The aim of this study was to compare added values for milk yield and predicted methane emissions of cows from local and cosmopolitan breeds reared in Italian circumstances. A number of studies showed that milk from local breeds is more suitable to be processed into cheese than that of cosmopolitan populations, so that the development of payment systems which account for the added values of milk destined to cheese production could support the conservation and valorization of local animal genetic resources. Also, the link of local breeds with traditions and the environment might partially compensate their low milk production. Breeders of Burlina, Reggiana, Rendena and Valdostana cows sell products in niche markets and they realize an extra added values per kg of milk of 66 percent, compared with Holstein Friesian. Market-oriented strategies to payment systems that include the added values of milk yield could enhance profitability and interest in rearing and safeguarding of local animal genetic resources; but, not all countries can apply these market strategies. Therefore, other alternative strategies to enrich the added values of milk production might be based on the differences in greenhouse gases emissions among breeds. Indeed, local animal genetic resources are expected reducing the greenhouse gases emissions because of their lowest metabolic body weight, respect to high selected animals. Individual methane emissions might be indirectly calculated using dry matter intake; the latter can be estimated using milk and fat production, and body weight. A reduction of 10 percent of daily methane emissions per kg of metabolic body weight is expected for local compared with cosmopolitan breeds. In average, no differences were found among local and cosmopolitan breeds in terms of daily methane emission per kg of milk yield. In conclusion, animal genetic resources needs to be evaluated not only per unit of output but for other direct and indirect units of output related to social and human returns.

Management of local breeds is closely linked to the global challenges involved in genetic resources management. However, it cannot be reduced to this genetic dimension alone and is an integral part of the entire farming system of which it is a part. The aim of this paper is to show why it is essential to have an approach to local breed management that takes the dynamics of livestock farming systems (LFS) into account. After a presentation of the LFS approach, we show how genetic management is strongly linked to other dimensions of farming systems, at the farm scale as well as at more comprehensive scales. We illustrate our claim with different examples of the management of local breeds of different species.

This study was conducted in three villages of the Trarza region of Mauritania. The purpose of this study was to describe the management of and to characterize the local chicken. In the three surveyed villages, all the breeders were interviewed according to a questionnaire drafted in French and translated orally into hassanya or poular (national languages) as necessary. 56 poultry breeders were surveyed. Measurements were carried out on 260 adult chickens with 191 females and 69 males. The results showed that family poultry rearing is an activity managed by women. In spite of its socioeconomic importance, it is not considered as a main activity among the farmers responding to the survey. Feed resources deficiencies, animal health and the low productivity of the chickens were declared as the main concerns of the breeders. The average age of females when they start to reproduce is 6 months. The average weight of males was 1324 ± 249 g. That of females was 1028 ± 229 g. The average weight for both sexes together was 1107 ± 268 g. The average weight of the egg was 31 ± 4.81 g. The average weight of a chick on any given day was 26 ± 6.03 g. All the considered physical measurements were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in males. The variability of characters observed offers possibilities for genetic improvement (selection or crossbreeding). In the local chicken, the plumage was highly varied and presented several tints.

Ghumusar is an inadequately studied goat population of western region of Ganjam district of Orissa state. Sporadic information is available on its morphological traits but no information is found on its genetic variability. Therefore, an attempt was made to measure the genetic diversity in Ghumusar goat population using 25 microsatellite markers. Genomic DNA isolated from blood samples drawn at random from 50 individuals were utilized for this study. The average number of observed allele was 9.80 and the effective average number of allele was 4.28. The polymorphic information contents ranged from 0.53 to 0.91. The average observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.73 and 0.71, respectively. The values of Nei's gene diversity in Ghumusar goat population ranged from 0.11 to 0.87 with a mean of 0.69. The overall Fis value was observed to be 0.002, which is not significantly different from zero; hence indicating no global deficit of heterozygotes. Under sign test, expected number of loci with heterozygosity excess (Hee) was 14.88, 14.79 and 14.74 for the infinite allele model (IAM), stepwise mutation model (SMM) and two-phased model (TPM) of mutation, respectively. The observed number of loci with heterozygotic excess (He) was 14, 8 and 2 under these three models, respectively. Under all the three models, He was less than Hee and this deviation was significant under SMM and TPM models. There was no serious genetic reduction in effective population size as indicated by L-shaped curve in Ghumusar goat population.

