bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of the Siri breed and the Mithun cross Siri in Bhutan
Authors: Phanchung  , Roden J. A.
Published: August 2011

The authors describe the evolution, morphological characteristics, body weights, body measurements and production performance of three indigenous cattle breeds in Bhutan, namely the Siri, Mithun cross Siri (Jatsha for male and Jatsham for female) and first backcross hybrids (Yangka for male and Yangkum for female). The data was collected through a sample survey which was conducted in Lobesa block of Thimphu district in April/May 1995 near the Natural Resources Training Institute (NRTI). Observations were recorded from 44 Siri (22 bulls and 22 cows), 10 Mithun cross Siri (5 Jatshas and 5 Jatshams) and 8 first backcross hybrids (5 Yangkas and 3 Yangkums). The aim of this breed description is to assist in developing the future conservation strategies of the indigenous breeds in Bhutan.
Morena Gallega cattle breeds with limited numbers: origin, productive characteristics and conservation programmes
Authors: Sánchez García L. , Iglesias A. , Fernández A. , Viana J. L. , Vallejo M.
Published: August 2011

En los últimos años las poblaciones autóctonas de bovinos gallegos han disminuido hasta alcanzar una situacion de vulnerabilidad, que va de un estado crítico de menos de 100 hembras de raza con una variabilidad genética muy reducida, y un estado de peligro con 100 a 1 000 hembras de raza que no bastan para la supervivencia. Al objeto de prevenir una eventual extinción, se estableció un Programa Operativo para el mantenimiento de un banco de germoplasma (semen y embriones) y de animales in situ (explotaciones y reservas naturales) con el fin de asegurar la preservación y facilitar los estudios etnológicos, productivos y reproductivos. Cinco rebaños pertenecientes a las razas Cachena, Caldelana, Frieiresa, Limiana y Vianesa fueron estudiados para ser censados tomando en consideración el habitat, la selección animal, los caracteres morfológicos y productivos, la calidad del semen de los toros y su rendimiento de reproducción.
Establishment of a breeding season and evaluation of the reproductive performance of the Pantaneira horse in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Sereno J. R. B. , Santos S. A. , Zúccari C. E. S. N. , Mazza M. C. M.
Published: August 2011

The objective of this study was to establish a breeding season and to evaluate the reproductive performance of a horse herd of the Pantaneira breed from Nhumirim Ranch in the lowlands of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. During the period 1990/91, the stallion was kept year-round with 17 mares. In the following year (91/92) a breeding season of seven months (Sept. 91 to Mar. 92) was established, in which the stallion and 15 mares were used. In the first period (90/91), the concentration of births occurred from September to December of 1991. The percentage of pregnancy and parturition observed in 90/91 and 91/92 for the male:female proportions of 1:17 and 1:15 were: 82.3, 100 and 86.7, 100%, respectively. In the breeding season from Oct. 91 to Feb. 92 with male/female ratios of A-1:11, B-1:10 and C-1:10, it was observed that the percentage of pregnancy was 90.9, 100 and 100%, respectively, with 100% parturition in the 3 groups. Independently of the number of females used (A-1:10, B-1:08, C-1:12), the rate of pregnancy obtained from the breeding season from Oct. 92 to Feb. 93 was 100%.
The Hungarian Grey cattle: a traditional European breed
Authors: Bartosiewicz L.
Published: August 2011

In this paper, the Hungarian Grey, a traditional draught and beef cattle was studied. This breed was threatened by extinction due to the mechanization of agriculture and propagation of upgraded breeds which had almost completely replaced it. Following a crisis in the 1960's (in 1966 only 470 dams were registered) a pioneering conservation scheme was introduced. Thanks to scientific breeding, the number of cows increased to approximately 1 600 and the risk of inbreeding has been avoided. In addition to a historical review, body conformation, production characteristics and modern forms of exploitation for this rare but genetically valuable breed are discussed.
The Ponies of the Giara highland
Authors: Dattilo M.
Published: August 2011

The Giara pony is a less known, equine breed of small stature, typical of the island of Sardinia. It draws its denomination from the highland of the Giara, where it lives in the wild.

The ponies appeared in Sardinia approximately in the VII century B. C. Recent research, carried out on haemoglobin polymorphism, underlined some analogies with the Arabic horses of North-Africa.

These ponies, have a dolyichomorphic-type constitution with long, naked and resistant legs. In the past they were used for agricultural work, however later, with the increase of mechanisation, they returned to the Giara highland where they became feral.

The Giara ponies, in the light of recent scientific research, possess not only an inestimable genetic patrimony but they also represent a large source of interest for the equestrian sport, and, above all, for children's riding therapy.

The author underlines, finally, that the principal material of this article has been outlined in a symposium held at the University of Sassari 18/11/1997, entitled: “Phenomenology of the environment: psycho-social and zoo-anthropological perspectives”.
Amélioration des performances pondérales du Pigeon au Maroc par croisement de deux races locales avec une race d'origine européenne
Authors: Benazzouz B. , Soulaymani A. , Mokhtari A.
Published: August 2011

Dans l'objectif de l'amélioration des performances pondérales du pigeonneau commercial au Maroc, la présente étude vise l'exploitation de l'effet bénéfique du croisement de deux races locales ditesBeldietMgandipar la raceSottobancad'origine italienne.

