bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Majorcan Black pig
Authors: Jaume J. , Alfonso L.
Published: August 2011

The Majorcan Black Pig is the only autochthonous pig breed from the island of Majorca (Spain). It is characterised by a medium size body (160 kg), slate-grey skin colour, and concave profile of the nose, large pendulous ears and tassels on the bottom neck. It is well adapted to the low-level breeding and feeding conditions of the traditional extensive management on the island. It is the base of some traditional high quality products such as the “sobrasada”, sort of red highly seasoned sausage that can be spread over bread, for which there is a good demand in the Spanish market. The Majorcan Black Pig breed played an important social and economic role until the 1960s, which then declined with the introduction of the intensive production systems and foreign breeds. The Majorcan Black Pig Association was founded in the early 1980s by a group of private farmers to recover and conserve the breed. Recently, this association has been officially recognised and the official Majorcan Black Pig Herd Book set up. At present, there are more than 600 animals registered.
The Muzaffarnagari sheep, a mutton breed in India
Authors: Mandal A. , Singh L.B. , Rout P.K.
Published: August 2011

The Muzaffarnagari is the largest and heaviest sheep breed of India. It is well adapted to the hot humid irrigated regions. This breed is generally found in the Muzaffarnagari, Bulandshahr, Saharanpur, Meerut, Bijnor and Dehradun districts of Uttar Pradesh and in some parts of Delhi and Haryana. The fast body growth coupled with high feed conversion efficiency are the main characteristics of this breed. The animals are medium to large in size, having slight convex face lines. The coat is generally white and dense but relatively coarse and the head is large with long and drooping ears. Both male and females are polled. The tail is very long and extends to the fetlock joint. The average body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 3.49±0.04, 15±0.20, 26.5±3.56, 30.4&0.40 and 33.4±0.46 kg, respectively.
The Wool-Less Canary Sheep and their relationship with the present breeds in America
Authors: Delgado J.V. , Perezgrovas R. , Camacho M.E. , Fresno M. , Barba C.
Published: August 2011

When the Spaniards discovered and conquered the Canary Islands in the 15th Century, they found a type of hair sheep, a breed described by the colonists as “white in colour, large in size and with horns in the males”. This discovery provokes the question: from where did these sheep originate? All other breeds of wool-less sheep in the world in that period were located in the sub-Saharan regions, far away from the Canary Islands and with no possible connection.

Archaeologists claim that Northwest Africa was populated by wool sheep from 4000–3000 BC. Northwest Africa is the nearest geographical point of the African continent to the Canary Archipelago. It was also there that the native pre-Hispanic human population is thought to have originated. Did the wool-less sheep breed arrive with these people? The answer is probably yes. It is likely that the population of hair sheep arrived between 3000–2000 BC in a northern expansion of these animals, accompanying the first inhabitants of the islands.

After the Spanish conquest, the Canary Islands provided a necessary stop for the explorers of the New World. Various testimonies exist describing the arrival of the first sheep to the Caribbean Islands. This process of animal introduction started with Columbus′ second voyage, after which domestic animals formed a usual part of the shipment arrangements. This raises a third question: what role did the Canary Island sheep play in the origin and evolution of the present Caribbean and Latin-American hair breeds? The majority of researchers working with these animals in America and the Caribbean think that the origin of their wool-less sheep breeds is related to the traffic of black slaves during the 17th and 18th centuries. It may be claimed that this influence of sub-Saharan animals exists as an additional influence of other wool-less sheep breeds, which arrived in the Caribbean from the Canary Islands two centuries earlier. Today, the ancient native hair sheep breed is extinct in the Canary Islands although some wool-less sheep have recently been introduced from Venezuela.

All these questions and ideas are investigated in this paper, through historical references and current research.
The Jakhrana Goat in India
Authors: Rai B. , Tiwari S. , Khan B.U.
Published: August 2011

Jakhrana is an important dairy breed of the semi-arid tract of the Rajasthan State of India. The habitat of this breed is a small hamlet in the Aravali hill ranges. The breed is spread over a limited area and the population size is small. The breed is of medium size, with a predominantly black coloured coat with white spots on ears and muzzle. Body weight, body length, punch girth, heart girth and body height at 12 months of age were respectively 30.9±1.7 kg, 69.5±1.9 cm, and 69.1±1.4 cm, 61.9±0.6 cm and 77.2±1.6 cm in males and 22.6±0.7 kg, 62.1±0.8 cm and 63.3±0.6 cm, 60.1±0.6 cm and 69.1±0.7 cm for the females. Pre-weaning and post-weaning body weight gains were higher in males. Overall milk yield in 181 days was 116 kg. Kidding rate was 75 percent in field conditions with a twinning percentage of 79.1 percent. The field survey on this breed indicated that the goats were managed in a traditional system. The goats were kept by the farmers to meet their nutritional as well as economic needs. The marketing of live goats and goat products had limitations. There is no breed conservation/improvement programme at the moment, this is urgently needed to improve this goat breed.
Jamaica Hope: The dairy breed for the tropics
Authors: Holness J.A. , Brown A. , Harris C.
Published: August 2011

Experimentation in breeding dairy cattle for the tropics began in Jamaica at Hope Farm in 1910 with local cattle, temperate dairy breeds and the infusion of the Sahiwal (Zebu) breed.

