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The aim of the study was to assess the influence of sex, including caponization, on selected physiological and productive traits of Greenleg partridge (GP) birds. The study material consisted of 120 GP chicks (40 females and 80 males), divided into 3 equal groups (4 replication in each) and kept in litter system and fed ad libitum. A total of 40 cocks have been surgically castrated. The body weight (BW) of birds were measured biweekly. At the age of 24 weeks 8 birds/group were slaughtered, their carcasses were subjected to simplified dissection. Blood samples were collected and among others biochemical profile of serum was established. The lowest BW, regardless of age, had hens. From 18th week capons had the highest BW and finally it was similar to cocks. Cocks demonstrated, significantly, the highest carcass yield, however, the biggest proportion of breast muscles were stated in capons carcasses. The effect of sex is very clear in case of abdominal fat pad. The highest proportion of it was found in females but the lack of sex hormones in capons also contributed to a higher fat accumulation. The serum profile showed that the sexual maturity of hens increased lipids content (cholesterol, trigliceroles) caused by laying production.

The use of natural resources is an important topic to optimize the efficiency of cattle production. The purpose of this work is to describe the project of the Bruna d’Andorra; a local cow breed under an extensive cow–calf system in Andorra (Europe), as an example of local farming and marketing of its meat products in an area with adverse environmental conditions. This breed is located in Andorra, a microstate that consists predominantly of rugged mountains and harsh weather conditions. The cow–calf Bruna d’Andorra extensive system is thoroughly described and productive and reproductive performance, compiled over 21 years (2000–2020), has been analyzed by years with the Chi-square test or ANOVA to compare proportions or means, respectively, and regression analysis was used to decipher evolution across years. The results show a population with a census large and stable enough to avoid inbreeding. Moreover, a sustained improvement of the productive performance and maternal fitness has been observed along the studied period for Bruna d’Andorra. The work concludes that local breeds can achieve sustainable animal production, especially when farmers, public administration and commercial circuits in the area agree to cooperate on such projects. The study also concludes that the Bruna d’Andorra cow breed can still improve in meat and reproductive performance.

The aim of the present study was to characterise milk of Burlina local cattle breed for traits of technological and nutritional relevance, such as milk coagulation properties (MCP), and protein, major mineral and fatty acid (FA) composition. Burlina is mainly reared in mountain areas of Veneto Region (Italy) and it has been inserted in conservation plans aiming to avoid biodiversity loss and marginal pasture areas abandonment. Eighty-one individual milk samples were collected in four farms. Milk coagulation properties were determined using Formagraph, and protein, mineral and FA composition were analysed in high performance liquid chromatography, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and gas chromatography, respectively. Results evidenced good protein percentage (3.38%) and considerable casein content (28.89 mg/mL), as well as a desirable FA profile, with ω-6 to ω-3 ratio of 4.04. Somatic cell score, averaging 3.13, is a trait that should be enhanced through the improvement of farm management. This would have positive effects on MCP. Among milk minerals, the most and less abundant were K (1493.53 mg/kg) and Mg (110.07 mg/kg), respectively. Overall, herd, parity and lactation stage explained moderate to low variation of the studied traits. Results of the present study could be useful to valorise Burlina local breed and preserve biodiversity in marginal areas.

Agroecology uses ecological processes and local resources rather than chemical inputs to develop productive and resilient livestock and crop production systems. In this context, breeding innovations are necessary to obtain animals that are both productive and adapted to a broad range of local contexts and diversity of systems. Breeding strategies to promote agroecological systems are similar for different animal species. However, current practices differ regarding the breeding of ruminants, pigs and poultry. Ruminant breeding is still an open system where farmers continue to choose their own breeds and strategies. Conversely, pig and poultry breeding is more or less the exclusive domain of international breeding companies which supply farmers with hybrid animals. Innovations in breeding strategies must therefore be adapted to the different species. In developed countries, reorienting current breeding programmes seems to be more effective than developing programmes dedicated to agroecological systems that will struggle to be really effective because of the small size of the populations currently concerned by such systems. Particular attention needs to be paid to determining the respective usefulness of cross-breeding v. straight breeding strategies of well-adapted local breeds. While cross-breeding may offer some immediate benefits in terms of improving certain traits that enable the animals to adapt well to local environmental conditions, it may be difficult to sustain these benefits in the longer term and could also induce an important loss of genetic diversity if the initial pure-bred populations are no longer produced. As well as supporting the value of within-breed diversity, we must preserve between-breed diversity in order to maintain numerous options for adaptation to a variety of production environments and contexts. This may involve specific public policies to maintain and characterize local breeds (in terms of both phenotypes and genotypes), which could be used more effectively if they benefited from the scientific and technical resources currently available for more common breeds. Last but not least, public policies need to enable improved information concerning the genetic resources and breeding tools available for the agroecological management of livestock production systems, and facilitate its assimilation by farmers and farm technicians.

