Red Breed Research Articles

Measuring technical efficiency of Greek red suckler cow breed's farms in Central Macedonia region using a data envelopment analysis model

Measuring technical efficiency of Greek red suckler cow breed's farms in Central Macedonia region using a data envelopment analysis model

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ СКРЕЩИВАНИЯ БЕСТУЖЕВСКИХ КОРОВ С БЫКАМИ КРАСНОЙ ДАТСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ

The article presents results of studies on milk productivity of crossbred first-calf heifers obtained by crossing Bestuzhev cows with red Danish bulls. Feeding of both groups (control and experimental) was carried out with proper and balanced ration. Total nutritional value of the ration was 14.07 energetic feed units (EFU). One EFU accounted for 85.15 g of digestible protein, dry matter per 100 kg of live weight - 3.6 kg, fiber from dry matter - 23%. Sugar - protein ratio of the diet was at the level of 0.8. As a result, crossbred first-calf heifers had higher parameters of milk yield (by 20.57%), fat content (by 0.23%) and protein (by 0.07%) in milk compared to pure-bred Bestuzhev peers; they had also higher milking capacity index (by 14.14%). In addition, crossbred first-calf heifers show better development, their live weight is 26 kg or 5.64% higher than the level of the breed minimum requirements. Consequently, the effect of heterosis is noted when crossing Bestuzhev cows with red Danish bulls, which has a positive effect on better development of crossbred heifers and on increase of their milk productivity. As a result, crossbred first-calf heifers meet the modern requirements of milk production technology on an industrial basis better than their Bestuzhev peers. Therefore, this method of crossing with the red Danish breed is advisable and should be used in selection and breeding work with the Bestuzhev breed.

Genomics Confirm an Alarming Status of the Genetic Diversity of Belgian Red and Belgian White Red Cattle.

Simple SummaryGenetic diversity of livestock is vitally important as it enables the adaptation of future populations to changing environments. Therefore, preserving a sufficiently large genetic diversity is key. However, for many local cattle populations, little is known about their genetic diversity such as inbreeding level, effective size etc. We studied the genetic diversity of two local Belgian red cattle populations (Belgian Red and Belgian White Red cattle) using state-of-the-art genomic techniques. These tools assessed diversity at the population and individual level, and allowed the positioning of these two breeds in an international context of 52 other (European) cattle breeds. Accordingly, we contribute to the general knowledge of European red cattle, and more specifically we help the breeders, breed organization and the government to manage the genetic diversity of both breeds.Genetic diversity is increasingly important for researchers and society. Small and local populations deserve more attention especially, as they may harbor important characteristics. Moreover, small populations are at greater risk and their genetic management is often more challenging. Likewise, European red cattle populations are threatened, as they are outcompeted by more specialized cattle breeds. In this study, we investigate the genetic diversity of two local Belgian red cattle breeds: Belgian Red and Belgian White Red cattle. A total of 270 animals were genotyped via medium density SNP arrays. Genetic diversity was assessed using runs of homozygosity screening, effective population size estimation and Fst analyses. Genomic inbreeding coefficients based on runs of homozygosity were estimated at 7.0% for Belgian Red and 6.1% for Belgian White Red cattle, and both populations had a low effective population size (68 and 86, respectively). PCA, Fst and admixture analyses revealed the relationship to 52 other international breeds, where they were closest related to some Belgian, French, Scandinavian and Dutch breeds. Moreover, Fst analyses revealed for Belgian Red cattle a signature of selection on BTA6, adjacent to the KIT gene. This study gains important knowledge on the genetic diversity of these two small local red cattle breeds, and will aid in their (genetic) management.

Türkiye'nin Kuzeydoğusunda In-situ Şartlar Altında Yerli Zavot Sığırının Fenotipik Karakterizasyonu

Zavot Catte that was commonly found in Kars, Ardahan districts in Northeastern Turkey region were initially introduced into this region by Molokon Folk and German people migrating from the Estonian border and interior of Russia. The breed possess to blood mixture which comprised of crossbreed of Simmental, Brown Swiss and Eastern Anatolian Red breeds, but had also Podolya breed' blood. To morphological, Zavot cattle have light tones such as white, blondish for coat color, and are horned generally. The mean descriptive values of the body measurement were for body weight, body length, height at withers and hearth girth, 23.96 kg, 65.19 cm, 71.07 cm and 76.37 cm, respectively for birth periot; 70.53 kg, 77.93 cm, 82.12 cm and 93.36 cm, respectively for 3 age month; 385.9 kg, 145.7 cm, 126.3 cm and 170.2 cm, respectively for adult age. The highest ratio of fat, protein and dry matter were found at August (4.22%), June (3.37%) and June (12.0%), respectively. Zavot cattle can show a high potential, though their current morphological performance is seen to low, because of the suboptimal management conditions, and breeding area insufficiency.