The research results, which also influenced farmers' operations, indicated the superiority of the grade Jersey for production and fertility, which was considered to be the result of adaptation. Thereafter, breeding inter se, a tropical dairy breed, the Jamaica Hope was established and was declared in 1952. The formation of the Jamaica Hope Cattle Breeders’ Society immediately followed.

The breed has shown a high level of productivity under wide ranging husbandry conditions. The highest yields have been above 8 800 litres of milk in 305 days.

The MOET technique of reproduction will be employed in the expansion of the breed.
Garole: The prolific sheep of India
Authors: Sahana G. , Gupta S.C. , Nivsarkar A.E.
Published: August 2011

A survey on Garole sheep was carried out in the breeding tract for breed characterization. Garole sheep are distributed in the Sundarban region of West Bengal in India. It is a small-sized breed known for its prolificacy and adaptation to the saline marshy land of the Sundarban region. It is believed that these sheep contributed to the prolificacy gene in Booroola Merino sheep of Australia. The breeding tract of Garole sheep falls under the Coastal Saline Zone of West Bengal and the climate of this region is hot and humid. The population of Garole sheep was 206 720 in 1994–1995. This breed is maintained by marginal farmers and landless labourers. Flocks are stationary and average flock size ranges from three to five. They graze on rice fallow land and natural grass cover on the roadsides and water channels. Garole sheep have the ability to graze in knee deep conditions in marshy land. Their colour is generally white. Some animals of black or brown colour are also seen. The male is generally horned and females are polled. They have three distinct types of ears; small, medium and long. Average adult weights in male and females are 15 and 12 kg, respectively. Twin and triplet births are common. The Garole sheep are reared for mutton production. Farmers generally do not shear wool. Fleece is of a coarse quality and is used as bedding material.
A review of conservation and management of the Pantaneiro horse in the Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Santos S.A , McManus C. , Mariante A.S. , Abreu U.G.P. , Mazza C. , Sereno J.R.
Published: August 2011

The Pantaneiro horse is an important social and economic part of the infrastructure of cattle farms in the Brazilian Pantanal. It is of Iberian origin and closely related to other Brazilian breeds, specifically Mangalarga, Mangalarga Machador and Campolina. Physiological studies have shown this horse to be tolerant to long treks and capable of being maintained on natural pastures. The Brazilian Pantaneiro Horse Breeders' Association has registered, to date, approximately 1 600 mares and 300 stallions, the bulk of which are in the Poconé subregion. The horse is considered small and fast. Linear measurements taken at registration are shown to be, in general, highly heritable. The population has a vulnerable status. Characterization studies showed that a combination of genetic and physical characteristics of the Pantaneiro makes it a unique population that must be conserved. Recent trends in selection may threaten the rusticity and adaptability of this valuable genetic resource. In this paper, several research studies are reviewed and areas where research and technical training are needed are highlighted.
Deoni cattle breed of India. A study on population dynamics and morphometric characteristics
Authors: Singh G. , Gaur G.K. , Nivsarkar A.E. , Patil G.R. , Mitkari K.R.
Published: August 2011

Deoni is an important dual-purpose breed of cattle in Maharashtra. These animals are mainly found in the Latur district and the adjoining area of Prabhani, Nanded and Osmanabad districts of the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. From 1996 to 1999, a systematic survey was conducted in 13 strata involving 69 villages to determine geographic distribution, establish breed characteristics, determine socioeconomic status and existing management practices as well as to estimate the approximate population of Deoni cattle in its breeding tract. The total number of households enumerated was 9 132. The average herd size was 2.5 animals with a range of 1 to 16. About 30 percent of farmers were found rearing Deoni cattle. The total population of the Deoni in the entire breeding tract was estimated at 118 945. A decrease in Deoni cattle population (8.78 percent) was also noticed from August 1996 to August 1998.

Deoni is a medium heavy animal. It is found in three-colour variations viz.Wannera, Balankya and Shevera. The body is moderately developed and symmetrical with distinct muscles. Horn length, ear length, head length, chest girth, body length and height averaged 17.61, 26.18, 49.82, 151.82, 120.11 and122.22 cm in adult cows and 19.97, 26.67, 53.68, 163.55, 129.59 and 134.36 cm in bullocks. Lactation milk yield averaged 868 litres. The average fat content in the milk of Deoni cows was 4.3 percent. Cows showed their first estrus at the average age of 36 months. Average age at first calving was 46 months. Service period and inter-calving period averaged 170 and 447 days. The selected bulls started breeding at the age of 30 months. Calf and adultmortality was found to be negligible and the breed was found to be hardy and well adapted to tropical draught prone areas. The declining trend of the Deoni cattle breed calls for immediate steps to control the reasons. Regarding conservation and improvement, both models need to be implemented effectively to make the programme successful.
Four Southern African Horse Breeds
Authors: van der Merwe F.J. , Martin J.
Published: August 2011