The aim of the present study was to investigate sources of variation in bulk milk composition, somatic cell score, coagulation properties, and mineral content of Alpine Grey and Pinzgauer single-breed herds in the Italian alpine area. A total of 56,914 bulk milk samples from 461 farms located in the Bolzano province (Northeast Italy) were available for statistical analysis. Least squares means revealed that Pinzgauer herds produced milk with greater fat content and shorter rennet coagulation time than Alpine Grey herds, but the latter had greater milk protein content and lower somatic cell scores than Pinzgauer herds. The greatest content of Ca, protein, and casein and the most favorable coagulation properties were observed in milk sampled in autumn in both breeds. Results should serve to differentiate the milk of Alpine Grey cattle and Pinzgauer cattle from milk of other cattle breeds and thus provide necessary arguments for developing new production concepts that might expand future opportunities for further valorizing these local, dual-purpose breeds and therefore contribute long-term to their preservation.

This study compared the yield performance, laying behavioural traits and egg quality of purebred and hybrid hens (from 28 until 44 weeks of age, considering four periods) reared under outdoor conditions. The four genotypes were reared on the same trial station, on four areas (one genotype/area), and under the same environmental conditions from hatching until the end of the trial. Italian dual-purpose purebred (Ermellinata di Rovigo—ER and Robusta maculata—RM) and hybrid (Hy-Line Brown—HB and Hy-Line White 36—HW) hens (flock size: 70 birds/genotype) were allowed outdoors (4 m2/bird, good pasture during the growing period and poor pasture throughout the laying period, according to the season) and indoors (0.20 m2/bird, five birds/individual nest) and fed commercial feed. Significant (p < 0.01) differences among genotypes were found. The hybrids showed a higher laying rate and hen-day edible egg mass, and a lower body weight than the purebreds. Broken and out-of-nest egg% were higher in RM and HW than ER and HB, respectively. Double-yolk egg% was higher in hybrids than in purebreds. The eggshell colour varied among brown eggshell ER, RM, and HB. The ER showed the lowest shape index. With aging, the yolk to albumen ratio linearly increased in all groups, eggshell% changed in ER, HW, RM (cubic) and in HB (linear). The purebreds showed meat spots% higher than blood spots; HW showed the lowest total inclusion%. In conclusion, according to an egg scoring evaluation (egg weight = medium-large size, yolk to albumen ratio = 0.5, total inclusions = none), HW showed a higher quality than HB and RM, and ER was intermediate. The RM hens showed the highest% of defective eggs, especially for overcrowding at nest, HB showed the lowest. Under outdoor conditions the laying behaviour of the purebred hens and the nest management are important factors for the saleable egg rate.

The structure of the Zatorska breed was estimated in the context of the realized conservation program. The level of genetic diversity and effective population size were estimated as well. The following parameters were evaluated: pedigree completeness index, genetic diversity, inbreeding level, individual increase in inbreeding, generation interval, and parameters connected with general condition of the population. The whole population of the Zatorska breed was housed in an experimental farm of the University of Agriculture in Cracow (Poland). Records were extracted from the studbook. Totally 5514 individuals hatched between 1990-2013 (2835 males and 2679 females) were included in the analysis. The average number of discrete generation equivalents reached 3.76, whereas the maximum discrete generation equivalent was 9.98. The average inbreeding level was low amounting to 1.46% for the whole population and 3.02% for the inbred individuals. The average pedigree completeness index for five generations reached 59.12%, for 10 generations 37.39%, and for all 16 generations it was 23.53%. The average effective population size was estimated from the family size variance and amounted to 67.36 individuals. It can be concluded that the conservation breeding program in the Zatorska goose has been going on well. This is confirmed by the magnitude of obtained estimates of parameters such as a low inbreeding level across generations under satisfactory pedigree completeness. On the other hand, the structure of a small population may be liable to fluctuations. Hence, continuous monitoring of the endangered population (including molecular control) seems to be necessary.

Burlina is a dual-purpose cattle breed, mainly reared in mountain areas of Veneto Region (Italy). The aim of this study was to investigate milk protein composition and milk coagulation properties (MCP) of Burlina breed. A total of 80 individual milk samples were collected and milk casein fractions were detected and quantified with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis whereas MCP were determined with Formagraph. Sources of casein fractions variation and MCP were investigated using a linear model including herd, parity, and days in milk as fixed effects. Casein fractions showed increasing concentrations across days in milk, but not specific trends across parities. Milk coagulation properties exhibited better values in early than late lactation stages. Also, they deteriorated across parities.