L'élevage est réalisé en claustration complète dans des parquets identiques soumis à des conditions sanitaires et alimentaires bien contrôlées.

La comparaison des résultats des croisements des trois races révèle une variabilité significative du poids des pigeonneaux à l'âge d'abattage (28 jours) en fonction de la race du père, de la race de la mère, de leur interaction et du sexe du pigeonneau. En outre, les différences notées entre les performances des hybrides issus de croisements réciproques semblent être liées à des effets maternels. Les meilleures conformations sont obtenues chez les pigeonneaux mâles issus du croisement d'une femelleSottobancapar un mâleBeldiouMgandi.

Par ailleurs, l'étude comparative de l'écart de performances entre les parents et les hybrides a montré que l'expression de l'hétérosis dépend de la distance génétique entre les races croisées. Ainsi, la combinaison des deux racesSottobancaetBeldia donné le meilleur effet hétérotique
Caractéristiques morphobiométriques de la poule du Sénégal
Authors: Missohou A. , Sow R.S. , Ngwe-Assoumou C.
Published: August 2011

Cette étude, qui vise à étudier les caractéristiques morphobiométriques de la poule du Sénégal, a porté sur 1 598 sujets échantillonnés dans deux zones agro-écologiques différentes: la zone de Dahra au centre du Sénégal et la zone de Kolda située en Casamance au sud du pays.

Chaque sujet a fait l'objet d'une description par observation directe et d'une pesée. La longueur du tarse a également été objet d'une mesure.

La coloration du plumage de la poule Sénégalaise est très variée mais les principales dominantes sont le fauve (13,82%), le blanc (12,39%), le mille-fleurs (8,38%), le blanc et fauve (8,38%) et le fauve hermine (7,85%). Les phénotypes“frisé“et“cou nu“représentent respectivement 0,9% et 1,94% de la population, ce qui correspond aux fréquences 0,5% du gène frisé (F) et 1% du gène cou nu (Na). La peau et les pattes sont surtout blanches mais elles peuvent aussi être jaunes, roses ou bleu acier (pattes).

Le poids moyen des sujets est de 1,02±0,337 kg pour une longueur du tarse de 9,21 cm. Le nombre d'oeufs pondus par poule est de 12,4. Ce sont des oeufs en majorité (73%) blancs qui pèsent en moyenne 31,7±3,9 g.
The state of African cattle genetic resources II. Geographical distribution, characteristics and uses of present-day breeds and strains
Authors: Rege J.E.O. , Tawah C.L.
Published: August 2011

This paper summarises preliminary results of a survey conducted as part of a large effort to systematically collate information aimed at assessing the status of cattle genetic resources of sub-Saharan Africa. The 146 indigenous breeds/strains identified from the survey are classified into nine broad groups (Humpless Longhorns, Humpless Shorthorns, Large East African Zebu, Small East African Zebu, West African Zebu, Sanga, Zenga, Recently Derived Breeds and Commercial Composites) some of which are further subdivided into several groups (based on possible genetic relationships) and clusters (based on eco-geographical locations). Each breed is then described in terms of location, physical characteristics, adaptive attributes, if known, current main uses and status in terms of qualitative or quantitative indication of trends, where available, and presence or absence of programmes for its management or further development.
Conservation considerations on Danish Shorthorn Cattle using pedigree analysis
Authors: Trinderup M. , Jørgensen J. N. , Hansen M.
Published: August 2011

The gene dropping method was applied to the pedigree of Danish Shorthorn in order to estimate the proportion of alleles of the old type of Danish Shorthorn in the population of 1997.

It was found that about 23% of the alleles in the population of 1997 originated from the old type. Of 21 base animals of the old type, alleles of seven animals were completely lost in the gene dropping while only six base animals contributed with 20.2% of the alleles in the 1997 population. Inbreeding coefficients ranged from zero to 35.6% with a mean of 4.1%.
La Chevre Creole de Guadeloupe (f.w.i.): une ressource génétique importante pour les Tropiques humides
Authors: Alexandre G. , Aumont G. , Mandonnet N. , Navès M.
Published: August 2011

Cette étude présente une synthèse des travaux menés sur l'évaluation des performances zootechniques des caprins Créoles à viande de Guadeloupe. Ce génotype rustique, de petit format, présente de grandes qualités reproductives et maternelles avec 90% de fertilité, 225% de prolificité et une viabilité naissance-sevrage de 78%. Les performances post-sevrage varient du simple au double selon les conditions d'élevage. Une grande souplesse d'exploitation associée à de fortes capacités productives, ainsi qu'à un potentiel d'adaptation, expliquent le succès de cet élevage aux Antilles. La chèvre Créole peut être sélectionnée sur ses performances d'élevage, de croissance et de résistance au parasitisme gastro-intestinal ou encore peut être valorisée comme souche maternelle pour des croisements possibles.
Characteristics of Garole sheep in India
Authors: Sharma R.C. , Arora A.L. , Narula H.K. , Singh R.N.
Published: August 2011