CORRELATIVE VARIABILITY OF SELECTIVE TRAITS OF RED DAIRY CATTLE

CORRELATIVE VARIABILITY OF SELECTIVE TRAITS OF RED DAIRY CATTLE

Typology of red maradi dairy goat farms in the north east of Benin

1 ABSTRACT The characterization of livestock systems enables to identify the diversity of livestock farms in order to define development actions. The aim of this study is to characterize the different farming practices observed in the Red Maradi goat farms located in the North East of Benin. Data collection took place between August and December 2019, in 90 goat farms with at least one breeding nucleus of the Red Maradi breed. Using the Multiple Correspondence Factor Analysis (AFCM) and Ascending Hierarchical Classification (CAH) methods, a typology of Red Maradi goat farms in the region was developed. Thus, four types of breeding of Red Maradi goats were identified. Agro-pastoralists, traders (27.59%) and craftsmen (17.24%) mostly from the Bariba socio-cultural ethnic group (38.72%) characterize wandering peasant farms (type 1). They are responsible for herds of modest numbers (15 ± 8 heads) made up by purchase. The mode of rearing goat straying is practiced in 93.1% of these farms against 6.9% of semi-straying. The animals hardly have a sheepfold. The farms (type 2), semi-scavenging peasant herds, are mainly characterized by breeders and agro-breeders of the Fulani and Gando socio-cultural ethnic group (56%). They are responsible for small herds (16 ± 8 heads) and practice the seasonal straying of goats (88%). The animals are housed on these farms (58.07%) in a basic sheepfold and receive crop residues as a supplement. The breeders of type 3, semi-improved peasant breeding are from a very diverse socio-cultural ethnic group Dendi (23%), Yorouba (19%), Fon (11.5%), Bariba (12.5%) with a relatively higher level of education. Over 75% of type breeders have reached secondary level. They combine their main activity, public service, commerce and crafts, the breeding of goats with herds of relatively larger size (20 ± 15 heads). The animals are housed in more improved sheepfolds built in roughcast or hard earth and in 75% of these farms receive food and water in the pen. Type 4, semi-intensive dairy farming of Red Maradi goats, brings together farm farms producing and upgrading goat's milk. Fon (51.25%) and Bariba (48.75%) mostly own these farms. They are responsible for larger herds (57 ± 7 heads) so 35% is made up of the Red Maradi goat and the rest of the Saanen breed. The animals have a permanent sheepfold and, in addition to the basic ration consisting of fodder, a production supplement consisting of concentrate.

Factors influencing embryo quantity and quality in donor cows from Latvian Blue, Latvian Brown, and Danish Red breeds at risk in Latvia

The aim of this study was to find out what general factors influenced embryo quantity and quality in the framework of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer done in Latvia 2018–2020. The gene-pool cows from the cattle breeds Latvian Blue, Latvian Brown, and Danish Red (n = 30) were selected. Such factors as the donor`s blood biochemical and hematological parameters value, ovarian steroid hormones level, milk somatic cell count (SCC), parity, and environmental temperature were analyzed using a negative-binomial regression method. The variables significant at a liberal alpha level of 0.20 in univariable regression models were included in two multivariable models. The first model showed that the number of embryos (nE) was associated (P < 0.01) with a higher progesterone (P4) level and blood absolute count of eosinophils (Eo) on the first day of multiple ovulation (MO) treatment, with a lower SCC and average daily air temperature in the month preceding embryo collection, and lower parity. It can be predicted according to the nE model, if P4 level or Eo absolute count is increasing by the interquartile range (IQR), and provided that the other associated parameters remain constant, the nE will be higher by 2.9 and 4.4 embryos, respectively. If SCC or temperature is increasing by the IQR, the nE will be lower by 4.7 and 15.2 embryos, respectively. Additionally, the nE model predicted 13.3 more embryos in primiparous than in multiparous donors. The second model showed that the number of transferable embryos (nTE) was associated (P < 0.05) with a higher Eo and serum sodium (Na+) concentration on the first day of MO treatment, and with a lower SCC and average daily air temperature in the month preceding embryo collection. It can be predicted according to the nTE model, if Na+ level or Eo absolute count is increasing by the IQR, the nTE will be higher by 3.7 and 2.4 embryos, respectively. If SCC or temperature is increasing by the IQR, the nTE will be lower by 3.3 and 6.4 embryos, respectively.