It is known that different species of animals, when living in the same environmental conditions, can form similar phenotypes. The study of the convergent evolution of several species under the influence of the same environmental factor makes it possible to identify common mechanisms of genetic adaptation. Local cattle and sheep breeds have been formed over thousands of years under the influence of domestication, as well as selection aimed at adaptation to the local environment and meeting human needs. Previously, we identified a number of candidate genes in genome regions potentially selected during domestication and adaptation to the climatic conditions of Russia, in local breeds of cattle and sheep using whole genome genotyping data. However, these data are of low resolution and do not reveal most nucleotide substitutions. The aim of the work was to create, using the whole genome sequencing data, a list of genes associated with domestication, selection and adaptation in Russian cattle and sheep breeds, as well as to identify candidate genes and metabolic pathways for selection for cold adaptation. We used our original data on the search for signatures of selection in the genomes of Russian cattle (Yakut, Kholmogory, Buryat, Wagyu) and sheep (Baikal, Tuva) breeds. We used the HapFLK, DCMS, FST and PBS methods to identify DNA regions with signatures of selection. The number of candidate genes in potentially selective regions was 946 in cattle and 151 in sheep. We showed that the studied Russian cattle and sheep breeds have at least 10 genes in common, apparently involved in the processes of adaptation/selection, including adaptation to a cold climate, including the ASTN2, PM20D1, TMEM176A, and GLIS1 genes. Based on the intersection with the list of selected genes in at least two Arctic/Antarctic mammal species, 20 and 8 genes, have been identified in cattle and sheep, respectively, that are potentially involved in cold adaptation. Among them, the most promising for further research are the ASPH, NCKAP5L, SERPINF1, and SND1 genes. Gene ontology analysis indicated the existence of possible common biochemical pathways for adaptation to cold in domestic and wild mammals associated with cytoskeleton disassembly and apoptosis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © AUTHORS.)