The history and development of the four Southern African horse breeds, i.e. Basutho Pony, Nooitgedacht, South African (SA) Boerperd and Cape Boerperd, are traced from their common ancestor, the Cape Horse, to the present day. Recent blood-typing studies of the first three have shown them to be closer related to each other than to any other world breed. At the beginning of the twentieth century the Southern African horse industry was devastated after the Anglo Boer War (1899–1902). Indiscriminate crossbreeding and intentional importation of other specialized breeds led to the near extinction of the descendants of the Cape Horse in South Africa. Fortunately, the efforts of the Government Department of Agriculture and a number of private breeders to identify, conserve and develop the then existing genetic material over the past half century, resulted in the existence today of three small, but viable, registered breeds of locally adapted and versatile horses viz. Nooitgedacht, SA Boerperd and Cape Boerperd. The recent history and apparent present situation of the Basutho Pony in the neighbouring country of Lesotho was also described.
On-farm characterization of the indigenous small East African Shorthorn Zebu cattle (SEAZ) in the Southeast rangelands of Kenya
Authors: Mwacharo J.M. , Rege J.E.O.
Published: August 2011

The small East African short horned Zebu (SEAZ) is an important source of animal protein in Kenya. This indigenous genotype is well adapted to environmental stresses including endemic diseases of the tropics. However, literature available on its genetic potential is scarce. The Government of Kenya, in order to study this valuable germplasm in a systematic manner, has recently initiated some research and breed improvement programmes. This paper reports on some of the results of this work. Information was obtained-using a structured questionnaire administered to 430 farmers in Makueni, Kitui, Taita Taveta and Kajiado districts, Kenya. A multi-level stratified sampling technique was used to select the farmers to be interviewed. Utilization and reasons for preference of SEAZ cattle differed across and within districts in rankings. Generally, the SEAZ cattle are kept as multi-purpose animals and were mainly preferred to the exotic breeds due to their superior adaptive capacity to the local environmental stresses. Herd structures differed between the agro-pastoral and pastoral herds, but showed a management system that is subsistence oriented with milk production and draught power being the main objectives of herd owners. Breeding bulls were sourced from within or obtained from other herds for pure- or crossbreeding by natural, uncontrolled mating. Natural pastures, under continuous grazing were the main source of livestock feeds. The herds surveyed had advanced ages at first calving and prolonged calving intervals. The average milk production per day was 1.6 litres with significant differences being observed between districts, and hence Zebu strains, at the start and peak of lactation.
The Gir cattle breed of India - characteristics and present status
Authors: Gaur G.K. , Kaushik S.N. , Garg R.C.
Published: August 2011

The Gir is a famous milk cattle breed of India. The native tract of the breed is Gir hills and forests of Kathiawar including Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Rajkot and Amreli districts of Gujarat. The breeding tract lies between 20°5’ and 22°6’ north latitude and 70° and 72° east longitude. The total cattle population of Saurashtra region i.e., breeding tract of Gir cattle is 2.5 million and Gir breed accounts for 37 percent of total cattle population in the region. The body of Gir animals is well proportioned. Udder in cows is well developed and round. The body weight at one year of age was 138 kg in males and 136 kg in females. Adult body weight, height at withers, body length and heart girth in cows averaged 313 kg, 120 cm, 125 cm and 160 cm, respectively.

Age at first heat and calving averaged 1 149 and 1 534 day, respectively. Average dry period and inter-calving period were 123 and 423 days, respectively. Heifers received an average 1.07 inseminations for successful conception whereas cows received 1.64 inseminations per conception. Total lactation milk yield averaged 2 063 litres in an average lactation period of 326 days. Average milk yield in 300 days was 1 930 litres. Milk yield per day of calving interval was 4.98 litres. Average fat percentage in the milk ranged between 4.69±0.04 and 4.97±0.02. Gir animals are considered as hardy with low overall mortality (3.63 percent).
Conservation of genetic resources of the small populations of domestic animal of the Amazon Region in Brazil
Authors: Marques J.R.F. , Costa M.R. , Egito A.A. , da S. A. Mariante , Albuquerque M.S.M.
Published: August 2011

The Brazilian Amazon is a wide territory totalling 60 percent of the country's area. Of this area, 600 000 km2 is occupied by humans and related activities. This, among other factors, leads to the destruction of the Amazon's natural resources. The area of cut down and degraded forest may range from 5 to 12 percent of the total area. Therefore, many of the Amazon species are at risk of extinction. However, it is deemed urgent to investigate and preserve the threatened animal species.

The total number of mammal species in the world is recorded at 4 629 and there is a great diversity of them in the Amazon, including animals that live on land, water or those that fly. Despite this huge biodiversity, the most relevant species for the human population, are the domestic species, brought to the continent by the first settlers: Portuguese and Spanish.

The most important livestock in the Amazon region are cattle, horses, buffaloes, sheep and goats. They occupy all Amazon ecosystems and are of very important consideration for the opening of agricultural frontiers and for influencing the natural ecosystems, since the main reason for the cutting down of large forest areas has been to use them for pastures. This has resulted in an artificial ecosystem of degraded natural environment.

The Animal Germplasm Bank of East Amazon (BAGAM) is the animal germplasm bank for the conservation of animal genetic resources of Embrapa East Amazon, and is part of the research project entitled “Animal Genetic Resources of East Amazon”. The project is formed by two sub-projects: “Germplasm bank of animals of interest to the East Region of the Brazilian Amazon” and “Genetic characterisation of buffaloes in the Brazilian Amazon, through the use of molecular markers”. These two sub-projects are linked to the research programme led by CENARGEN, called Conservation and Utilisation of Animal Genetic Resources.
Morphometric characteristics and present status of Ponwar cattle breed in India
Authors: Gaur G.K. , Singh Avtar , Singh P.K. , Pundir R.K.
Published: August 2011

This study was undertaken in order to characterize the Ponwar breed and to establish its present status so that suitable breeding strategies and conservation models could be suggested for the overall improvement of the breed.