The author discusses the overall availability and economic role of indigenous livestock resources in Uganda. After a distinct reduction in number during the 80's, there is now an upsurge in the cattle number (4 300 000 in 199 1). The better milk yielding Ankole (Songa cattle) represents nearly half of those cattle, while just over 32% are of the zebu short-horn type (mainly the stocky Nkedi and the large framed Karamojong). The remaining 18% are of the non-distinct Nganda type that probably originated the crossbreeding of the Ankole and zebu shorthorns. While there are no exact data concemin crossbreeding with exotic breeds, it is estimated that there are some 30 000 exotic beef and dairy cattle and around 100 000 crossbreeds. The total goat population remained reasonably stable in recent years (3 700 000 of which 2 000 000 are breeding females). The majority (I 500 000) belong to the distinct smallbodied East Afiican goat type (25–30 kg liveweight), the two other distinct populations being those originating in the Mubende (4 230 000) and the Kigezi (930 000) regions. Both are predominantly black coloured, the Mubende being characterized by a short and fine coathair, the Kigezi being longhaired. All sheep breeds are fat-tailed. The Masai (216 000) is found in the Eastern and Northern part of the country, the Black-head (490 000) in the East and the so-called East Mrican long-tail (257 000) all over the country. The author indicates that there is an indigenous pig type (670 000) and some 1 200 000“village”chickens.

Three main areas for further development of policies or regulatory options for animal genetic resources (AnGR) were identified in a study on the exchange, use and conservation of AnGR (Hiemstra et al., 2006):

1. how to halt the further erosion of genetic diversity and promote sustainable breeding and use,

2. whether there is a need to further regulate the exchange of genetic material and

3 how to balance different systems of property and use rights.

This paper provides an in-depth analysis regarding the third challenge, that of addressing the problems and options available for balancing the different property right systems for AnGR.

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.

There are four cattle beef breeds in Japan: Japanese Black, Japanese Brawn, Japanese Poll and Japanese Shorthorn. These breeds were crossed with European breeds in the early 1900's. As a result of introducing European blood, Japanese beef cattle have an expanded and more diverse gene pool. Furthermore, both the breed used for crossing and the selection criteria employed varied significantly from prefecture to prefecture Consequently, a number of distinct strains have been established. At present, however, the genetic diversity is becoming increasingly concentrated around a limited number of strains noted for their superior meat quality. From the genetic conservation view point, it is necessary to stock minor strains by frozen semen and embryos for future domands of genetic resources. This paper discusses the conservation and current utilization of beef cattle genetic resources in Japan.

About 82 percent of the total known sheep breeds are local breeds, and for goats, the respective figure is 86 percent. From the scientific perspective, as local breeds are unique genetic resources, they are valuable. However, the relative value assigned to local breeds differs between interest groups. Using several strategies to improve the relative value of local breeds will strengthen the prospects of their sustainable use. In this context, marketing is perhaps the most powerful tool. Marketing strategies include identification and promotion of traditional meat, milk and wool products from sheep and goats linked to local breeds, highlighting the quality and culture associated with these products and facilitating access of farmers to commercial markets. Other important strategies relate to: promotion of local breeds as the best suited for use in landscape management, silvopastoral systems and organic farming; exploitation of unique characteristics of local breeds in agritourism (food, non-food products, souvenirs and recreation) and for educational purposes; sustainable use of local breeds in breeding schemes; educating people about the value and importance of local breeds; introduction of legislative measures; finally, research can serve as a very powerful tool to add value to local breeds by creating new knowledge and providing scientific evidence on particular biological characteristics.

Modern pig breeds in Europe owe their origin to a mixture of Asian and European breeds and types. They evolved during the past two hundred years, and developed particular breed characteristics by the application of breed standards, which included specific reference to colour. DNA markers at two coat colour loci provide the potential for accurate breed assignation for wild boar, Berkshire and Tamworth breeds, and may also offer the potential to develop simple tools for the verification of the origin of pork products. The use of polymorphisms in genes determining coat colour is used to explore this potential in terms of breed identification for conservation of animal genetic resources, and product traceability for quality assurance.

The objective of this paper was to compile the available information in the conventional and non-conventional literature on the origin, distribution, ecological settings, utility, husbandry practices and production systems of the Gudali, a West and Central African shorthorned zebu which is similar in conformation, size and origin to the East African shorthorned zebu. These animals are reputed not only for their beef and dairy qualities. but also for their hardiness to the harsh northerly environments. Under the prevailing circumstances in the pastoral systems, natural selection is the primary force affecting any genetic change and, as a result, animals tend to perform relatively poorly. Most of the documented studies have been limited in scope and applicability. Therefore, further studies are needed to adequately characterize these animals under their different production systems.