Garole, a highly prolific breed of sheep can be characterised as real microsheep of India. Literature available in respect of its genetic potentiality for fecundity and other economic parameters is very scanty. This has peculiar characteristics such as prolificacy, resistance to foot rot disease, grazing in knee-deep water, adaptability to hot humid conditions and high mothering instinct for their neonates. Some research and development programmes have recently been initiated by Central and State Governments to study this valuable germplasm in a systematic manner. Endeavours are required to evaluate this animal in its home tract and in-situ conservation involving local sheep farmers is necessary for posterity.
Introduction de la race bovine N'Dama à la Ferme Elevage de l'Okpara au Bénin. Quelques performances zootechniques
Authors: Youssao A.K.I. , Ahissou A. , Toure Z.
Published: August 2011

Les performances zootechniques de la race N'Dama ont été déterminées de 1994 à 1997 à partir du noyau reconstitué en 1993 dans le cadre de l'amélioration génétique des races locales à la Ferme Elevage de l'Okpara au Bénin. Les poids moyens à la naissance, à 6, 12 et 24 mois sont respectivement 17.4, 55.6, 95.9 et 158 kg. La vitesse de croissance de la naissance à 12 mois est de 215 g/j. Excepté le poids à la naissance, le poids et les mensurations corporelles sont largement en dessous de ceux obtenus chez la race dans son berceau. L'intervalle de vêlage a été de 413±54 jours, l'âge moyen au premier vêlage a été situé à 48 mois ± 33 jours, et le taux moyen de fécondité à 84.3%. Les naissances s'observent d'octobre à janvier avec une mortalité variant selon les années de 0 à 8.1% chez les jeunes. Aucun cas de mortalité n'a été enregistré chez les adultes. En somme, il est remarqué que l'expression phénotypique des caractères de productions de la N'Dama est limitée dans le ranch de l'Okpara.
Origin and characteristics of the Maltese Black-Bronze Turkey
Authors: Mallia J.G.
Published: August 2011

The Maltese Black-Bronze Turkey is a previously undescribed, rustic breed of turkey raised exclusively in backyard conditions. The broad-breasting trait (prevalence, P=100 percent), “bronzing” on the rump and tail (P=100 percent) and “wild type” wing markings (P=78 percent) were present. The average weight (AW) and standard error (SE) and weight range (WR) of turkeys (N=50) at 12 weeks, 20 weeks and 24 weeks of age was of 3.34 ± 0.04 kg and WR = 2.80–3.80 kg, 8.14 ± 0.09 kg and WR = 7.10–9.10 kg, 10.37 ± 0.10 kg and WR = 9.40–11.70 kg, respectively.

The AW ± SE and WR of a skinned, excised breast muscle(P. majorandP. profunduscombined) and of a skinned leg of turkey at 24 weeks was of 1.37±0.08 kg and WR=1.05±1.65 kg and 0.98±0.08 kg and WR=0.9-1.10 kg, respectively. There were no mortalities during the study (P=0 percent) and no birds were condemned at slaughter (P=0 percent) at 24 weeks. Although growth rates were not as fast as commercial strains raised in industrial conditions, carcass quality and conformation were good. Persons (N=2) visually assessing meat colour found only 2 percent breast muscle to be darker than that of industrially-raised turkey. However, poor intra-rater agreement and inter-rater agreement for darkness of breast muscle indicated that it was indistinguishable from the breast muscle of industrially raised birds. When only feed costs were included, the price per kg live weight was of US$ 0.99, US$ 0.74 and US$ 0.98 for 12, 20 and 24 weeks of age, respectively. Raising this breed of turkey for 20 weeks appears to be the most profitable age for marketing under small-scale semi-intensive conditions, but it is slower growing than industrial birds as the latter reach 8–16 kg at 14–20 weeks. A questionnaire based on 322 respondents identified that there was a high, but unsatisfied demand for slower growing turkeys raised in “more natural” backyard conditions (P=89 percent). The Maltese Black-Bronze Turkey had the necessary characteristics to fill this niche market.
The Muturu: A rare sacred breed of cattle in Nigeria
Authors: Adebambo Olufunmilayo A.
Published: August 2011

The Muturu, a trypanotolerant cattle breed is probably one of the least known breed of cattle in West Africa. Little has been published on its distribution, management, morphological characteristics or biological performance.

Early reports showed that the Muturu cattle were once widely distributed across the continent from Liberia, across the West African subregion, to Ethiopia. However, due to expansion of the Zebu population and rapid urbanization, the small bodied animal came under pressure and was found surviving in pockets of the savannahs and in the humid forest zones where it had the comparative advantage of trypanotolerance. The survival of the cattle in the humid and forest zones of Nigeria stems from the fact that the animal is still sacred in so many communities and its milk is widely used for medicinal purposes. In some states of Nigeria, the semi-feral Muturu are not tended but hunted when required for sacrifice.