The Ponwar is a draught cattle breed and is native to the Pilibhit District of Uttar Pradesh. The breeding tract lies between latitude 28°4' and 28°8' North and between longitude 79°0' and 80°4' East. The coat colour of these animals is brown or black with white patches in varying proportions. The tail switch is white in black animals and black in those having a greater proportion of white patches. The body is small, compact and non-fleshy, the face is small and narrow and the ears are small. The horns are small to medium and curve inward with pointed tips. The hump is small in females and developed in males. The tail is long and reaches to below the hock. Cows have small udders and teats. The animals of this breed possess an aggressive temperament.

The milk production of the Ponwar cows is low, i.e. about 0.5 to 2.5 kg per day for a lactation period of 8 to 10 (average 8.9±0.1) months. Lactation milk yield averaged 462.5±12.1 kg. The age at first calving ranged from 40 to 60 months and the inter-calving period averaged 12.6±0.1 months. The service period in Ponwar cattle varied from 60 to 100 days. The cows remained dry for average of 110.0±2.6 days. Bullocks of this breed can transport an 800 to 1 000 kg load up to 10 kilometres easily. They can plough 0.4 hectares of land in a day working for 6 to 8 hours. Body length, height at wither and heart girth in adult cows averaged 97.1±0.5, 109.0±0.4 and 140.6±0.5 cm, respectively. The animals recorded in the different villages had similar average body measurements corresponding to their category. The survey revealed that about 21% of total cattle population was of Ponwar breed in Puranpur Tehsil. The approximate Ponwar population in the entire breeding tract was estimated as 10 667.
Polish Red Cattle breeding: past and present
Authors: Szarek J. , Adamczyk K. , Felenczak A.
Published: August 2011

The aim of this study was to characterise the Polish Red cattle breed, the only existing native breed in Poland. The origin and conformation of this breed and its historical development, distribution and performance were described. Moreover, the attention was paid to the attempts to improve the breed milk performance by crossbreeding with Jersey, Danish Red and Angler and beef performance by crossbreeding with Black-and-White, Red-and-White, Simmental and beef bulls.

Before the Second World War the Polish Red held the rank of an international breed, and since the middle of the previous century had been found almost throughout Poland. In the 1950s it still constituted 22% of the whole cattle population in Poland. Indeed in 1954 the Polish Red cattle population amounted to over 1.5 million head. Currently, Polish Red cattle are in danger of extinction. Only 300 cows are included in the Program of Genetic Resources Conservation and scarcely several hundred embryos and semen doses are stored in the Semen Bank of the National Research Institute of Animal Production in Balice.

In 2001 the number of recorded Polish Red milking cows was 1 201. Their average performance amounted to 3 786 kg of milk with 4.26% of fat and 3.39% of protein. However, milk yield of the cows at the best farms exceeded 5 500 kg.
Characterization of the Rampur Bushair sheep in the north temperate region of India
Authors: Dixit S.P. , Gaur G.K , Yadav D.K. , Singh G.
Published: August 2011

Rampur Bushair is an important dual-purpose (meat and wool) sheep in the north temperate Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh state (India). The breeding tract of the breed runs across three districts namely Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Information on three body biometric characteristics, viz. body length from shoulder to pin bone, chest girth and height at wither, qualitative confirmation attributes and body weights of 335 animals were recorded. Animals were strong, well-built and of medium size with a square brow. The animals were mostly white, but black, brown and mottled were also found in good numbers. Typically a prominent Roman nose, convex head, large eyes and pendulous ears (10 cm to 15 cm long) with a prominent mid-ridge were peculiar characteristics of this breed. The males had medium to long (19 cm to 29 cm) curling horns, running backwards and downwards. The ewes were polled. The average adult body weight of males was 34.7 kg and that of females was 26.0 kg. The body weight of adult male and female sheep varied from 24 kg to 47 kg and 18 kg to 40 kg, respectively. Wool yield varied from 200 g to 500 g per shearing. The animals were shorn twice a year (summer and winter). Sexual maturity in males and females is reached at one year of age.

The information on feed, management and breeding practices, flock size and structure, reproductive performance and disease prevalence in the breeding tract was collected through formal interviews, using a structured questionnaire given to sheep owners, who were chosen at random within a structured, stratified framework. There were 98 574 animals of the Rampur Bushair sheep breed in its breeding tract based on the sample survey estimates. The results indicated good scope for improvement of its productivity under the field conditions based on selective breeding.
The Iceland goat: past and present
Authors: Dýrmundsson Ó.R.
Published: August 2011

The Iceland goat is a rare, isolated breed of Nordic origin dating back to the settlement of Iceland over 1 100 years ago. There is no evidence of goat imports since that time and the only goats which have been exported were a group of six included in a cashmere breeding programme in Scotland in 1986. Historical evidence and records from 1703 onwards, show that goats have been kept in all parts of the country, albeit in small numbers. This goat population was on the verge of extinction a century ago and reached a maximum of nearly 3 000 in 1930. At present there are 370 winterfed goats in 47 flocks located across the country. The goats are mainly kept as pets and are highly inbred. Efforts are being made to market the meat in a few food stores and restaurants, the skins for book binding and the milk as a health product, on a small scale. The cashmere, however, has so far not been harvested for marketing. A state conservation grant, available for individually recorded goats since the late 1960s, has contributed to the maintenance of this endangered breed. Generally, goats are found to be susceptible to the same diseases as sheep in Iceland. However, scrapie has never been diagnosed in goats.
A comparison of the productive, reproductive and body condition score traits of the Simmental, Brown Swiss and Tyrol Grey breeds in smallholder herds in Kosovo
Authors: Bytyqi H. , Klemetsdal G. , Ødegård J. , Mehmeti H. , Vegara M.
Published: August 2011