In the past years, consumers' concerns about sustainability and animal welfare have increased, strengthening the demand for eggs and meat produced through alternative and extensive farming methods. In addition, producers have also become increasingly interested in the recovery and exploitation of local breeds due to their adaptability to local environmental conditions, to valorize the biodiversity and to provide added value to typical products. Among the Italian local breeds, Romagnola has almost risked extinction and currently is reared in small-scale farms for eggs and meat production. The aim of this study was to characterize the egg quality traits of Romagnola chicken breed (RMG) compared to those obtained by a commercial hybrid (CONV). Ten laying hens of both Romagnola breed and Hy-Line Brown at 40 wk of age were housed in the same outdoor pen and fed the same commercial feed (ME 2,830 kcal/kg, CP 17.2%) for 10 wk. At 5 and 10 wk after housing, all the eggs laid in 4 consecutive days were collected and used for the determination of egg and eggshell characteristics as well as proximate composition and fatty acid profile of egg yolk. As expected, some important productive traits such as egg weight and production resulted higher in CONV chickens. However, eggs from RMG hens presented a higher yolk/egg ratio (31.1 vs. 24.9%; P  < 0.01) as well as carotenoids (36.8 vs. 20.2 ppm; P  < 0.01) and cholesterol content (12.8 vs. 11.7 mg/g of yolk; P  < 0.01) than those laid by the conventional genotype. Moreover, yolks from RMG eggs were characterized by lower polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) n-6 content (22.6 vs. 28.4%; P  < 0.01) and PUFA n-6/n-3 ratio (11.3 vs. 13.5; P  < 0.01) showing a healthier fatty acids profile than conventional eggs. These results highlighted several valuable egg quality traits of Romagnola chicken breed that might be exploited for the conservation and the development of this underutilized Italian pure breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Plant selection pattern and performance of lactating cattle and camels were compared on semiarid savanna rangelands in Kenya in the rainy season (RS) and a transition period (TP) between the RS and the main dry season. It was further evaluated whether supplementation with rumen-degradable protein (RDP) had an effect on these parameters. In both seasons, two cattle types (local 'Pokot' cattle and Guernsey × Boran crossbreds) and camels were used, with six females per treatment group (supplemented and nonsupplemented) each (n = 72 animals in total). The experimental periods consisted of 8–10 d of adaptation and 36–40 d of data and sample collection. The diet selected by the cattle types was similar and consisted almost exclusively of grasses. The camel diet consisted mainly of herbs and shrubs with higher contributions of woody plants in the TP than in the RS. Forage from woody plants overall made up a higher proportion of the diet, which was also reflected by a longer browsing time (overall and in the TP) of the supplemented camels compared with the nonsupplemented camels. This result indicates that supplementation of browsers like camels with RDP can be used to increase the intake of forage from woody plants rich in plant secondary compounds, which could be an effective measure for managing rangeland to limit bush encroachment. Overall, no seasonal differences in milk yield were found for the camels and Pokot cattle, but crossbreds had a lower yield in the TP compared with the RS. Overall, the cattle had higher milk fat content than the camels while the camels had slightly higher protein content. Supplementation had no effect on milk yield and composition. The results of diet selection and performance (milk yield) reflect the advantage of camels in arid rangelands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated sources of variation of milk fatty acid (FA, g/100 g total FA) profile routinely predicted by mid-infrared spectroscopy in Pinzgauer dual-purpose cattle breed. A total of 19,578 individual milk samples collected from 1232 cows and 77 herds between 2011 and 2014 were available for phenotypic characterisation. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model which included stage of lactation, parity and their interaction as fixed effects, and cow and herd-test-day as random effects. Milk yield averaged 20.87 kg/d, and means for fat, protein and casein were 4.01, 3.44 and 2.72%, respectively. Saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) averaged 69.20, 25.43 and 3.19 g/100 g total FA, respectively. About half of the SFA were provided by C16:0 (31.24 g/100 g total FA), and almost all MUFA by C18:1 (22.18 g/100 g total FA). Fixed effects were significant in explaining the variation of the studied traits. Milk of first-parity cows had the lowest percentage of SFA, medium-chain FA and C14:0, and the greatest percentage of MUFA, PUFA, trans FA, short- and long-chain FA, and C18:1. Saturated FA, C14:0 and C16:0 increased from calving until 120 days in milk, whereas unsaturated FA, MUFA, PUFA, long-chain FA, C18:0 and C18:1 decreased. Although both parity and stage of lactation affected milk FA, greater variation was observed during lactation than among parities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Padovana female chickens of two plumage varieties, chamois (PC) and silver (PS) and their cross (PC male × PS female) were reared from 1 d until 200 d of age, when they were slaughtered. PC has light brown feathers with white edge (chamois), PS has white feathers with black edge (silver); PCxPS has silver plumage (cross-S) or completely white plumage (cross-W) at a ratio, at hatching, of 1:2 as cross-S:cross-W. The chickens were kept in a breeder house from May until December. In a population of Padovana chickens, it seems to be a relationship between the colour plumage and body weight until the sexual maturity: from 2 weeks until 6 weeks of age the PC females exhibited a higher daily growth (p < .001) than PS, as well as body weight (p < .01) at 28 weeks. At 200 d, PC showed higher carcase (p < .05) and thigh (p < .05) weight than PS, but similar ready-to-cook carcase conformation and pH, colour, water losses and shear force of breast muscle; no difference was checked between the other groups. Under the environmental conditions of the trial, heterosis had a positive effect (p < .05) on the daily growth until 70 d of age for cross-S. The results shows a sexual dimorphism for body dimensions increasing until the pubertal age for all the groups; therefore, the females should be slaughtered about 8 weeks later than the males for achieving similar body weight and slaughtering performance and carcase quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the commercial eggs quality in eastern Algeria. A total of 5004 eggs from three genetic types (local hens -PL, industrial -PI- hens and chickens from crossing local chickens and industrial-PLPI- hens) were analyzed. Eggs weight, albumen weight and maximum breaking strength of the shell from the industrial strain were significantly higher than those from other genotypes (P <0.001). Eggs from local chickens, despite a lower weight to other genotypes (PL: 54.15g; PLPI: 59.74g; PI: 66.62g; P <0.05) while yellow/albumen ratio (0.57, 0.50 and 0.44 respectively) was higher (P <0.05). Maximum breaking strength of the shell was significantly (P <0.05) lowest in PL (35,99N) compared to PLPI (36.76N) and PI (37.30N). Significant correlation coefficients (P <0.001) were recorded between egg weight and albumen weight (0.95), yolk weight (0.50), shell weight (0.69), albumen percentage (0.79), proportions of yellow (-0.74) and shell percentage (-0.37), the average thickness of the shell (0.60), Haugh units (-0.18), shape index (0.19), yellow / albumen ratio (-0.75) and the maximum breaking strength of the shell (0.10). The origin of the eggs (PL, PLPI and PI) influences significantly on composition and quality of commercial eggs in eastern Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, in Spain there has been a growing interest in recovering and maintaining autochthonous livestock breeds. This has partly occurred because these breeds are considered essential to coping with changing socio-economic and environmental conditions. The aim of the present work is to analyze the perceptions of the farmers toward the production lamb meat from an autochthonous livestock breed in Spain. In addition, were explored the interrelationships between these perceptions and characteristics of farms as well as the farmers' objectives. The information used was obtained from a sample of 34 lamb meat producers of an autochthone sheep breed originally from northeastern Spain. The statistical analysis