From a population size of 0.4 million heads in 1960, Akinwunmi and Ikpi, (1985) reported a decline in the population of the breed to 50–80 thousand in the late 1980s in Nigeria although RIMS (1992), reported a population growth to 115 172 heads. With limited data bank information on their adaptation and productivity, possible identification of genes that confer resistance to or tolerance of environmental stress in these animals will be of global significance.
Ongole cattle status in India
Authors: Gaur G.K. , Kaushik S.N. , Garg R.C.
Published: August 2011

The Ongole cattle breed, also known as Nellore, is the native of the coastal districts Guntur, Prakasham and Nellore of Andhra Pradesh. This is a dual-purpose breed. Bullocks are very powerful and suitablefor ploughing and cart pulling. These animals are resistant to various insect-born diseases. The coat colour of Ongoles is glossy white but some maleshave grey markings on their hump and grey markings on the back quarters have also been noticed. The animals of this breed are heavy having long/large ears, dewlap, hump, limbs and barrel. The size of a tail, neck and horns is in general short. Ears are alert with a moderately short black tip. Horns are short and stumpy. The dewlap is large, fan shaped, fleshy and slightly pendulous. The udder is well formed with well-placed and developed teats. A survey was conducted in 60 villages in the breeding tract and 7 341 cattle true to the breed (Ongole) type were found. A genetic improvement/conservation programme for Ongoles is being executed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in collaboration with Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh). The progress of the programme was presented.
Genetic base and inbreeding of Canadienne, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cattle in Canada
Authors: Hansen C. , Shrestha J.N.B. , Parker R.J. , Crow G.H. , Derr J.N.
Published: August 2011

The narrowing of the genetic base is of major concern to many cattle breeders and this is a consequence of a small effective population size and an increase in the inbreeding coefficient in cattle populations. Studies of pedigrees of cattle populations found in Canada showed that the effective population size and rate of inbreeding over a 12-year period (1983–94) were 123 and 0.412 percent for Canadienne, 975 and 0.054 percent for Brown Swiss, and 2 183 and 0.024 percent for Jersey cattle populations. Over the same period, the year to year trends in inbreeding coefficients based on co-ancestry was 0.11 percent for Canadienne and 0.07 percent for Brown Swiss cattle populations, and 0.37 percent for Holstein bulls used by the artificial insemination industry. Inbreeding was not found to be a major problem in any of the populations examined. However, only 10 bulls of their respective breed sired 61 percent of the Canadienne, 21 percent of the Brown Swiss, and 29 percent of the Jersey cattle populations, and 41 percent of the Holstein bulls in the bull studs. More and more breeders are demanding proven sires to increase milk production from fewer cows resulting in the narrowing of the genetic base of the national cattle populations. Newer technology that provides precise genetic modification could further contribute to the narrowing of the genetic base compromising the ability to sustain current production and respond to changing markets in the long-term.
Characteristics of Ankole Longhorn cattle and their production environments in South Western Uganda: milk offtake and body measurements
Authors: Petersen P.H. , Ndumu D.B. , Kiwuwa G.H. , Kyomo M.L. , Semambo D.K.N. , Rowlands G.J. , Nagda S.N. , Nakimbugwe H.
Published: August 2011

Characteristics of lactation performance, based on AM milk offtake and conformation, of Ankole cattle were studied during one year in 37 herds with 606 recorded cows in Mbarara district in southwestern Uganda. Recording of AM milk offtake was undertaken in eight areas of Mbarara district which represent different production systems and vegetation types.

The 467 cows with complete lactation cows yielded, on average, a total AM offtake of 252 and 325 kg over first and second or higher lactations, respectively. These offtakes were higher than other African indigenous populations in pastoral systems. Mean body weight was 292 and 341 kg for first and second or higher parities, respectively. Average body measurements for all parities were 161 cm for heart girth, 129 cm for height at withers and 193 cm for body length.

The daily AM milk offtake varied from 1.1 kg in the Ruhengere area characterized by thorny Acacia thickets to 1.9 kg in the bush-cleared Kanyanya area with improved pastures. Although the Ankole cows performed best on the improved pastures, their future may relatively be more favourable in the original non-cleared bush areas because of the gradually increasing competition from exotic dairy breeds and their crosses.
On-station characterisation of indigenous Menz and Horro Sheep breeds in the central highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Tibbo M. , Ayalew W. , Awgichew K. , Ermias E. , Rege J.E.O.
Published: August 2011

On-station characterisation of indigenous Menz (n = 1 639) and Horro (n = 1 135) sheep of Ethiopia in the central highlands of the country was undertaken between 1992 and 1997 at the Debre Berhan Research Station of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) to study the phenotypic characteristics of the breeds. Body weights, linear body measurements, and testicular parameters were studied. The traits studied were live body weights (LWT), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), height at withers (WH), pelvic width (PW), chest depth (CD), distance between last rib and tuber coxae (DLP-ATR), scrotal circumference (SC), testicular diameter (TD), testicular length (TL), and epididymal tail diameter (ED). All except LWT (which was also measured at birth) were measured at 3, 12 and 24 months age. Fixed effects included in the analyses were breed, sex, birth type, birth season, birth year, and significant first-order interactions.

The Horro sheep had significantly (P<0.05) larger LWT at all ages than the Menz by as much as 6 to 18%. In both breeds, lambs born single were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than those born as twins or triplets. In all age categories and both breeds, males were consistently heavier and larger in size than females. Except for lambs of 3 months of age, the Horro sheep had larger (at least P<0.05) testicular measurements than Menz for all age categories.
Production characteristics of domestic Balkan goats
Authors: Memisi N. , Bauman F. , Stojanovic S. , Pavlov B. , Jovanovic S.
Published: August 2011