After the war in Kosovo, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank implemented an Emergency Farm Restocking Project, by allocating Simmental, Brown Swiss and Tyrol Grey heifers, 4–7 months pregnant, to farmers at the rate of one per farm. Data was monitored over a period of 14–16 months and the results showed that Brown Swiss had the highest milk production, while Tyrol Grey did worst. However, Tyrol Grey had the shortest service period and also changed the body condition score postpartum less than the other two breeds, making it best fitted of the three, to the extensive environment in Kosovo. Breeds were compared by growth rate, but this comparison was deemed highly inadequate as breeds with a high growth rate normally reach maturity at a high weight, and so need intensive feeding. Considering the extensive production environment in Kosovo, our results suggest that dairy cattle production should be based on a smaller breed, well adapted to the diet offered
La raza ovina Xisqueta en España: Caracterización estructural de las explotaciones
Authors: Avellanet R. , Aranguren-Méndez J.A. , Jordana J.
Published: August 2011

La Xisqueta es una raza ovina de orientación cárnica que se localiza mayoritariamente en tres comarcas del N-O de Catalunya (España). Se caracteriza por poseer una coloración centrífuga particular y por ser una raza rústica, perfectamente adaptada a las condiciones trashumantes y pirenaicas. El censo aproximado de xisquetas en pureza lo situamos entre 12 000 y 15 000 hembras reproductoras, habiendo sufrido una importante reducción en las últimas décadas.

La caracterización estructural de las explotaciones de Xisqueta se ha realizado mediante una encuesta, y los resultados se han analizado estadísticamente con el fin de obtener información sobre la distribución poblacional, los sistemas de manejo productivo y reproductivo, la sanidad y otras cuestiones adicionales sobre el entorno social de los ganaderos.

Utilizando como base la información y resultados generados en el presente estudio, se pretende iniciar un programa de conservación de la raza, el cual deberá englobar las marcadas diferencias existentes entre las comarcas de la región. Además, deberá considerarse la elevada media de edad de los ganaderos (52 años como promedio) y el bajo relevo generacional de las explotaciones (<30%), factores que agravan la continuidad del sector ovino en dichas comarcas.
Survey and characterization of Attappady black goats of Kerala, India
Authors: Stephen M. , Raja T.V. , Sosamma I.
Published: August 2011

Attappady Black goats are found exclusively in Attappady, an isolated hilly region of Kerala, India. A survey on these goats was carried out in the breeding tract for the purposes of breed characterization. The total population of Attappady Blacks in the area was estimated to be 9351, which represented only 40% of the total goat population in the area. These goats are reared mainly by the tribes of Attappady and maintained on an extensive grazing system. The animals are black in colour with bronze coloured eyes. Ears are medium in length (13.5 cm) drooping over the lateral side of the face. Horns are present in both males and females and they are curved laterally upwards and backwards. Tassels are present in some animals. Their tail is of a bunchy type and curved. The average body length, height at withers, height at rump, chest girth and paunch girth of these goats in the adult stage were found to be 67±0.8, 80±0.8, 76±0.8, 71±1.3, 75±1.3 cm, in males and 63±0.4, 69±0.4, 71±0.3, 69±0.4, 75±0.3 cm in females, respectively. Adult males above 18 months of age weigh on average 35±1.1 kg and females weigh 31±0.4 kg. Attappady Blacks are reared for meat purposes.
Characterisation of Salem Black goats in their home tract
Authors: Thiruvenkadan A.K. , Karunanithi K.
Published: August 2011

The Salem Black is an important meat goat breed in the north-western part of Tamil Nadu, India. The native tract of this breed is the Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Erode, Karur and Namakkal districts of Tamil Nadu. Salem Black goats are tall animals, completely black in colour and reared mainly for meat. The average herd size of Salem Black goats was 31, of which there were 1 buck, 23 does and 7 kids The chest girth, body length and height at withers of Salem Black goats at full mouth age were 79.6±1.1 cm, 75.0±1.5 cm and 86.0±1.6 cm, respectively in males and 73.1 ±0.6 cm, 69.8±0.5 cm and 75.5±0.8 cm, respectively in females. The body weight of Salem Black goats at full mouth age was 38.5±1.0 kg in males and 29.5±0.6 kg in females. The average age at first mating was 9.5±0.4 months in males and 9.7±0.2 months in females, and the average age at first kidding was 14.8±0.2 months. The percentage of animals producing singles, twins, triplets and quadruplets was 54.1, 40.0, 8.2 and 0.4, respectively. Salem Black goats are allowed to browse extensively as a herded group for about seven to eight hours per day and are housed mostly (80%) during the night. Farmers kept breeding bucks, when available, in the herds at all times and exercised no controlled mating. The mortality rate in kids and adults was 7.5% and 2.3% respectively.
La raza bovina autóctona española Pajuna: Situación actual y programa de recuperación
Authors: Luque A. , Valera M. , Azor P.J. , Goyache F. , Rodero E. , Molina A.
Published: August 2011

La raza bovina Pajuna es una raza autóctona andaluza que está al borde de la extinción. Su aptitud es mixta carne-trabajo y es posiblemente la raza española más rústica, al ser capaz de adaptarse a los medios marginados, aprovechando los escasos recursos de las sierras andaluzas, que no pueden ser utilizados por otras razas más carniceras.