PSXIV-26 Selection footprints in Russian red cattle identified by linkage disequilibrium blocks based on SNP data

Abstract Among the variety of cattle breeds in Russia, the Russian red dual-purpose cattle breeds have great importance because of their ability to produce high milk yields as well as to provide excellent milk quality. The low census size of the Russian red cattle breeds requires development of programs for conservation of their biodiversity. Our study aimed to investigate selection footprints in Russian red cattle breeds, using high values of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in SNP haplotype blocks as indicators. For finding such LD blocks, we used the genotypes (≈35K SNPs) of Red Gorbatov (RGB, n = 26), Bestuzhev (BST,n = 27), and Suksun (SKS,n = 17) breeds, as well as Red Holstein (RH,n = 16) as an outgroup. Quality control and LD calculations for different distances were performed in Plink 1.90. Top 0.01% SNP pairs by LD value (0.9≤r2&amp;lt; 1.0) were selected for further analysis. The effective population size derived from LD patterns was estimated using SNeP tool. Comparison of LD values for 70 kb interval between breeds and chromosomes by MANOVA pairwise testing significantly distinguished RH/RGB and BST/SKS breeds (P &amp;lt; 0.05-0.001). LD values among chromosomes were 0.195–0.287 for RH, 0.194–0.272 for RGB, 0.172–0.237 for BST, and 0.157–0.217 for SKS. The SKS and BST breeds had higher Ne values (84 and 113, respectively) compared to RH (63) and RGB (79). Selection footprints by LD blocks in Russian red cattle genome covered several relevant genes on BTA1 (EPHA6,DGKG), BTA2 (LRP1B,THSD7B,STAT1), BTA5 (CPM,BAIAP2L2), BTA9 (TRDN,UTRN), BTA10 (KCNN2,CAPN3), BTA11 (SH3RF3,RABGAP1,RALGPS1), BTA14 (ZNF16,ARHGAP39,TOX,DGAT1), and BTA19 (MYH10), BTA22 (FHIT). Detected genes were found to be responsible for milk fat and protein contents, fatty acid composition, somatic cells score, fertility, feet and legs, and udder conformation traits. Our results can be useful for developing the breeding and conservation programs of the Russian red cattle genetic resources. The study was funded by RFBR within project No. 20-516-00020

PSI-B-22 Analysis of the development of high-quality corpus luteum of the ovaries in recipient heifers

Abstract For effective embryo transplants, it is important to select among the repair heifers recipients with high-quality corpus luteum, corresponding in morphometric parameters to the development of 7–8 days of the estrous cycle. It is known that ipsilateral embryo transplants are more effective than contralateral ones. Therefore, for the effective organization of groups of recipients, it is necessary to have a prognosis for the development of corpus luteum differentially on the left or right ovary. The data on the ratio of these indicators have been insufficiently studied. To resolve this issue, sexually mature repair heifers of the Ukrainian red dairy breed (n = 201) were rectally examined during spontaneous (n = 92) and induced (n = 109) cycles (first time on day 0, again - on 7–8 day). In the group of heifers with a spontaneous cycle, it was found that after ovulation of the follicle on the right ovary, high-quality yellow bodies are formed in 71.4% of individuals, and premature lysis of the yellow bodies was found in 28.6%. On the left ovary, respectively -58.3% and 41.7%. In the induced group of recipients, after ovulation, high-quality yellow bodies were formed on the right ovary in 65.2% of individuals, prematurely lysed yellow bodies - in 34.8%; on the left, respectively - 55.8 and 44.2%. The study found that the right pair gonad is functionally dominant in repair heifers. In induced cycles, premature lysis of the corpus luteum (more by 6.28%; P &amp;lt; 0.001) occurs more often than spontaneous ones. The data obtained reveal the morphological and functional patterns of development of high-quality corpus luteum of the ovaries, the presence of which undoubtedly increases the level of engraftment of preimplantation embryos in cattle.