The paper presents milk production results in a domestic Balkan goat breed reared in the north-western region of the Sharplanina massif. A characteristic of the domestic Balkan goat is that it is reared under poor conditions where other domestic animals can not find enough food to survive. These goats have a strong constitution, are robust and resistent to contagious and parasitic diseases, tolerant to hot, arid climate, and have modest nutritional requirements. The entire body (except the nose, hoofs, and lower portion of the tail) is covered by hair. Hair color varies. Most often it is reddish or gray, but can also be black, as well as chestnut, brown, patchy, and seldom, white. Body size increases with age, due to the fact that the domestic Balkan goat matures late, reaching full size at about 4 years of age. Mean values for height at withers and body length in mature goats were 66 and 70 cm, respectively. Lactation duration was 238 days, total milk production 178 kg per lactation, milk fat 3.68%. An average of 1.2 kids are obtained per goat annualy. Poor fertility of the domestic Balkan goat is caused by numerous reasons, mainly poor nutrition.
The Abergelle and Irob cattle breeds of North Ethiopia: description and on-farm characterisation
Authors: Zerabruk M. , Vangen O.
Published: August 2011

A field survey was carried out between January and June 2002 in order to describe and evaluate two local cattle breeds, Abergelle and Irob, found in the Tigray region of North Ethiopia with little previous description available. Information from structured questionnaire of 175 farmers, twenty-one focused group discussions, field measurements of hearth girth and height at withers of 25 males and 25 females of each breed, and secondary information were utilised to carry out an on-farm characterisation and description of these breeds. The two breeds are found to be the smallest breeds in the region with an average body weight of 234 ± 13 and 153 ± 15 kg and average height at withers of 109 ± 3 and 97 ± 5 cm for males and females of the Abergelle breed. For the Irob breed the corresponding figures were 245 ± 36 and 200 ± 36 kg body weight and 106 ± 3 and 105 ± 5 cm height at withers. The Abergelle breed is recognized by farmers to have adaptive advantages to the hotter and drier low lands. Its tolerance to diseases and parasites and ability to cope with feed shortages during the long dry periods are favourably rated by the majority of farmers. The Irob cattle breed is adapted to a mountainous production environment and is highly rated by farmers for its capacity to thrive on the difficult terrain and its utilization of cactus (Opantia ficus indica) as a major source of nutrition.
Portuguese Cachena cattle: a socio-economic, morphological and productive characterization of an endangered breed
Authors: Brito N.V. , Dantas R. , Leite J.V. , Arranz J.J. , Bayón Y. , Primitivo F. San
Published: August 2011

Today, Portuguese Cachena cattle are limited to a small population in northern Portugal, and while they are well-adapted to the adverse environmental conditions of this mountainous region, they are in a very vulnerable situation.

A socio-economic analysis of the members of the Cachena Breeders' Association showed most to be individual elderly farmers with a worryingly low educational level, mostly with small traditionally managed farms.

The biometric study showed Cachenas to be quite light animals, and small in all three dimensions – indeed, they are the smallest Portuguese breed and one of the smallest in the world. The biometric indices obtained revealed the characteristics of their adaptation to mountain resources.

Financial measures to support Cachena cattle should be considered, oriented through social policies and improvement plans, with a view to developing the current production system, supporting the breeders' association and favouring biological production in order to protect this indigenous breed of limited production potential.
Animal genetic resources and traditional farming in Vietnam
Authors: Xuan D.T. Dong , Szalay I. , Su V.V. , Tieu H.V. , Vang N. Dang
Published: August 2011

The main animal feed sources in Vietnam are rice bran, rice straw, sweet potato, sugar cane, garden by-product and natural grasses. The majority of the rural population are considered to be farmers, 75% of them practice animal husbandry of which 95% includes animal production with local breeds or crosses. Local breeds or crosses produce 80% of meat and 75% of eggs. Animal production accounts for 20–25% of the total agricultural production. Pork represents 70% of domestic meat consumption.

Low external inputs are associated with the use of natural resources. Such types of natural resources as local breeds of animal are highly respected and used in a sustainable way. Uriu cattle survived the mechanisation in rice production due to the fact that the rice fields of Nghe An are full of rocks. Dong Tao chicken keeping is increasing thanks to the gourmet tastes of exigent Vietnamese consumers. Bau Qui ducks were maintained by Vietnamese of Thai ethnic tradition who killed all animals different from their breeds coming from other parts of the Quy Chau mountains, while the I pig faced the risk of extinction due to the priority given to imported pig breeds for intensive production. The tenacious and strongly built Mong Cai pig is a feature of households in semi-intensive production.
Population viability analysis of the Uruguayan Creole cattle genetic reserve
Authors: Armstrong E. , Postiglioni A. , González S.
Published: August 2011

Uruguayan Creole cattle are descended from animals brought by the Spanish conquerors. The population grew extensively without directional management and became semi-wild before the introduction of commercial breeds in the 19th century. Today only 575 animals remain, restricted to the San Miguel National Park. We performed a population viability analysis of this reserve using VORTEX v. 8.31 to study its demographic and genetic parameters, assess the environmental factors that affect its development, evaluate its future risk of extinction and test different management options. The probability of extinction in the next 100 years was always zero, even in the more pessimistic scenarios. The growth rate of the population was always positive and mostly affected by the mortality rate of calves. Population size increased rapidly up to carrying capacity, this being the only limiting factor for population growth. Retained heterozygosity was always above 90% and the inbreeding coefficient below 0.10. The analysis shows that the population is not at risk due to its genetic diversity and demographic structure, however all the individuals are concentrated in only one place. We suggest its subdivision into sub-populations located in different regions and connected by gene flow, decreasing the risk of extinction and accomplishing the conservation and self-sustainability goals.
Characterisation of Kenana cattle breed and its production environment
Authors: Yousif I.A. , El- Moula A.A. Fadl
Published: August 2011