performed was descriptive analysis, factor analysis and cluster analysis. The results show that breeders greatly value the positive effects of sheep breeding on rural development, which generate employment in disadvantaged areas. The cluster analysis reveals the existence of two groups of farmers with different perceptions. Moreover, results indicate that the positive perceptions of producers toward autochthonous breeds are closely related to the farmers' objectives. Hence, public and private organization initiatives that seek to promote the development of a particular breed should account for livestock farm heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carcass characteristics of Albanian local rabbit breed, farmed in two different rearing systems traditional family production system and conventional one and commercial hybrid "Local rabbit x Californian breed" farmed only in conventional system, were compared. The carcasses were measured and retailed according to the norms of the World Rabbit Scientific Association. Local rabbits reared in traditional system in family farms (n=36) had lower live weight at slaughter age of 101 days (2040 v. s 2314 g, P<0.05) than the animals (n=36) reared in the conventional production system of commercial farms. Dressing yield, hot carcass (HC %) and reference carcass (RC %) of local breed rabbits were not affected by rearing system. Commercial hybrid had higher live weight at slaughter age (2493 g), dressing yield: HC (62.03%) and RC (50.26%) than local breed rabbits. Rearing system (P<0.01) and the genotype (P<0.01) were the main factors affecting on the carcass characteristics. The Albanian local breed rabbits despite of rearing system had carcass characteristics similar to them of middle rabbit breeds. The F1 crosses reared in commercial farms could be one of effective ways to improve rabbit meat production in Albania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suckling lamb meat is traditionally produced in Mediterranean Europe. Breed can affect the quality of the lamb carcass and meat. This study is aimed at comparing the carcass and meat quality between suckling lambs from a local and a non-native dairy breed, Churra and Assaf. Churra is included in the Spanish Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) ‘Lechazo de Castilla y León’, whereas Assaf is not. However, Assaf breeders have requested the inclusion of the breed in the PGI. Carcasses and meat from 16 male lambs (eight Churra and eight Assaf) were used in this study. The lambs were all raised under an intensive rearing system and fed on a milk substitute to minimise maternal influence. The carcasses were evaluated for conformation, fatness, joint and leg tissue proportions and the meat was analysed for composition (i.e. proximate composition, iron, haematin, fatty acids and volatiles) and technological quality traits (i.e. texture, water holding capacity, colour and lipid stability). Churra carcasses were larger than Assaf carcasses. However, the proportions of commercial joints and main tissues did not differ between breeds. Cavity and intermuscular leg fat, but not total leg fat, were higher in Churra carcasses. Churra meat showed a higher proportion of n-6 fatty acids, higher redness and better colour stability during aerobic storage. In contrast, Assaf lamb was more resistant to lipid oxidation after cooking. This is a preliminary study to measure the influence of breed on a wide range of quality characteristics in Churra and Assaf suckling lamb carcass and meat. It may be of relevance for breeders, consumers and food policy makers, setting the basis for future studies that include larger commercial populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Norik of Muran, a unique draught horse bred in Slovakia, belongs to country's biodiversity treasures. The genetic diversity of this horse type was evaluated on the basis of indicators derived from the common ancestry and the probability of gene origin. The pedigree file of the analyzed horses involved 115 individuals (15 stallions and 100 mares). The number of complete generations was 4.49 on average. The maximum number of ancestor generations at the examined population of living horses was 5.38 and the equivalent number in the generation of ancestors was 5.14. The highest average length of the generation interval was 10.97 years in the father--son direction compared to father--daughter (9.74), mother--son (10.87), and mother--daughter (8.99 years -- the lowest average length). The generation interval overall average length was 10.14 years. The total coefficient of relatedness was 1.72% on average. The efficient number of core ancestors evenly used in breeding in comparison with the core ancestors mildly decreased to 198. Therefore the Austrian Norik incorporation in the breeding program is the opportunity how to maintain genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gene expression in relation to adiposity (breed and sex effect) was studied. • Lipogenic activities in subcutaneous fat were lower in Krškopolje than in lean pigs. • In backfat, Krškopolje had more saturated and monounsaturated fats than lean pigs. • Genes involved in lipogenesis were upregulated in fatty Krškopolje compared to lean pigs. • Females exhibited greater lipogenic activity than castrates of Krškopolje pig. Krškopolje pig is the only preserved local pig breed in Slovenia. Compared to lean pig genotypes, it is characterised by greater capacity for lipid deposition. The underlying mechanisms responsible for a greater fat deposition in this breed have not yet been investigated. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to determine differences in gene expression and lipid metabolism between Krškopolje pigs and lean hybrid pigs reared in the same environmental conditions. Despite a greater fat deposition, activities of lipogenic enzymes were lower in Krškopolje than in lean hybrid pigs (i.e. malic enzyme and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase displayed 2.6- and 2.0-fold lower activity measured on tissue postmortem, respectively). Krškopolje pigs had also lower polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and higher saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) content than their lean-type peers. Consistent with a higher MUFA, overexpression of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene was determined in Krškopolje pigs compared to the lean hybrid pigs. In accordance with higher adiposity, Krškopolje pigs exhibited higher expression of genes involved in lipogenesis (ACACA, FASN), adipogenesis (PPARγ) and energy homeostasis (LEP) than lean hybrid pigs. Regarding the sex effect in Krškopolje pigs, females exhibited higher lipogenic enzyme activities than surgically castrated males, while no significant differences were observed for fat quantity and quality traits or gene expression. In conclusion, Krškopolje pigs are characterised by a higher fat deposition associated with higher SFA and MUFA content, a higher expression of genes involved in lipogenesis, and lower activity of lipogenic enzymes compared to lean-type hybrid pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for litter size of Black Slavonian pigs using the repeatability, multiple trait, and random regression models, and to consider the possibility to increase litter size in Black Slavonian pigs by selection. A total of 4733 litter records from the first to the sixth parity from sows that farrowed between January 1998 and December 2010 were included in the analysis. Individual record consisted of the following variables: breeding organisation (eight regions), parity (1-6), service boar, and farrowing season (month-year interaction). Estimation of all the covariance components with three different models was based on the residual maximum likelihood method. Estimate of additive genetic variance and heritability for number of piglets born alive with repeatability model was 0.23 and 0.10, respectively. Estimates of additive genetic variance with multiple trait and random regression model were in a wider range from 0.05 to 0.65 across parities, and heritabilities were estimated in the range between 0.03 and 0.26. Estimates of phenotypic and additive genetic correlations were much smoother with random regression model in comparison with multiple trait model. Due to unexpected changes of variances along trajectory obtained with multiple trait and random regression model, the best option for genetic evaluation of litter size for now could be the use of repeatability model. With increasing number of data with proper data structure alternative modelling of litter size of Black Slavonian pig using multiple trait and random regression model could be taken into consideration.