PSVIII-1 Genetic characteristics of Karachaev sheep inferred from genome-wide SNP analysis

Abstract Karachaev sheep is a fat-tailed breed from North-Caucasus, Russia. It has good adaptability to local environments and excellent meat quality. The aim of our study was to investigate genetic characteristics of Karachaev sheep and its relationship with other fat-tailed breeds. Samples of Karachaev (n = 22), Lezgin (n = 21), Edilbai (n = 21), Karakul (n = 21), Alai (n = 20), and Gissar (n = 20) breeds were genotyped using Ovine HD BeadChip. For phylogenetic analyses, we additionally included 50K genotypes of Afshari, Awassi, Barki, Chios, Cyprus Fat-Tailed, and Red Maasai breeds. PLINK 1.9 was used for quality control and performing PCA. Genetic diversity parameters were calculated in R package diveRsity. Historical effective population size (Ne) was estimated using SNeP 1.1. Cluster analysis was conducted in Admixture 1.3. TreeMix tree was constructed in TreeMix 1.13. Genetic diversity indices (observed and expected heterozygosity, allelic richness) were highest in Karachaev and Lezgin breeds. Karachaev sheep was phylogenetically closer to Lezgin and Edilbai breeds. Trends in historical Ne were very similar for these breeds. We observed the increased decline in Ne around 20–25 generations ago (which corresponds to 1940s) that can be associated with deportation of Karachaev people to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in 1943, which resulted in lost almost all of its livestock. TreeMix analysis allowing one migration event revealed gene flow from Karakul to Karachaev/Lezgin nod. Admixture analysis showed the presence in Karachaev sheep of Edilbai and Karakul specific genomic components (~80 and ~20%, respectively). Our study allow suggest that Karachaev breed was extinct during World War II and then was restored in 1960s after Karachaev people returned to their land. It originated from the sheep they brought from Central Asia (Edilbai), and was improved by Karakul breed and local sheep. This work was supported by RSF No. 21-46-00001 (genotyping) and the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education No. 0445-2019-0024 (expedition studies).

Kleiber ratios and growth curves of African Black and Red Neck ostrich breeds and their crossbreeds

The selection of animals with lower production costs can be achieved by using feed efficiency and growth curve information. Kleiber ratio (KR) is an alternative option for discriminating against the animals that have the greatest weight gain about their final weight. Alternative feed efficiency and growth curves for ostriches of the African Black (AB) and Red Neck (RN) breeds and their crossbreeds (CB) were investigated using KR and Gompertz equation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used. The highest adult weight was identified in the RN and CB. AB was more precocious than the RN and CB individuals. Only AB animals reached 75% of their mature weight at one year of age. At 180 days, AB showed better KR. AB was different from the others, mainly for KR at 90 days and 180 days. Considering multivariate analysis, AB animals were different from the others, regardless of sex, mainly for KR at 90 days and KR at 180 days. Other subgroups separated the animals by sex. In a market preferring animals of minor structure (smaller cuts) and greater precocity, it would be suitable to opt for AB. When animals with greater body structure (larger cuts) are desired, males RN and CR is the best option, however, it will be slaughtered with greater age and lower value for KR (may generate a bigger production cost ). It is possible to obtain animals with precocity and high KR, being well represented by the AB breed.