The Kenana cattle breed originates from Bos indicus or humped cattle. The name Kenana came from the traditional owners, the Kenana people, who are mainly nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes. The light blue-gray coat is the characteristic color of Kenana cattle. Calves are frequently born with a brown-red coat that tends to change to a permanent gray at three to six months of age. At maturity the average body weights of males and females range from 300–500 kg and 250–350 kg respectively. The total population of Kenana and Butana cattle as major milk producers comprises 25% of the whole cattle population of Sudan. The Kenana homeland is the delta between the White Nile and the Blue Nile. The main system of production is the range system which includes the pastoral and semi-pastoral types. The nature of the nomadism in Kenana is relatively mild. The average milk production per lactation (198–257 days) varies between 1 400 kg and 2 100 kg respectively and maximum production is attained at seven to eight years of age.
Acciones para la caracterización y conservación del bovino criollo Peruano (Bos taurus)
Authors: Rivas E. , Veli E. , Aquino Y. , Rivas V. , Pastor S. , Estrada R.
Published: August 2011

Se describen las actividades de conservación y caracterización del bovino criollo peruano en el Instituto Nacional de Investigación y extensión Agraria (INIEA), las mismas que se han desarrollado con la activa interacción con las comunidades rurales de las regiones peruanas de Ancash, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Junín y Puno, dedicadas a la crianza de ganado criollo; en las comunidades también se llevaron a cabo trabajo de campo y charlas participativas sobre la conservación de sus morfotipos locales. Las actividades desarrolladas incluyen la caracterización morfológica y molecular empleando microsatélites y RFLP para detectar genotipos de proteínas lácteas (variantes de kappa caseínas y beta lactoglobulinas). Esta información será de utilidad para los programas de mejoramiento del bovino criollo peruano en las comunidades rurales.
Production environment recording
Authors: Scherf B. , Tixier-Boichard M.
Published: August 2011

Improved understanding of the adaptation of livestock breeds to their production environments is important for many decisions in the field of AnGR management, ranging from genetic improvement to conservation. However, adaptation is complex and difficult to measure. One approach to this problem is to characterize adaptation indirectly by describing the production environments in which a breed has been kept over time, and to which it has probably become adapted. Comprehensive and comparable descriptions of the production environments in which animals are kept are also needed to make meaningful evaluations of performance data and to enable comparative analysis of the performance of different breeds. To address these requirements and in accordance with the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, it has been proposed that a recognized set of “production environment descriptors“ should be established and used throughout the world as a common framework for describing breeds' production environments. An important aspect of the process will be the georeferencing of breed distributions, which will allow them to be linked to a range of existing georeferenced data sets (e.g. climatic data). The link between a breed and a specific production environment may offer a basis for the development of a niche market; examples in include the Bresse chicken of France and the Abondance and Tarentaise cattle breeds of the northern Alps. Such niche markets represent important opportunities for keeping traditional breeds in use.
Evaluación de la variabilidad y potencial genético de poblaciones de bovinos criollos colombianos
Authors: Martínez R. , Gallego J. , Onofre G. , Pérez J. , Vasquez R.
Published: August 2011

El presente trabajo presenta un análisis de la variabilidad y el potencial genético de las poblaciones de bovinos criollos utilizados en un Programa Nacional de Fomento, desarrollado por organimos gubernamentales (Ministerio de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural, Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario y Corpoica). Se hizo el análisis de la información productiva de poblaciones de las razas Romosinuano, Costeño con Cuernos, Sanmartinero y Blanco Orejinegro, mediante el uso de la metodología BLUP, se calcularon los valores genéticos directos para peso al nacimiento, destete, 16 meses y ganancia de peso al destete y se realizó el análisis de la distribución de los animales por sus valores genéticos. Se encontró que en cada una de las razas existe una alta proporción de animales con valores genéticos positivos, siempre superior al 50%, lo cual indica una amplia variabilidad genética y posibilidad de selección de individuos mejoradores, que asegurarán el progreso genético en el programa de fomento que será desarrollado.
Establishing a conservation flock for “Vorwerkhuhn” chicken breed – a case study of in-situ conservation of local chicken breeds in Germany
Authors: Weigend S. , Stricker K. , Röhrßen F.-G.
Published: August 2011

There is an increasing concern about losing genetic diversity in farm animals, and poultry genetic resources are considered to be one of the most endangered (Crawford, 1990). A large number of local dual-purpose breeds used at the beginning of the last century have been replaced with highly specialised lines. Market orientated intensive livestock breeding programs tend to concentrate on just a limited number of breeds, and the proportion of low-input, low-output breeds used in agricultural production in developed countries has been decreased almost to zero. Decreasing numbers of breeds results in reduced genetic variability, and limits the flexibility of future breeding programs. On the other hand, an increase in income in these countries leads to a rise in demands for specialised food, diversification in the product supply, and changes in preferences of production conditions.
THE CRIOLLO CATTLE PROJECT OF THE BRITISH TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL MISSION AND EL CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION AGRICOLA TROPICAL AS A MODEL OF INVESTIGATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Wilkins i.V.
Published: August 2011