Functional conformation and performance in Classic and Menorca Dressage are the main selection criteria in the Menorca Horse breeding program. Menorca Dressage is an alternative Classical Dressage discipline which is exclusive of the Menorca Island, but including a series of movements that the animals perform in the traditional festivities called “Jaleo Menorquín”. One of these movements involves the horse raising its forelimbs and standing or walking on its hindlimbs, which is called “el bot”. To make the Menorca horse breed more competitive in the equestrian market, it is necessary to understand the genetic background that characterizes the aptitude for Menorca Dressage and its relationship with conformation traits. The analysed data consisted of 15 conformation traits from 347 Menorca horses (200 males and 147 females), with 1,550 performance records in Menorca Dressage competitions. Genetic parameters were estimated using linear and threshold animal models. The heritabilities for heights and lengths were high (0.45-0.76), those for angulations and binary conformation traits were low to moderate (0.10-0.36) as were the scores for dressage performance (0.13-0.21). The results suggest that the analyzed traits could be used as an efficient tool for selecting breeding horses.

The aim of research was to study the effect of rearing season and feeding on the performance evaluation of a local rabbit population. Five small scale family farms with rabbits of local breed were included in the study. Two groups of rabbits per farm were fattened during summer and winter seasons. One group was fed in usual way with feeds produced in farm consisted mainly of alfalfa dry or fresh depending on season and family residues. The feeding of the other group was daily supplemented with 25 g concentrate feedstuffs (17% protein) bought in the market. Supplementation with concentrate feedstuffs showed to improve meat production from rabbits in both seasons. Live weight at the end of fattening was increased with 216.9 g and 371.6 g respectively during winter and summer season. The factors that affect the differences in live weight realized were feeding regime, sex of rabbit (P<0.001) and season of fattening (P<0.01). The effect of these factors depended on their interaction effect like as "feed ration x season" (P<0.01), and "feed ration x sex" (P<0.05). Approaching growth curves with theoretical one of Gompers showed that concentrate adding in feed ration improved daily weight gain. It did not affect the dynamics of body weight change. It affects the gradient of quantity of daily gains of rabbits. Concentrate supplementation of daily feeding during fattening period increased up to 15.5 % the meat production as well as net income of the farm. The rabbits feeding with daily supplementation, showed better slaughtering results than the another group; carcass percentage respectively 55.3% vs. 49.8 %; 61.2% vs. 51.8%) (P <0.01); good performance of the region's most puncture respectively (20.4 %vs. vs. 18.4 %; 22.6% vs. 19.1 %) (P <0.01); and had also the highest bone ratio of hind leg; 3.6 vs. 3.2 and 4 vs. 3.39 (P <0.01) respectively during winter and summer seasons [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The aim of the study was to estimate the heritability of the laying performance in the cumulative and partial production of eggs and predict the breeding values of native Zatorska geese in a conservation programme using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) methodology. Second, the trajectory of the egg production curve was examined. 2. The data contain information about the laying performance of 1831 individuals in the first year of laying. To describe the trajectory of the laying performance, 10 mathematical models were tested. For the genetic parameter estimation of egg production, data from 1038 birds were used with a production higher than 20 eggs during the first season of laying. 3. The analysis of egg production was based on single and multi-trait models. Heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations between phases of the laying performance as well as breeding values were estimated. 4. The best adaptation to the goose egg laying curve was the Ali and Schaeffer model. The estimates of heritability were 0.20 (0.06 SE) using the single-trait model and ranged from 0.12 to 0.24 using the multi-trait model. 5. The results suggest that the BLUP method can support the conservation programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to characterise milk of Burlina local cattle breed for traits of technological and nutritional relevance, such as milk coagulation properties (MCP), and protein, major mineral and fatty acid (FA) composition. Burlina is mainly reared in mountain areas of Veneto Region (Italy) and it has been inserted in conservation plans aiming to avoid biodiversity loss and marginal pasture areas abandonment. Eighty-one individual milk samples were collected in four farms. Milk coagulation properties were determined using Formagraph, and protein, mineral and FA composition were analysed in high performance liquid chromatography, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and gas chromatography, respectively. Results evidenced good protein percentage (3.38%) and considerable casein content (28.89 mg/mL), as well as a desirable FA profile, with ω-6 to ω-3 ratio of 4.04. Somatic cell score, averaging 3.13, is a trait that should be enhanced through the improvement of farm management. This would have positive effects on MCP. Among milk minerals, the most and less abundant were K (1493.53 mg/kg) and Mg (110.07 mg/kg), respectively. Overall, herd, parity and lactation stage explained moderate to low variation of the studied traits. Results of the present study could be useful to valorise Burlina local breed and preserve biodiversity in marginal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis is a tool widely used to help in decision making in complex systems. It suits to exploring the issues and measures related to the conservation and development of local breeds, as it allows the integration of many driving factors influencing breed dynamics. We developed a quantified SWOT method as a decision-making tool for identification and ranking of conservation and development strategies of local breeds, and applied it to a set of 13 cattle breeds of six European countries. The method has four steps: definition of the system, identification and grouping of the driving factors, quantification of the importance of driving factors and identification and prioritization of the strategies. The factors were determined following a multi-stakeholder approach and grouped with a three-level structure. Animal genetic resources expert groups ranked the factors, and a quantification process was implemented to identify and prioritize strategies. The proposed SWOT methodology allows analyzing the dynamics of local cattle breeds in a structured and systematic way. It is a flexible tool developed to assist different stakeholders in defining the strategies and actions. The quantification process allows the comparison of the driving factors and the prioritization of the strategies for the conservation and development of local cattle breeds. We identified 99 factors across the breeds. Although the situation is very heterogeneous, the future of these breeds may be promising. The most important strengths and weaknesses were related to production systems and farmers. The most important opportunities were found in marketing new products, whereas the most relevant threats were found in selling the current products. The across-breed strategies utility decreased as they gained specificity. Therefore, the strategies at European level should focus on general aspects and be flexible enough to be adapted to the country and breed specificities.