THE PROLONGED INFLUENCE OF PROBIOTIC PROTECTION OF MUCOSY COWS BEFORE INSEMINATION ON THE EXPRESSION OF THE PRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL OF THEIR FIRSTBORN DAUGHTERS

The aim of our study was to determine the prolonged delayed action of probiotic feed protection of the intestinal mucosa of cows in the period before fertilization for the manifestation of the productive potential of their daughters during the first lactation.&#x0D; Analytical work was carried out during the 2016-2019 economic years, the experimental part of the study was carried out on the basis of a dairy complex-breeder of Ukrainian red dairy cattle (700 dairy heads), located in Odessa region.&#x0D; The results of a scientific and industrial study of a number of indicators of productivity of replacement heifers / heifers / heifers of the Ukrainian red dairy breed showed that the use of the feed probiotic preparation "Veterinary Multibacterin Bs + La suspension - feed mixture" together with the main diet of mothers before artificial insemination gave a positive prolonged effect on the manifestation of the productive potential of their half-siblings. For standard lactation, first-calf heifers in the experiment had a higher milk productivity by 6.99 % (respectively: 8121 and 7540 kg per head, P &lt;0.05). At the same time, the first-calf heifers of the experimental group had a more physiological term for the interstitial period, namely: 425.39 days, which was 56.28 days shorter than in the control and contributed to the profitability of production.&#x0D; It has been experimentally established that probiotic protection of the intestinal mucosa of mothers cows has a positive effect on the quality of the offspring, which forms the next generation of the breeding herd.

Comparison between different breeds of laying hens in terms of eggshell translucency and its distribution in various ends of the eggshell

Eggshell translucency is a ubiquitous external eggshell quality problem caused by variations of eggshell ultrastructure or shell membrane. In previous studies, researchers have widely investigated this phenomenon with nutritional, environmental, and genetic perspectives in many breeds. However, most studies referring to phenotypic measurement of shell translucency have been performed using a relatively subjective two-, three-, or four-grading methods, which made it impossible to compare distribution of shell translucency among different breeds. In this study, we aimed to explore variations of translucent eggshell spots in different breeds and their distribution in blunt, middle, and sharp ends of eggshell using a relatively objective grayscale recognition method. We selected 45 eggs from each flock of pure lines, commercial strains, and Chinese local breeds (10 flocks, aged 60 to 70 wk), and stored them in a constant environment for 5 d. Then measured eggshell translucency using grayscale recognition method. Indicators of shell translucency included sum of spot areas on the whole eggshell (SUSA), sum area of the whole eggshell (SUSHA), RSS (ratio of SUSA to SUSHA), quantity of spots (QS), average spot area in eggshell (AAES), and diameter of spots in eggshell (DS). As results, in Hy-Line Brown, Brown-Egg Dwarf Layer, and Taihang (pink-shelled) breeds, phenotypic intensity of eggshell translucency was slight; in Rhode Island Red, Jingfen-1, and Dongxiang breeds, phenotypic intensity of eggshell translucency was relatively extensive; and in Jinghong-1, Hy-Line Sonia, White Leghorn, and Taihang (blue-shelled), phenotypic intensity of eggshell translucency was at an intermediate level. In general, the larger the RSS, the larger the QS, AAES, and DS. Of 3 ends for most breeds, eggshell translucency of blunt and sharp ends was usually greater than that of middle ends, and blunt ends seemed to have the most extensive eggshell translucency. Findings from this study could provide a reference for population selection to locate genes regulating shell translucency and to explore the physical structure mechanism for eggshell translucency formation.

Somatic Cell Number, Physicochemical, and Microbiological Parameters of Raw Milk of Goats During the End of Lactation as Compared by Breeds and Number of Lactations.

This study was aimed for the evaluation of somatic cell count (SCC), physicochemical, and microbiological parameters during the end of lactation in the raw milk of Alpine and native Red goat breed. In the experiment, 102 milk samples from Alpine and native Red goats were included. Two different groups within the same breed were analyzed: a group consisting of animals in their first lactation and the second group consisting of animals from the fifth lactation. The milk samples were individually and daily collected during late lactation for three consecutive weeks, and milk fat, protein, lactose, SCC, and total bacteria with enterobacteria were assessed. Fresh milk of goats from late lactation period had a number of somatic cells (SC) within the expected value with log10 of 5.8–6.18 cells/ml for the compared groups. In both breeds, the total mesophilic bacteria were fewer in numbers, however, in the native Red goat, a larger population of such bacteria was enumerated. The number of coliforms and enterobacteria was below 100 cfu/ml. In the current study, we were able to show a significant difference among the studied breeds depending on lactation and season for fat (p = 0.002), but not for lactose and protein content. A positive correlation for total protein (TP), lactose, and fat as well as for lactose and SCC was found in the native Red goat breed. In the Alpine goat breed, a strong positive correlation (0.821**) was found for lactose and enterobacteria count (EC). In conclusion, these findings evaluate different goat milk parameters during late lactation period and provide an indirect measure to monitor goat mammary gland health for both breeds.

