bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

SummaryThis 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

SummaryThe 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

RésuméCette 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

SummaryGarole, 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

RésuméLes 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

SummaryThe 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

SummaryThe 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

SummaryThe 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

SummaryThe 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

SummaryCharacteristics 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

SummaryOn-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

SummaryThe 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

SummaryA 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

SummaryToday, 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

SummaryThe 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

SummaryUruguayan 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

SummaryThe 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

ResumenSe 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.