The British Tropical -Agricultural Mission (BTAM) is a unit of the overseas Development Administration and consists of a group of eight to ten specialists in the fields of soil management, agronomy, plant protection, sociology, ecology, economics, animal production, pasture production and agro-forestry, working in a supportive and training capacity with the Bolivian Centro de Investigaci6n Agricola Tropical (CIAT), since its formation in 1976.
INDIGENOUS PIG OF NIGERIA
Authors: Pathiraja N. , Oyedipe E. O.
Published: August 2011

Indigenous pigs of West Africa form the majority of the pig population in Nigeria. They are very precocious but have low prolificacy, a low growth rate and poor carcass characteristics. However, the ability to thrive on low-quality diets in stressful environments is quite remarkable. In recent years, there has been a steady decline in the indigenous pig population. Therefore, conservation of the germplasm of this valuable genetic resource is highly desirable.
DAIRY CATTLE BREEDING PROGRAMME AND GENETIC PROGRESS IN KENYA
Authors: Mzee R. M.
Published: August 2011

The state of the dairy herd in Kenya is described. The organization of the national dairy cattle breeding programme and the sire evaluation methods used are discussed in the light of the available data (1978–1988) and the relevant bibliography It is underlined that it was only possible to keep-up milk production - which matches consumption - by a dairy cattle population growth of 220% in the past decade, while the average yield remained unchanged around 3500 kg milk/lactation. The author underlines the need to improve livestock management practices and the genetic potential of dairy cows as the only means to face the needs of a growing human population.
THE MAREMMANO HORSE
Authors: SiLvestrelli M.
Published: August 2011

The Maremmano horse, one of the most important and ancient Italian breeds, has a Stud Book only since 1980. This breed is used for saddle horse production, both as a purebred and as a crossbred. A systematic breeding programme has been implemented to maintain the old genotype and ensure wider variation within the breed.
GANADO POLLED CRIOLLO PEREIRA CAMARGO
Authors: Camargo A.H. Almeida
Published: August 2011

En este artículo se describe el probable origen del ganado Polled Criollo Pereira Camargo, y el hábitat donde este ganado ha vivido y todavía vive hasta el día de hoy Se describe también sus características zootécnicas, aptitudes y cualidades.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF CHINESE SHEEP AND GOAT RAISING INDUSTRIES OVER THE LAST FORTY YEARS
Authors: Guangren Cheng , Naixiang Ma
Published: August 2011

The people's Republic of China has been established for forty years. The sheep raising industries, the same as other industries has made tremendous developments and achievements since the Liberation in 1949. The population of sheep and goat has increased four times from 42.35 million in 1949 to 211.64 million heads in 1989. The breed characteristics have also changed greatly in appearance on the basis of large scale crossbreeding programmes. Grease wool yield has increased in China from 33,500 tons in 1950 to 254,000 tons in 1989 and other sheep and goat products have gained to a substantial extent. Meantime, the sheep and goat scientific and technological work and services have developed quickly over the same period.
LE MOUTON BRETON
Authors: Denis B. , Malher X.
Published: August 2011

Le mouton d'Ouessant est bien connu, en raison notamment de sa petite taille. Son nom est d'apparition récente (moins de 50 ans) : auparavant, on connaissait le “Mouton breton” qui comprenait trois variétés et de nombreux types intermédiaires. Le plus commun était le “Mouton des Landes de Bretagne” qui semble avoir présenté des similitudes avec les moutons autochtones ayant peuplé toute la moitié nord de la France. La “Race de deux” doit son nom à sa prolificité, obtenue par croisement du Mouton des Landes de Bretagne avec la Flamande à la fin du 18ème siècle. Les plus petits animaux ont été regroupés beaucoup plus tard sous l'appellation “Ouessant” Contrairement à l'opinion courante, le “Mouton des Landes de Bretagne” et la “Race de deux” n'ont pas disparu mais subsistent avec des effectifs très faibles. Les principales caractéristiques des trois variétés sont sommairement présentées et leur intérêt, souligné.
THE LIPIZZANER IN ITALY
Authors: Borghese A.
Published: August 2011

The Lipizzaner is one of Europe's most ancient breeds; its history goes back to the early 16th century The original stock came from the North of Italy and Spain; six male lines introduced in the second half of the 18th century and the early 19th century, from Naples, the Austro-Hungarian empire, Denmark and Arabia upgraded the breed to its actual standard. The Italian national stud of Montemaggiore is perpetrating the Lipizzaner tradition. The horses are kept under extensive grazing conditions and all six “families” (Napolitano,Conversaro, Favory, Pluto, Maestoso and Siglavy) are present.
GOAT BREEDS IN ITALY
Authors: Rubino R.
Published: August 2011

Italian autochthonous goats have been discriminated for centuries, first by laws which have limited their rearing, then because foreign breeds, such as Saanen and Alpine, were preferred. Recently, this trend changed and now the number of autochthonous goats is increasing. In Italy, the only goat which can be considered as being wild is the Capra di Montecristo. Among domesticated goats, the Vallese is classified as Capra prisca; the Maltese, the Rossa Mediterranea, the Garganica, the Orobica, the Frontalasca, the Verzaschese, the Sarda, the Argentata dell'Etna and the Locale are classified as Capra hircus hircus while the Girgentana is classified as Capra hircus girgentana.