El cruzamiento indiscriminado con razas especializadas, la mecanización del campo y la pérdida del hábitat de explotación han llevado esta raza a una situación de inminente desaparición, con sólo 300 animales puros, relegados en la mayoría de los casos a meros vientres para el cruce industrial en vacadas mixtas.

En el presente artículo describimos la situación actual y las causas que la han llevado a esta situación, así como las actuaciones de la Asociación de Criadores (GRAPA), creada en el año 2001, dentro de un programa de preservación y recuperación. Estas razones se pueden resumir en la localización de todos los efectivos existentes, el análisis de la estructura demográfica de la población, la actualización de su estándar racial y creación del Libro Genealógico, la caracterización genética, y determinación del nivel de variabilidad intra e interpoblacional a partir del polimorfismo de loci moleculares microsatélites como a través de la variabilidad de la región control del ADN mitocondrial.
Characterization of Punjab Brown chicken
Authors: Vij P.K. , Tantia M.S. , Vijh R.K.
Published: August 2011

A survey was conducted in the native tract of the Punjab Brown breed of chicken to study management practices, as well as morphological, performance and egg quality parameters. The study covered the three districts of Gurdaspur district in Punjab, and Ambala and Yamunanagar districts in Haryana, and included 532 birds and 61 families. Twenty-six microsatellite loci were used to assess genetic variability. The Punjab Brown is a multi-purpose breed, yielding good quality meat and eggs. Birds are reared in the backyard system and shelter is provided only during the night in the form of small enclosures mostly made up of mud and sometimes of wood. Average flock size is 8.7. Plumage colour is mostly brown and the pattern is usually solid but is sometimes spotted or striped. Males in particular have black spots/stripes on their neck, wings and tail. The comb is red, of single type and erect in position. The average weight of cocks and hens is 2.15±0.94 and 1.57±0.04 kg respectively. Hens start laying eggs at the age of about five to six months. Clutch size is about four to five. Average egg production is around 60–80 eggs per year. Eggshell colour is mostly light brown and average egg weight is 46.0±1.91g. The average weight of shell, albumin and yolk were 5.4±0.21, 24.4±0.63 and 16.2±0.48g respectively. Yolk index, albumin index and Haugh units were 0.41±0.005, 0.10±0.006 and 82.80±0.98 respectively. A total of 218 alleles were observed. The number of alleles per locus varied from 4–14. The mean PIC value for all the loci was 0.744. Twenty-four loci were found to be neutral (P<0.05) using Ewens Watterson test of neutrality. The exact test revealed that 15 loci deviated from Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. The population has not undergone any recent bottleneck as revealed by quantitative and graphical qualitative tests.
Genetic differentiation of Indian camel (Camelus dromedarius) breeds using random oligonucleotide primers
Authors: Mehta S.C. , Mishra B.P. , Sahani M.S.
Published: August 2011

The camel population in India is facing a severe decline which demands that immediate steps are taken to ensure its conservation. Characterisation is an integral part of the conservation program. The Polymerase Chain Reaction-Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA profile of unrelated camels of the Bikaneri (29), Jaisalmeri (30) and Kachchhi (18) breeds were analyzed. Reproducible polymorphic bands with varying frequencies among the three breeds of camel were obtained with five oligonucleotide primers. A total of 75 bands were amplified, of which 27 (36%) were polymorphic. The probability of obtaining identical fingerprints was observed to be the lowest in primer GC-10 (5.7%) followed by OP-08 (8.7%), GT-10 (11.3%), G-2 (15.5%) and G-1 (80%). Breed informative bands were amplified. The maximum genetic variability was observed in the Bikaneri (0.80±0.05) followed by the Kachchhi (0.84±0.06) and the Jaisalmeri (0.87±0.05) breeds. The inter-breed genetic distance estimates indicated a closer relationship in the Bikaneri-Kachchhi camels, (0.075), followed by the Jaisalmeri-Kachchhi (0.106) and Bikaneri-Jaisalmeri (0.132) breeds. A similar genetic relationship was observed when the degree of population subdivision was measured between the Bikaneri-Kachchhi (0.529), Jaisalmeri-Kachchhi (0.558) and Bikaneri-Jaisalmeri (0.566) breeds.
Characterisation and conservation programme of the Alberes cattle breed in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Fina M. , Casellas J. , Tarrés J. , Bartolomé J. , Plaixats J. , Such X. , Jiménez N. , Sánchez A. , Piedrafita J.
Published: August 2011

