The results of the study were concluded that eight Indonesian local swamp-buffalo populations were grouped into two main clusters where Bombana Island and Bombana mainland populations were specific breeds because they were only found in the second cluster and also had specific nucleotides sites on the 57 nucleotides which C base changed to T. The results of this study were useful in formulating the program of conservation and utilization of Indonesian buffalo genetic resources, especially in the buffalo population with specific breeds.

Short Communication: Prolactin and x-collagen genes polymorphism in Central Javanese local ducks, Indonesia

Abstract. Susanti R, Yuniastuti A. 2020. Short Communication: Prolactin and x-collagen genes polymorphism in Central Javanese local ducks, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 605-610. Genetic conservation is an effective approach to preserve unique and protected species in Indonesia, including indigenous duck (Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758). One of the most important things is an identification effort by studying genetic characteristics to support genetic resource conservation programs. This study aim was to analyze the genetic polymorphisms of Central Javanese local duck based on prolactin (PRL) and collagen-x (COLX) genes. A total of 35 local ducks in Central Java was collected as samples, the duck’s calamus feathers were taken for tissue DNA isolation. Polymorphism analysis of PRL and COLX genes were performed using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and PCR-RFLP method. The amplicons were then digested with DraI restriction enzyme (AhaIII) (5'TTT/ AAA) for PRL gene, and HaeIII (BsuRI) enzyme (5'GG/ CC-3 ') for COLX gene. The genotype was determined based on RFLP PCR amplicon band results from each target gene. For each gene, data on genotype frequencies, allele frequencies, expected heterozygosities (HE), and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were analyzed using PopGene32 software. Based on the PRL gene, there were 25 ducks (71.43%) with BB genotype and 10 ducks (28.57%) with AB genotype. While based on the COLX gene, as many as 25 ducks (71.43%) had TT genotypes, 9 ducks (25.71%) had TC types and 1 duck (1.86%) had CC types. Both PRL and COLX genotypes were clustered the Central Javanese local ducks into 5 haplotypes (A-E). The high allele frequency has belonged to B allele (85.71%) of the PRL gene and T allele (84.25%) of the COLX gene that showed high egg production and quality. Allele B (PRL gene) and T allele (COLX gene) could be predicted as weight eggs’ alleles marker.

Morphological and molecular characterization of freshwater prawn of genus Macrobrachium in the coastal area of Cameroon.

Macrobrachium (Bate, 1868) is a large and cosmopolitan crustacean genus of high economic importance worldwide. We investigated the morphological and molecular identification of freshwater prawns of the genus Macrobrachium in South, South West, and Littoral regions of Cameroon. A total of 1,566 specimens were examined morphologically using a key described by Konan (Diversité morphologique et génétique des crevettes des genres Atya Leach, 1816 et Macrobrachium Bate, 1868 de Côte d'Ivoire, 2009, Université d'Abobo Adjamé, Côte d'Ivoire), leading to the identification of seven species of Macrobrachium: M. vollenhovenii (Herklots, 1857); M. macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851); M. sollaudii (De Man, 1912); M. dux (Lenz, 1910); M. chevalieri (Roux, 1935); M. felicinum (Holthuis, 1949); and an undescribed Macrobrachium species M. sp. To validate the genetic basis of the identified species, 94 individuals representing the species were selected and subjected to genetic characterization using 1,814 DArT markers. The admixture analysis revealed four groups: M. vollenhovenii and M. macrobrachion; M. chevalieri; M. felicinum and M. sp; and M. dux and M. sollaudii. But, the principal component analysis (PCA) separated M. sp and M. felicinum to create additional group (i.e., five groups). Based on these findings, M. vollenhovenii and M. macrobrachion may be conspecific, as well as M. dux and M. sollaudii, while M. felicinum and M. sp seems to be different species, suggesting a potential conflict between the morphological identification key and the genetic basis underlying speciation and species allocation for Macrobrachium. These results are valuable in informing breeding design and genetic resource conservation programs for Macrobrachium in Africa.