Data have been published on the production and reproduction of each of these breeds, on the importance of the populations and on development trends; many reports exist on the rearing areas of these breeds.
“PUNGANUR”- THE MINIATURE BOS INDICUS CATTLE
Authors: Nath M. Narendra
Published: August 2011

The author describes the Punganur dwarflike Bos indicus breed of the Southern tip of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. An attempt to rescue the breed in the 1950's was not successful; this cattle are now faced with extinction.
THE GOATS AND SHEEP OF THE DECCAN PLATEAU IN THE MAHARASHTRA STATE OF INDIA
Authors: Nimbkar C.
Published: August 2011

Small ruminants are important in the agricultural economy of Maharashtra. They convert poor quality roughages into milk for home consumption, highly prized meat, skins, excellent manure and coarse wool. The local breeds of goats and sheep have not been adequately defined and not much has been done for their genetic improvement. All the sheep belong to the Deccani breed type while there are three recognized goat breeds, i.e. Osmanabadi, Sangamneri and Surti. Both the goats and sheep are hardy animals, well adapted to harsh conditions but have a low production potential.
Inbreeding and loss of founder alleles in four variations of a conservation programme using circular mating, for Danish Shorthorn Cattle
Authors: Trinderup M. , Jørgensen J.N. , Hansen M.
Published: August 2011

The beef cattle breed Danish Shorthorn is used as a model for simulation of four variations of the circular mating scheme running for 50 years. Schemes 1 and 2 used a fixed exchange of bulls between female groups while schemes 3 and 4 used a random exchange of bulls between female groups. The number of bulls used in schemes 1 and 4 was 16 while the number of bulls used in schemes 2 and 3 was 8. Inbreeding levels were computed and gene dropping was applied to estimate the risk of founder allele loss. In the population of year 50 the inbreeding levels for the four mating schemes are not statistically different. The male founder alleles contribute strongly to the population of year 50. The female founder alleles are in greater risk of being lost than the male founder alleles.
EVALUATION AND CONSERVATION OF NATIVE STRAINS OF CHICKEN IN THE SABRAO REGION
Authors: Sheldon B.L.
Published: August 2011

The small amount of information available on native strains of chicken in the SABRAO region is surveyed. The need for well controlled experimental comparisons is emphasized as well as the need to obtain as complete a picture as possible of each population genotype. The desiderata for conservation programmes are discussed.
ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE CONSERVATION OF FARM ANIMALS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Brooke Clarke
Published: August 2011

The American Minor Breeds Conservancy and the National Council on Gene Resources are organizations in the United States whose activities are either wholly or in part directed to the conservation of rare and threatened breeds of farm animals. Past and current projects, goals, and the kinds of services provided by the AMBC and the NCGR are presented in brief form.
ACTORS OF KEEPING AND MANAGING GENETIC RESOURCES OF FARM ANIMALS IN 1992
Authors: Lauvergne J.J. , Zafindrajaona P. Souvenir
Published: August 2011

Une enquête au moyen d'un formulaire diffusé en 1992 dans le Bulletin d'informatzon sur les ressources génétiques animales (AGRI) a obtenu 80 réponses. On a pu ainsi identifier 77 organismes impliqués dans l'étude, la conservation et la gestion des ressources génétiques des animaux de ferme dans le monde. Ces organismes s'occupaient de 9 différentes espèces : l'âne, le boeuf, le buffle, le chameau, le cheval, la chevre, le lama, le mouton et le porc. Selon leur rattachement administratif ces organismes ont été classés en supra-gouvernementaux, gouvernementaux, para-gouvernementaux, non gouvernementaux et mixte (à la fois supra-gouvernementaux et gouvernementaux). L'activité de ces organismes pouvait être mondiale, régionale ou nationale. Les premiers organismes recensés ont commencé leur activité dans les années 40. L'augmentation du nombre de ces organismes est très nette au cours des décennies 70 et 80. Les derniers organismes créés sont des organismes mixtes qui rassemblent en réseau des laboratoires s'adonnant à l'analyse du génome de certaines espèces (BovMap, PigMap, SheepMap etc…). Les espèces qui suscitaient le plus d'intérêt étaient, dans l'ordre, le boeuf (36 organismes), le mouton (29), la chèvre (26), le cheval (12), le porc (7) suivi par le buffle (4). Cette première enquête est incomplète car seulement 40 pays sur les 182 ayant une activité d'élevage notable ont répondu. La reprise de l'enquête sur une base plus détaillée est souhaitable.
CONSERVATION OF ANIMAL GERMPLASM AT RISK OF EXTINCTION IN ITALY: THE CENTRE FOR THE DEFENSE OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES OF CIRCELLO
Authors: Matassino D. , Cappuccio A. , Grasso T. , Palazzo Marisa
Published: August 2011

After a rapid review of the sociocultural aspects justifying that rare breeds be protected, of the aim of a conservation programme. and of the possible strategies, this paper describes in details the activities implemented at the National Centre for the preservation of germplasm of animals at risk of extinction, at Circello, in the south of Italy. In this centre, established on 310 ha, are presently raised 281 animals of more than 30 different breeds, among which 11 cattle breeds, 7 sheep breeds and 10 goat breeds. Activities of the centre include preservation, description, multiplication, improvement and use of the breeds at risk. Collaboration with other insttitutions within the Mediterranean region are listed.