The Alberes cattle breed is a Catalonian autochthonous bovine population located in the Alberes Massif (north east of Spain), in the eastern extreme of the Pyrenees Mountains, and is well adapted to this zone in which it mainly makes use of forest resources. Cows are small sized and rustic, living under a semi-feral management system with minimal human contact. Traditionally, two coat colour varieties, Black and Fawn, have been described. Nevertheless, in both coat colour types the wild-type allele(E+)of the extension locus predominates. The Alberes breed clusters within the Cantabrian trunk, although some other breeds may also have influenced the population during its history. All of the females are used for replacement and the surplus males are destined for fattening despite their low meat potential. Age at first calving ranges between 3 and 4 years. The 2007 census estimated the number of adult animals at 138 females and 9 males. The Alberes breed is considered as anEndangered Breedaccording to the FAO classification and intends to start anin situminimum kinship conservation programme and also a cryoconservation scheme with embryos and semen.
Genetic diversity among four short stature cattle populations of India
Authors: Tantia M.S. , Vijh R.K. , Mishra B. , Bharani Kumar S.T.
Published: August 2011

The genetic diversity, genetic differentiation and relationship between four short stature cattle populations of south India - Punganur, Iduki, Kasargod and Vatakara - was studied, using 24 microsatellite loci. A total of 164 alleles were observed. The mean number of alleles per locus was 6.58 with mean observed and expected heterozygosity values of 0.70 and 0.75 respectively. The relative magnitude of gene differentiation (FST) was 6% and was significant except between the Iduki and Kasargod populations. The negative FISvalues obtained for the majority of loci indicated a lack of population structure in the four populations. Both phylogenetic and correspondence analysis exhibited a closeness between Iduki and Kasargod animals. The results indicated that all four populations were outbred and Kasargod and Iduki animals should be considered as one even though these are reared for different purposes.
Basic demographic data — a prerequisite for effective management of animal genetic resources
Authors: Scherf B. , Pilling D.
Published: August 2011

Demographic data describe the size, structure and distribution of livestock populations and how these change over time. They are fundamental to determining the risk status of breed populations both on a national and a global scale. Currently, no population data are available for 36 percent of the breeds recorded in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS), and for many other breeds data are updated so infrequently that monitoring trends in risk status is difficult or impossible. Data on the geographical distribution of breeds are also generally inadequate. A baseline survey of the breed population needs to be followed by periodic monitoring. The required frequency of the monitoring activities will depend on the generation interval of the species in question. Data may be collected via breed-level censuses or surveys, or estimated based on species level data. It is important that national decision-making takes account of the global demographics of the breed; a classification system distinguishing breeds present only in one country from those present in several countries has been developed. Much remains to be done to improve the availability of demographic data. Moreover, methods need to be developed that account for the risks of genetic erosion associated with indiscriminate cross-breeding. A further key requirement is the development of methods for representative sampling of national animal populations to allow estimates of their total population size and other demographic data to be obtained in a cost-effective manner.
INTERSPECIFIC HYBRIDIZATION OF THE CYPRUS MOUFLON (AGRINON) WITH DOMESTIC SHEEP
Authors: mavrogenis A. P. , Herzogi A.
Published: August 2011

All interspecific hybrids, both male and female, resulting from crosses between the wild sheep of- Cyprus (known locally as Aqrinon) and domesticated sheep breeds (Ovis aries), Cyprus Fat-tailed (CFT), Chios an Awassi, were found to be fertile.The chromosome complement of both species and of the hybrids was 2n=54. The survival.rate of hybrid lambs up to 105 days of age increased with a higher percentage of domesticated sheep inheritance. F2 hybrids had the lowest survival rate.

The birth weight of F1 and first backcross to domestic sheep (B,) lambs was higher than that of F2 and F1 × B1 lambs, but much lower thin that of domesticated sheep.

Most of the evidence available suggests that the wild sheep of Cyprus originates from either the European (ovis musimon) or the Asiatic' (Ovis orientalis) mouflon.
EVOLUTION OF FRIESIAN CATTLE POPULATIONS IN SPAIN
Authors: ordófiez V. Calcedo
Published: August 2011

Genetic changes have taken place in the Spanish cattle population as a result of breed replacement and crossbreeding as well as from H61stein-Friesian strain influence. In the last 20 years interest in the Holstein (Canada, and the USA) has increased, so that the North American strain today contributes to a high percentage of the genes in the Spanish Friesian herd. It is not yet clear what effect the introduction of quotas will have on the breed and strain composition of the Spanish dairy population, but in view of the role that Friesian type animals play in beef production, any major change in milk price will affect the genetic make-up. Estimated percentages of Holstein genes (bull catalogue, bulls, genetic evaluation and utilized semen doses) are given.
THE NAKED NECK FOWL
Authors: Bodó I. , Kovics G. , Ludrovszky F.
Published: August 2011

The genetic value of ancient breeds of livestock is recognized increasingly all over the world. This seems especially important in the case of domestic fowl where hybrids are increasingly dominating everywhere. This paper describes some old Hungarian breeds.