The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique with three EcoRI/TaqI primer combinations was used in 185 unrelated individuals, representative of 6 local goat breeds of Albania, and 107 markers were generated. The mean Nei’s expected heterozygosity value for the whole population was 0.199 and the mean Shannon index was 0.249, indicating a high level of within-breed diversity. Wright’s FST index, Nei’s unbiased genetic distance and Reynolds’ genetic distance were calculated. Pairwise Fst values among the populations ranged from 0.019 to 0.047. A highly significant average FST of 0.031 was estimated, showing a low level of breed subdivision. Most of the variation is accounted for by differences among individuals. Cluster analysis based on Reynolds’ genetic distance between breeds and PCA were performed. An individual UPGMA tree based on Jaccard’s similarity index showed clusters with individuals from all goat breeds. Analysis of population structure points to a high level of admixture among breeds.

Scrapie is a neurodegenerative disease affecting ovine and it is one of several transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Scrapie is recognized as two forms – classical and atypical. Susceptibility or resistance to classical scrapie is strongly regulated by the polymorphisms at codons 136, 154 and 171 of the PRNP gene. Genetic role in atypical scrapie has been described at codons 141 and 154, these ones are involved in the occurrence of the disease at different risk degrees. The aim of this study was to assess the allelic and genotypic frequencies in Sopravissana breed, an endangered autochthon breed of central Italy; in addition, the presence and the frequency of potential protective ARQ allele variants able to increase scrapie resistance by preserving a higher variability of PRNP were evaluated. Three alleles (ARQ, ARR and AHQ) and seven genotypes were observed based on codons 136, 154 and 171 with different frequencies. Moreover, the entire coding sequence of prion protein (PRNP) of the ARQ/ARQ was sequenced; two non-synonymous L141F (23.8%) and H143R (16.7%), also two synonymous polymorphisms (codons 231 and 237) were found. The results showed that the ARQ/ARQ sheep should be considered as a genetic class, which may potentially include animals with different scrapie susceptibility because of the presence of additional polymorphisms. This may allow the application of alternative strategies for breeding programmes in this endangered breed.

Despite the increasing interest in the welfare of animals during transport, very little is known on the response of local pig breeds to the transport procedures. This study aims to compare the effect of short journey on behaviour, blood parameters, and meat quality traits in 51 Apulo-Calabrese and 52 crossbreed [Duroc × (Landrace × Large White)] pigs. All the animals were blood sampled five days before delivery (basal condition) and at exsanguination for the analysis of creatine kinase, cortisol, glucose, lactate, albumin, albumin/globulin, total protein, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphate, sodium, and potassium. Post mortem pH, color, drip loss, cooking loss, and Warner-Bratzler shear force were measured at different times in longissimus thoracis samples. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that glucose, albumin/globulin, urea, and AST at exsanguination were influenced by the genetic type. Apulo-Calabrese showed the highest increase in blood values of lactate, creatinine, sodium and potassium after the short distance transport. Behavioural occurrences were similar in both genetic types during unloading and lairage. Small differences were observed for meat quality although significantly higher a* and lower L* were found in Apulo-Calabrese pigs, showing meat with a deeper red colour than crossbreeds.