Stage of goose embryo development at oviposition depending on genotype, flock age, and period of laying

Embryo development and chick quality are influenced by parental genotype, age, nutrition, environment, and flock management. The aim of study was to determine if genotype, age of goose or eggs laid near the onset of egg production vs. eggs laid near the end of reproduction influence the stage of embryo at oviposition. Three experiments were undertaken. To compare genotypes (Experiment 1) 150 eggs were collected from 3-year-old commercial line White Koluda (WK) geese and from two breeds involved in a genetic resources conservation program, Zatorska (Za) and Bilgoraj (Bi). Age comparison (Experiment 2) was conducted with 200 eggs collected from 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old WK geese. To compare laying periods (Experiment 3), 150 WK eggs were collected at the first week of March and 100 at the second half of June. Eggs were stored for 72 h at 16°C, staged using Eyal-Giladi and Kochav (EGK, Roman numerals) and Hamburger and Hamilton (HH, Arabic numerals) procedures. Experiment 1: Individual breed differences were evident with Stage X EGK embryos comprising 42.4, 33.3, and 38.7% in the eggs examined from the WK, Bi, and Za, respectively. For all breeds combined, 38.8% of the embryos were in Stage X, but in the next order in WK there was stage XI (18.2%), while in geese from the genetic reserve it was stage XIII (Bi - 33.3; Za - 29.0%). Experiment 2: In eggs of 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old WK geese, the majority of embryos (38.7, 32.4 and 42.2%, respectively) were in Stage X. In contrast, in 4-year-old geese the embryos were in Stage XI (36.1%). Experiment 3: In eggs collected in March and in June most of embryos were in Stage X (33.7% and 43.6%, respectively). In addition, more developmentally advanced stages (XI-XIII) were similar in both periods. However, embryos in Stage 2 HH were only observed in eggs collected at the end of laying season. Interestingly, earlier stages (VI-IX) were observed exclusively in the eggs collected in March.

Review: Church forests—the green spots of Ethiopian highlands

Abstract. Mekonen AB, Gebreegziabher BG, Wassie WA, Tsegay BA. 2019. Review: Church forests—the green spots of Ethiopian highlands. Asian J For 3: 45-53. In the central and northern highlands of Ethiopia, the diversity and biomass of native vegetation are almost restricted to church forests which are the only remnant natural forest in the region. The church forests are sacred because the church is believed to be the house of God and everything in its compound is sacred and respected. However, they are under severe threats by both anthropogenic and a few natural disturbances. This review paper summarizes the role of Ethiopian church forests in the boundaries of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Churches (EOTC), in biodiversity conservation, source of seed and seedling of native vegetation, ecological importance, ecosystem values and services to the community and to the globe in general. It also emphasizes the main challenges of these forests i.e., humans disturbance and natural disturbances. It states the conservation strategies of church forest. We conclude that the EOTCs besides its religious activities played a great role in conserving the forests. However, most church forests have no clear and documented demarcations which enhances disturbance. The churches are also cultivating fast-growing exotic species replacing native trees for their income. Finally, we recommend that the head priests should evoke and customize the conservation of sacred groves using religious thought. The government should acknowledge the church for conservation and decide to have a clear boundary for the church forest to minimize further encroachment. Forest genetic resources conservation program (in situ type), Participatory Forest Management (PFM), and rehabilitation activities have to be implemented in addition to the church conservation effort using religious thoughts, religious sanctions, and legal protection for the integrity of these remnant sacred groves. Further studies are recommended to fill the gap of sacred groves in addressing the cause of disturbance and to provide possible solutions for better conservation.

Review: Church forests—the green spots of Ethiopian highlands

Abstract. Mekonen AB, Gebreegziabher BG, Wassie WA, Tsegay BA. 2019. Review: Church forests—the green spots of Ethiopian highlands. Asian J For 3: 45-53. In the central and northern highlands of Ethiopia, native vegetation is almost restricted to church forests which are the only remnant natural forest in the region. The church forests are sacred because the church is believed to be the house of God and everything in its compound is sacred and respected. However, they are under severe threats by both anthropogenic and a few natural disturbances. This review paper summarizes the role of Ethiopian church forests under the authority of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Churches (EOTC) in biodiversity conservation, source of seed and seedling of native vegetation, ecological importance, ecosystem values and services to the community and to the globe in general. It also emphasizes the main challenges of these forests in terms of human disturbance and natural disturbances. It states the conservation strategies of church forests. We conclude that the EOTCs besides their religious activities played a great role in conserving the forests. However, most church forests have no clear and documented demarcations which expose them to disturbances. The churches are also cultivating fast-growing exotic species to replace native trees for the income of local residents. Finally, we recommend that the head priests should evoke and customize the conservation of sacred groves using religious thought. The government should acknowledge the church for conservation and decide to have a clear boundary for the church forest to minimize further encroachment. Forest genetic resources conservation program (in-situ), Participatory Forest Management (PFM), and rehabilitation activities have to be implemented in addition to the church conservation effort using religious thoughts, religious sanctions, and legal protection for the integrity of these remnant sacred groves. Further studies are recommended to fill the gap of sacred groves in addressing the cause of disturbance and to provide possible solutions for better conservation.