Indigenous pigs in Tanzania are descendants of earlier European introductions. However, a lack of systematic breeding plans, poor husbandry practices, genetic drift and possibly mutation have led to pigs of varied phenotypes. A study undertaken in Mbeya region showed that the predominant management system practised was free ranging and occasionally tethering. The average mature body weights for boars and sows were 57.4 kg and 54 kg, respectively. Coat colour varied, but the predominant colours were white (28%), black and white (24%), and solid black (19.8%). The majority (78%) of pigs had droopy ears and such pigs were found to be significantly (P<0.01) heavier with a longer trunk and increased body length when compared with those with erect ears. Other features included a long and straight face and a short curled tail. The overall mean birth weight was 0.9 kg while the mean weaning weight was 10.8 kg. The average litter size for local pigs was 6.6 piglets and litter size at weaning was 4.3 piglets. Locally raised pigs served a number of functions including among others, income, provision of meat, cooking fat and manure.

A pilot survey was conducted in the western d.istrict of Sikkim to monitor the status of the Siri cattle breed. Data was recorded on certain morphological characters, management practices and performance of Siri animals. Measurements were recorded of body length, heart girth, body height, paunch girth, hip width, pin width, face length, face width, ear length and horns on 89 animals of age groups up to 1 year,1 to 3 years and adult. It was noted that pure Siri animals were reared only in the remote inaccessible areas. Extensive crossbreeding with Jersey semen/bulls is progressively eroding the purity of the breed. Measures to conserve the Siri cattle breed in its native ecology have been advocated.

Individual increase in inbreeding coefficients (ΔFi) has been recommended as an alternate measure of inbreeding. It can account for the differences in pedigree knowledge of individual animals and avoids overestimation due to increased number of known generations. The effect of inbreeding (F) and equivalent inbreeding (EF) calculated from ΔFi, on growth traits were studied in Nilagiri and Sandyno flocks of sheep. The study was based on data maintained at the Sheep Breeding Research Station, Sandynallah. The pedigree information and equivalent number of generations were less in Sandyno compared with Nilagiri sheep. The average F and EF for the Nilagiri population were 2.17 and 2.44, respectively and the corresponding values for Sandyno sheep were 0.83 and 0.84, respectively. The trend of inbreeding over years in both the populations indicated that EF was higher during earlier generations when pedigree information was shallow. Among the significant effects of inbreeding, the depression in growth per 1 percent increase in inbreeding ranged from 0.04 kg in weaning weight to 0.10 kg in yearling weight. In general, more traits were affected by inbreeding in Nilagiri sheep, in which greater regression of growth traits was noticed with F compared with EF. Higher values of EF than F in earlier generations in both the populations indicate that EF avoided the potential overestimation of inbreeding coefficient during recent generations. In the Sandyno population, the magnitude of depression noticed among growth traits with significant effects of inbreeding was higher. The differences in response to F and EF noticed in the two populations and possible causes for the trait wise differences in response to F and EF are appropriately discussed.

Le Borgou possède des qualités intéressantes d'adaptation et de productivité en milieu infesté de glossines. Localisée principalement au nord du Bénin et au nord-ouest du Nigéria, cette race trypanotolérante est cependant menacée par un métissage accru avec du sang zébu. Dans le cadre de la promotion et du développement du bétail trypanotolérant dans la lutte contre la trypanosomose animale, les capacités d'élevage de ce type de bétail devraient inciter les organismes régionaux et internationaux à mettre en place un programme de conservation de ce patrimoine génétique.

This article describes the characteristics of the Chilote breed of sheep (OCH) as a genetic animal resource which is highly adapted to the conditions of the Chiloé archipelago in the south of Chile. The article describes the geomorphological features of the archipelago, the historical and cultural origins of the Chilote breed, its genetic structure, its morphological and productive characteristics, and the systems of production in which it is used.

Dans cette étude, les auteurs font le point sur les principaux résultats obtenus chez le zébu Gobra. La croissance est de 280 g/j dans les conditions d'élevage du C. R. Z de Dahra. Elle peut atteindre cependant 736 g chez des mâles recevant dès la naissance une alimentation équilibrée et 1 080 g dans des unités d'embouche. Les caractéristiques de carcasse sont bonnes et comparables à celles de la plupart des races à viande spécialisées. L'âge à la lère mise-bas (1 365,6±24 j) et l'intervalle entre mise-bas (15,5 mois) sont élevés mais sont susceptibles de diminuer lorsque les conditions d'élevage sont améliorées.