Crossbreeding impacts on caecal bacterial count and antibody titres in chickens

ABSTRACT 1. A crossbreeding experiment was conducted using 20 sires and 120 dams from each Fayoumi (F) and Rhode Island Red (R) breeds. The F1 chicks of ½F½R and their reciprocal ½R½F crosses were used to estimate direct, maternal and heterotic effects. 2. The caecal bacterial counts of Salmonella typhimurium and Enterococcus faecium and the IgA, IgG and IgM antibody titres were determined. Chicks of each genetic group (120 birds) were divided into three groups (40 birds per group) and chicks of the first group were assigned as the control group, while the second group was inoculated with S. typhimurium and E. faecium at 7 and 10 d of age (106 cfu/chick) and the third was inoculated with S. typhimurium at 10 d of age (106 cfu/chick). 3. The generalised least square procedure was used to estimate cross-breeding effects. The S. typhimurium counts in the R breed was highly significant, followed by ½F½R cross, ½R½F cross, and F breed. The differences among genetic groups in E. faecium counts and caecal pH was not significant. The estimates of IgA, IgG, and IgM antibody titres were highly significant in the F breed, followed by ½R½F cross, ½F½R cross, and the R breed. 4. The estimates of direct additive effects were highly significant F breed for the counts of S. typhimurium and antibody titres of IgA, IgG, and IgM. The maternal effects were highly significant F breed for S. typhimurium, E. faecium count, and antibody titres of IgA, IgG, and IgM. Estimates of direct heterosis were significant for S. typhimurium count and IgA antibody titre but not significant for E. faecium count, caecal pH, and antibody titres of IgG and IgM. 5. The results showed that the Fayoumi breed could be used in breeding programmes to improve immunity traits against S. typhimurium in chickens.

Evaluation of production parameters, feed sorting behaviour and social interactions in dairy cows: Comparison of two total mixed rations with different particle size and water content

Dairy cow performance is affected by both the nutritional composition and the physical structure of the diet. The structure of total mixed rations (TMR) largely depends on the ingredient composition and structure of forage, dry matter (DM) content, mixing time and type of mixer used. This study investigated feed intake, eating time, milk production, DM digestibility, ruminal pH, time budget, and sorting and antagonistic behaviours in lactating dairy cows fed grass/clover silage and concentrate, either in a TMR or in a compact total mixed ration (CTMR) with decreased particle size and DM content due to addition of water. Two cross-over experiments (3-week periods), each involving 40 lactating dairy cows of the Swedish Red and Holstein breeds, were run simultaneously. Experiment 1 was designed to measure production parameters, feed digestibility and ruminal pH, while Experiment 2 was designed to measure time budget, feed sorting behaviours and antagonistic behaviours at the feed bunk. Diets were fed ad libitum, with the same ingredient composition and a forage:concentrate ratio of 60:40 (DM basis). Decreased particle size in the CTMR diet was achieved by mixing the grass-clover silage in a feed mixer with a vertical auger with knives, before mixing with concentrate in a feed mixer without knives. Decreased DM content in CTMR was achieved by adding water to the mix. Mean DM content of the diet was 51% DM for TMR and 37% DM for CTMR. The results showed lower daily DM intake (26.7 kg DM) and shorter eating time (242 min) in cows fed CTMR than in cows fed TMR (28.5 kg DM and 278 min). Feed digestibility, ruminal pH, daily milk yield (35.1 kg and 35.8 kg for CTMR and TMR, respectively) and milk composition did not differ between the diets. Cows fed CTMR showed less sorting and fewer antagonistic behaviours at feeding than cows fed TMR. The daily time budget of the cows also differed, with cows fed CTMR spending more time resting (+45 min) than cows fed TMR.