Assessment of genome stability in various breeds of cattle.

Chromosomal instability is a type of genome instability involving changes in genetic information at the chromosomal level. The basic tests used to identify this form of instability are sister chromatid exchange (SCE) tests and identification of fragile sites (FS). SCE is the process by which sister chromatids become fragmented as a result of DNA strand breakage and reassembly, followed by exchange of these fragments. FS can be observed in the form of breaks, gaps or constrictions on chromosomes, which often result from multiple nucleotide repeats in DNA that are difficult to replicate. The research material was the peripheral blood of ten breeds of cattle raised in Poland, including four native breeds covered by a genetic resources conservation programme, i.e. Polish Red, Polish Red-and-White, White-Backed, and Polish Black-and-White, as well as Polish Holstein-Friesian, Simmental, Montbéliarde, Jersey, Limousine and Danish Red. Two tests were performed on chromosomes obtained from in vitro cultures: SCE and FS. The average frequency of SCE was 5.08 ± 1.31, while the incidence of FS was 3.45 ± 0.94. Differences in the incidence of SCE and FS were observed between breeds. The least damage was observed in the Polish Red and White-Backed breeds, and the most in Polish Holstein-Friesians. The most damage was observed in the interstitial part of the chromosomes. Age was shown to significantly affect the incidence of SCE and FS. Younger cows showed less damage than older ones (SCE: 4.84 ± 1.25; 5.34 ± 1.24; FS: 3.10 ± 0.88, 3.80 ± 0.92).

A Research on Species Diversity and Ethno Botanical Utilization of Lamiaceae Family in Southern Turkey

Lamiaceae/Labiatae family includes the highest number of commercially used species such as mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender, marjoram and sage. These species are generally used as flavoring additives in meat dishes, sausage products, seafood, stews, salads, canned foods, sauces and soups. In this study, the species diversity of Lamiaceae family members in Akseki-İbradı-Manavgat districts of Antalya in southern Turkey and their ethnobotanical utilization in the region and in the literatures were presented. 149 taxa (131 at species level) belonging to 27 genera of Lamiaceae were identified in the study area. Of these, 50 taxa (33.56%) are endemic to Turkey. The native people harvest species from wild populations and generally air-dry them under sun or on shadow places. They consume and sell mainly air-dried Origanum onites (Turkish oregano) leaves. They obtain essential oil traditionally by steam distillation from Origanum majorana (white marjoram) due to its high oil yield and efficiency. Herbal treatments are used for cure various diseases such as strong cough, chronic cold, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders and skin problems. Wild-crafting of populations may cause genetic erosion of the species. The sustainability of these species should be maintained by genetic resource conservation programs by in situ and ex situ conservation strategies.

Diversifying selection signatures among divergently selected subpopulations of Polish Red cattle

Polish Red cattle is one of the few indigenous breeds of European red cattle which is characterized by several desired features, such as high disease resistance, good health, longevity, good fertility, and high nutritional value of milk. Currently, Polish Red cattle population is a subject of two independent breeding programs: (i) improvement program and (ii) genetic resources conservation program. The aim of the improvement program is the genetic progress in terms of milk production and body conformation traits, while the conservation program mainly focuses on protection of the genetic resources of Polish Red cattle and preservation of the existing, original gene pool. By the analysis of FST genetic distances across genome-wide SNP panel, we detected diversifying selection signatures among these two subpopulations and indicated (among others) the significance of DGAT1 and FGF2 genes for milk production traits in these cattle. We also found that among genes being presumably under selection in terms of milk production, there are genes responsible, for example, for mammary gland development (e.g., SOSTDC1, PYGO2, MED1, and CCND1) and immune system response (e.g., IL10RA, IL12B, and IL21). The most important finding of this study is that the most pronounced genetic differences between the analyzed populations were associated with β-defensin genes (e.g., DEFB1, DEFB4A, DEFB5, DEFB7, DEFB10, DEFB13, EBD, BNBD-6, and LAP) located within so-called bovine cluster D on BTA27. The β-defensins are expressed mainly in the mammary gland and are antimicrobial peptides against the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, viruses, and other unicellular parasites. This suggests that antimicrobial resistance of mammary gland is of high importance during selection towards increased milk production and that genes responsible for this process are selected together with increasing levels of productivity.