Within the species of domestic fowl in Hungary the following breeds should be taken into consideration for preservation: the three colour variants white, yellow and speckled - of improved fowl, already classified as individual breeds called White Hungarian, Yellow Ijungarian and Speckled Hungarian, respectively. The white and speckled breeds both have a naked neck variety too The Transylvanian Naked Neck, although similar to the above variants, is oi different origin.
LA RAZA OVINA LATXA: CARACTERÍSTICAS MORFOLÓGICAS Y PRODUCTIVAS. PROGRAMA DE MEJORA GENÉTICA
Authors: Gabiña D. , Urarte E. , Arranz J. , Arrese F. , de Heredia I. Beltrán
Published: August 2011

En el presente artículo se describen los censos, características morfológicas y sistemas de producción más frecuentes de la raza Latxa, presentándose asimismo los resultados relativos a caracteres de reproducción, de peso y de crecimiento de los corderos y de producción de leche. Finalmente se describen los programas de control lechero y de selección en esta raza.
INDIGENOUS CHICKEN GENOTYPES OF ETHIOPIA
Authors: Shanawany M. M. , Banerjee A. K.
Published: August 2011

The paper deals with the indigenous chicken types of Ethiopia and attempts to characterize them according to some morphological attributes. In addition, their growth, reproductive ability and importance in the national economy are also discussed.
LA RACE KOURI UNE POPULATION BOVINE EN DANGER D'ABSORPTION
Authors: Bourzat D. , Idriss A. , Zeuh V
Published: August 2011

Le Kouri, une des populations bovines les plus anciennes d'Afrique, est en voie d'extinction, victime de la dégradation de son biotope originel : les îles et polders du Lac Tchad. La logique économique veut que sa faible contribution au produit animal brut des pays de la sous-région ne nécessite pas d'action de conservation ou de relance. Cette race possède pourtant des qualités intéressantes de performances laitières et d'adaptation au milieu, qui devraient inciter les institutions régionales et internationales à mettre en oeuvre un programme de conservation de ce patrimoine génétique origina et unique.
BOVINO CRIOLLO ARGENTINO “PATAGONICO”
Authors: Rodriguez A. , Martinez R.
Published: August 2011

Se describe una población de vacunos asilvestrados en el Parque Nacional “Los Glaciares” en Argentina, en cuanto a su origen, características y plan de conservación. Parte de esa población constituye un hato de raza criolla argentina en estado de pureza. Este biotipo se considera el más austral del mundo y está adaptado a condiciones climáticas muy adversas. Sería relevante su conservación por razones históricas, científicas y presumiblemente económicas.
THE SKOPELOS GOAT BREED OF GREECE
Authors: Pappas B. G. , Boyazoglu J. , Vasiloudis Ch.
Published: August 2011

In the Northern Sporades islands of the Aegean Sea a goat population isolate exists with an exceptional milk yield potential (225 kg marketed milk from average lactations of 174 days). The prolificacy is 135% and the average adult live weight of the females 56 kg.

While the actual purebred “Skopelos” population is estimated at only 8000 goats, the development of recording and a breed selection programme, combined with a necessary conservation policy, should help preserve the breed and assure its development possibilities.
NOTE ON THE LOCAL ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES AND THEIR CONSERVATION IN VIETNAM
Authors: Ly Le Viet
Published: August 2011

The author describes the existing livestock populations in Vietnam and summarizes the local preservation policies. The selection constraints, objectives and conservation programmes are discussed.
LE MÉRINOS DE RAMBOUILLET
Authors: Fiat L.
Published: August 2011

Le Mérinos de Rambouillet, originaire d'Espagne, a été sélectionné à la Bergerie Nationale pour obtenir une excellente qualité de laine. Des reproducteurs ont été exportés dans le monde entier. Suite à la baisse des cours de la laine, la race a subi un déclin. Elle se limite actuellement à 200 têtes, toutes localisées à Rambouillet, avec un taux de consanguinité de 54 p. cent. Pour sauvegarder la race, des embryons ont été congelés et peuvent être réimplantés. Dans l'avenir, des descendants de reproducteurs exportés pendant les décennies précédentes pourraient être réintroduits afin de redonner de la vigueur à la race.
MORTALITY PATTERNS IN GIR CROSSES
Authors: Kale K. M. , Mandakmale S. D.
Published: August 2011

In this short note a comparison is made between the Gir and its dairy crosses (Holstein Friesian, Jersey, Brown Swiss), with special reference to mortality of the females, up to the age of two years. Crossbreeding the Gir resulted in higher mortality rates that decreased with age.
EL CERDO IBERICO Y SU SISTEMA DE PRODUCCION
Authors: Rodrigáñez J. , Silió L. , Rillo S. Martin
Published: August 2011

El cerdo ibérico constituye la población más amplia entre las pertenecientes al tipo mediterráneo y se mantiene en el S. W. de la Península Ibérica con un sistema productivo estrechamente ligado al medio natural. En los últimos años ha experimentado un auge asociado al establecimiento de un mercado propio para sus productos. Aunque el número de cabezas sea aparentemente considerable, la alta proporción de los cruzamientos con Duroc hace peligrar la supervivencia de algunas de sus variedades. En este trabajo se describen las características de la raza y de sus particulares sistemas de producción tanto en el campo como en la industria, así como la estructura de la población en relación con los problemas de su conservación.
CONSERVATION OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES IN THE USSR
Authors: ‘Dmitriev N.G
Published: August 2011

Many valuable local breeds of farm animals in the USSR have either been lost or are in an endangered state. Concern about this loss of gene resources has led to the inclusion of a genetic resources programme in the overall state plan for the genetic improvement of livestock. It includes programmes for live animal conservation and setting up of gene banks. The former activity is carried out in special state gene pool farms, one for each geographical zone, where 500 purebred cows are maintained under a rotational outbred system of mating. Semen banks of most local breeds of livestock have also been established at animal husbandry institutes. Current research emphasis is on long term embryo storage and establishment of banks of somatic cells of local breeds.