Analysis of the use of industrial crossbreeding to improve the profitability of the pig industry

The aim of the research was to conduct an economic assessment of the use of industrial crossbreeding in the pig industry.&#x0D; The study was carried out in LLC "Mayak-Agro" (Ukraine) and in the laboratories of the Cherkasy National University named after Bohdan Khmelnitsky and the Cherkasy Experimental Station of Bioresources of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Ukrainian breeds of pigs were used: (Ukrainian BigWhite-1 (UBW-1), Red White-Belt (RWB) and Duroc of the Ukrainian selection "Steppe" (DUSS)). Breeds of English origin: (Big White (EBW), Landrace (L), Pietrain (P)). Crossbreeds, obtained by crossing the breeds, mentioned above. A comprehensive assessment of the reproductive capacity of a sow was carried out taking into account multiple births, the number of piglets at one month of age and the average daily gain during this period. Growth and development were monitored in terms of changes in live weight by individual weighing at birth and every month to a live weight of 100 and 120 kg.&#x0D; Regardless of maternal form, in the groups where boars of the breeds Red White-Belt and Pietrain were used, higher indicators of comprehensive assessment of reproductive capacity were obtained. The best fattening qualities characterized piglets, obtained from a combination of sows (1/2UBW-1+1/2L) with boars of the Pietrain breed (P). In comparison with other variants of crosses, in this group the animals reached a live weight of 100 kg 7.6 days earlier. Their feed costs per 1 kg of live weight gain were 3.33 feed units, which corresponds to the expected figure of 3.34 feed units when fattening up to 100 kg in 170 days. In terms of industrial pork production, breeding of animals of the group (1/4UBW-1+1/4L+1/2P) was more profitable, in which the highest level of profitability was obtained - 22.3 % for fattening up to 100 kg and 12.5 % for fattening up to 120 kg. Cultivation of three-breed hybrids to a live weight of over 100 kg led to a decrease in profitability among all research groups. The use of the genotype 1/4UBW-1+1/4L+1/2P in industrial production makes it possible to obtain animals of various weight conditions without significant additional costs and profitability level reduction.&#x0D; In the course of the research, it was found, that the best option for three-breed crossing is the use of boars of the Pietrain and Red White-Belt breeds. The use of boars of these breeds is ideal for producers looking for bacon pork. The use of boars of the Duroc breed of the Ukrainian selection "Steppe" (DUSS) makes it possible to obtain fatty pork with the possibility of fattening to different weight categories.

Genome-wide SNP analysis clearly distinguished the Belarusian Red cattle from other European cattle breeds.

Local breeds can serve as an important source of genetic variability in domestic animal species. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of Belarusian Red cattle and their differentiation from other European cattle populations based on genome-wide SNP genotypes. Twenty pedigree-recorded non-closely related cows of Belarusian Red cattle were genotyped using the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip. Genotypes of22 other European cattle breeds were included in the study for comparison. A total of 28562 SNPs passed through the quality control checks and were selected for analysis. The Belarusian Red cattle displayed a moderate level of genetic variability (U HE =0.341, HO =0.368), and the highest heterozygote excess (U FIS =-0.066), among the studied breeds; this reflects the contribution of multiple breeds to their formation. The principal component analysis, FST -based Neighbor-Net tree and Admixture clustering, clearly distinguished the Belarusian Red cattle from the other European cattle breeds. Moreover, the presence of ancestral genomic components of Danish Red and Brown Swiss breeds were clearly visible, which agrees with the breed's history and its recent development. Our study highlights the importance of maintaining the specific genomic components, which makes a significant contribution to the global genetic diversity in the modern population of Belarusian Red cattle, allowing us to consider them a valuable national genetic resource. Our research results will be useful for the development of conservation programs for this local cattle breed.

THE GROWTH AND REPRODUCTIVE ABILITY OF HEIFERS AND FIRST-CALF COWS UKRAINIAN RED AND BLACK-SPOTTED DAIRY BREEDS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE CENTRAL REGION OF UKRAINE

THE GROWTH AND REPRODUCTIVE ABILITY OF HEIFERS AND FIRST-CALF COWS UKRAINIAN RED AND BLACK-SPOTTED DAIRY BREEDS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE CENTRAL REGION OF UKRAINE

PECULIARITIES OF EXTERIOR OF PRIMARY COWS OBTAINED FROM BULLS MONBELIARD, NORWEGIAN RED AND HOLSTEIN BREEDS

PECULIARITIES OF EXTERIOR OF PRIMARY COWS OBTAINED FROM BULLS MONBELIARD, NORWEGIAN RED AND HOLSTEIN BREEDS