A total of 292 animals from three breeds (Alpine and Saanen dairy breeds, and the Brazilian naturalized breed Moxotó) were genotyped, comprising 276 paternity cases. Statistical analyses were carried out by using TFPGA and CERVUS programs. Heterozygosis ranged from 0.542 (ILSTS005) to 0.825 (INRA006), with an average of 0.717 for all loci. Polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.676 and 0.542, and combined exclusion probabilities (EP) were 0.999591 and 0.988375 for known and unknown maternal genotypes, respectively. The microsatellite system reveals 10% of paternity misidentification in evaluated registers.Um total de 292 animais de três raças (leiteiras Alpina e Saanen e a raça brasileira naturalizada Moxotó) foram genotipados, compreendendo 276 casos de paternidade. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas nos programas TFPGA e CERVUS. A heterozigosidade esperada variou de 0,542 (ILSTS005) a 0,825 (INRA006), com média de 0,717 para todos os loci. O conteúdo de informação polimórfica (Polymorphic information content, PIC) para todos os loci, foi de 0,676 e 0,542 e a probabilidade de exclusão (EP), de 0,999591 e 0,988375 para casos em que o genótipo materno era conhecido e desconhecido, respectivamente. A taxa de erro de identificação de paternidade é de 10% nos registros avaliados.

The objective of this study was to compare the Padovana Camosciata local chicken breed (PC; n=59), the slow-growing line Berlanda- Gaina (BG; n=62), and their cross (BGxPC; n=57) for carcass and meat quality features. Animals were reared under the same experimental conditions and slaughtered at 3 different ages. An analysis of variance was performed on carcass and meat traits using a linear model that included fixed effects of genotype, sex, age at slaughter, and interactions between them. The PC local breed was approximately 1 kg lighter (P

Male chickens belonging to three Italian purebreds – Ermellinata di Rovigo (ER), Robusta lionata (RL) and Robusta maculata (RM) – were studied. All the birds were reared under the same rearing conditions (from May until autumn). Chickens were reared under infra-red lamps from birth until 4 weeks of age with a 24L:0D photoperiod. Then they were kept outdoor: the photoperiod changed according to the season (from 16L:8D to 12L:12D). At 138 and 168 days of age 20 birds/breed were weighed and then slaughtered. Testicular samples were collected, after evisceration, processed and embedded in paraffine wax. Sections were stained for morphological observations, observed with light microscope, and then classified according to the testis maturation stage. Ermellinata di Rovigo chickens showed the lowest (PRobusta maculata showed a significant correlation between testes weight and comb (P

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Genetic variation in 13 local sheep breeds, raised in different regions of Greece, was assessed using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers and was compared with that of three transhumant populations from the Greek Prefectures of Epirus, Sterea Ellada and Thessaly. The total number of alleles per marker ranged from 8 to 32 alleles, and transhumant samples exhibited higher values for allelic number, observed/expected heterozygosity and allelic richness than the local ones. Estimates of inbreeding coefficient (F IS ) were significant only in the transhumant population of Epirus (*P < 0.05). The genetic differentiation of the native breeds was low (F ST = 4.9%), indicating admixture, though all analyses provided clear evidence for the isolation of Thraki and Sarakatsaniko breeds. Differentiation of the three transhumant populations was much lower (F ST = 0.2%), indicating a high rate of gene flow between them. The admixture analysis, using Bayesian methods, suggested that many different local breeds have been used for breeding purposes in each of the three transhumant populations. Among the breeds with high proportion of membership to transhumant farming was Karagouniko which, as already known from literature, is used for the upgrading of numerous sheep populations in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic (crossbreeding and additive genetic) and environmental factors affecting reproduction of sows on an outdoor production system. Data from the Experimental Swine Unit of Facultad de Agronomía, Progreso, Uruguay, were used. The breeding herd included purebred Pampa Rocha (P) and Duroc (D), as well as hybrid (H: P×D and D×P) sows. Pampa Rocha is considered the only local swine breed of Uruguay. The dataset contained 1309 litter records from 197 sows (136 P, 22 D and 39 H) collected from 1997 to 2011. Feeding was based on grazing, restricting the use of concentrate to the breeding herd. The variables analysed were: number of piglets born alive (PBA), average piglet weight of the litter at birth (ABW), number of piglets weaned (PW), average piglet weight of the litter at weaning (AWW), survival from birth to weaning (S) and weaning-to-conception interval (WCI). The following fixed factors were included in the final model: year of farrowing, time of the year (month or season, depending on the variable analysed), inbreeding of the sow, parity number, weaning age, direct breed effects, individual heterosis, repeated measures on the sow (used to estimate the permanent environment effect), and the animal random effect. Duroc sows produced 1.1 more PBA ( p =0.03) than P sows. Significant heterosis effects were found for PBA (0.88 piglets, p =0.009) and for PW (0.72 piglets, p =0.03). Hybrid sows produced 1.43 and 1.15 piglets more than P sows, and 0.33 and 0.29 piglets more than D sows, born alive and weaned, respectively. No differences in other variables between genotypes were found. Heritability values (SE) were 0.13 (0.06) for PBA, 0.31 (0.08) for ABW, 0.14 (0.06) for PW, 0.17 (0.02) for AWW, 0.10 (0.01) for S and 0.08 (0.03) for WCI. Winter and spring farrowings resulted in heavier piglets at birth ( p <0.001) and at weaning ( p <0.01), but no effect on PBA, P and S was observed. Weaning-to-conception interval was greater in summer months ( p <0.001). The results suggest seasonal reproductive behaviour. The local breed (P) compared well with a conventional one (D). Furthermore, the crossbred dam appeared attractive due to heterosis in litter traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]