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.

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

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.

Goats make up the largest group of ruminant livestock in Nigeria and are strategic in bridging animal protein supply gap and improving the economy of rural households. The hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of the caprine mitochondrial genome was investigated to better understand genetic diversity important for improving selection for animal breeding and conservation programs. We sequenced and analysed the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) HVR1 in 291 unrelated indigenous Nigerian goats (West African Dwarf (WAD), Red Sokoto (RSO) and Sahel (SAH)), randomly sampled from around the country, and compared them with the HVR1 sequences of 336 Indian goats and 12 other sequences in five different species in the genus Capra (C. falconeri, C. ibex nubiana, C. aegagrus, C. cylindricornis and C. sibirica). A total of 139 polymorphic sites from 291 individuals were captured in 204 haplotypes. Within and among population variations were 77.25 and 22.74 percent, respectively. Nigerian goats showed high genetic diversity (0.87) and high FST values, and separate from Indian goats and other wild species. Haplogroups in WAD separates it from RSO and SAH concomitant with a different demographic history. Clear genetic structure was found among Nigerian goat breeds with appreciable variation in mtDNA HVR1 region. This study grouped Nigerian goat breeds into two major groups suggesting two different demographic origins for Northern and Southern breeds. High genetic admixing denotes different maternal origins and in contrast to evidence from goats from Levant and Central Asia, where goats were originally domesticated.

Sheep are reared across a wide range of agro-ecosystems in Bhutan. A sample survey was conducted to characterise indigenous sheep breeds and husbandry practices. Information was recorded on morphological characteristics, body measurements and management variables. Based on geographical locations, four distinct native sheep types are described: Jakar, Sipsu, Sakten and Sarpang. This paper also describes the socio-economic importance of sheep, its trends and future prospects of sheep farming in Bhutan.

Data on breeding management, breed and trait preference for pigs were collected from smallholder farmers in Kiambu and Kakamega Counties of Kenya. The production systems evaluated were semi-intensive and extensive and depicted varying pig production intensities, production objectives, pig performances as well as farmers’ breed and trait preferences. The perception of the importance of traits was evaluated to obtain a more balanced objective view on production and/or breeding objectives. The data collected were analysed through computation of indices, which represented a weighted average of all rankings of a particular trait. In the semi-intensive system, preference for performance traits such as size, growth rate and body weight, scored the same index (0.181), followed by the reproduction trait – prolificacy (0.161). In the extensive system, the indices for these traits were 0.187, 0.183, 0.163 and 0.106, respectively. Spearman's non-parametric rank correlations were calculated for ranking of traits of economic importance to indicate the directional effects and plausible trade-offs between traits. In the semi-intensive system, correlations were moderate between growth rate and both size and weight. In the extensive system, correlations were moderate for growth rate with both size and body weight. Appropriate breeds that suit the divergent production systems need to be identified and utilized based on performance and adaptability to ensure efficient resource use.

Indigenous cattle breeds represent a unique genetic resource, and understanding their variability, population structure and breeding units is important for their sustainable conservation. The endangered Jutland breed was widespread in Denmark in the eighteenth century, but decreased in population size following the introduction of modern farming. We investigated the impact of recent anthropogenic fragmentation of the breed by analysing 737-bp mitochondrial DNA and 23 microsatellites in 207 individuals. The results revealed the Jutland breed as a unique genetic entity with high levels of genetic diversity, and only limited introgression from other black-pied breeds. The data reflected the impacts of fragmentation and restricted gene flow in breeds with small segregated herds, and revealed the rapid differentiation of herds resulting from genetic drift. The application of a management strategy that conserves diversity and minimizes increase in inbreeding is important for the future conservation of the Jutland breed and other indigenous cattle breeds.

We have worked with the endangered Andalusian minor breeds. The priorities for the conservation of these breeds have been thoroughly studied. The following factors: antiquity and history of the breed, the number of existing strains or ecotypes, lhe actual number, their ecological and sociological interest, the present genetic status, and their productive importance, have been taken into account in the priority evaluation.

We are presenting the results obtained using our own polarographic method for the evaluation of priorities (priority index). With these data we establish three categories between the studied Andalusian breeds, and at thesame time we propose the most suitable measures for the conservation of each of these categories.

Navajo-Churro sheep have been part of the subsistence of three cultures in the Southwest of the United States for over 400 years. These cultures include Navajo (a Native American nation), Hispanic and Anglo. The Navajo-Churro breed nearly became extinct in the 1950s to 1970s, but farsighted conservation programmes were then begun which involved all three cultures in saving this unique breed. Navajo-Churro sheep are a distinctive double-coated Criollo breed. The fleece type is superbly suited to the textiles produced in the local region and which are famous throughout the United States for their unique qualities and cultural relevance. A registry system involving ongoing inspection of each generation assures that the type remains traditional. Census numbers are now close to 3000 head as the breed moves beyond its original homeland to become more widely established throughout the United States.

Vechur cattle, once popular in southern Kerala (India) is on the verge of extinction. By extensive search the few remaining animals could be traced. They are being conserved by Kerala Agricultural University. Cows are extremely sma.ll in size, i.e. weighing around 125 kg with a height of not more than 90 cm They are capable of producing 2–3 kg fat milk per day. Heat tolerance, disease resistance and general adaptability are added qualities. Age at first calving is three years and the intercalving period 14 months. As a part of characterization of these animals, cytogenetic, biochemical, immunogenetic studies as well as blood typing, milk composition and fat globule studies have been taken up.

The aim of this study has been to attempt a phenotypic and morphological characterization of the stocks of the Casanare breed of cattle in the department of the same name in Colombia. To this end, we have studied 79 animals belonging to three farms considered to be those with a higher level of breed purity in their stocks. We took into consideration 24 phaneroptic and 23 morphological characteristics. On the basis of the results obtained, we have defined the first ever racial standard for this breed.

El presente trabajo presenta un análisis de la variabilidad y el potencial genético de las poblaciones de bovinos criollos utilizados en un Programa Nacional de Fomento, desarrollado por organimos gubernamentales (Ministerio de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural, Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario y Corpoica). Se hizo el análisis de la información productiva de poblaciones de las razas Romosinuano, Costeño con Cuernos, Sanmartinero y Blanco Orejinegro, mediante el uso de la metodología BLUP, se calcularon los valores genéticos directos para peso al nacimiento, destete, 16 meses y ganancia de peso al destete y se realizó el análisis de la distribución de los animales por sus valores genéticos. Se encontró que en cada una de las razas existe una alta proporción de animales con valores genéticos positivos, siempre superior al 50%, lo cual indica una amplia variabilidad genética y posibilidad de selección de individuos mejoradores, que asegurarán el progreso genético en el programa de fomento que será desarrollado.

In the absence to date of studies on genetic variability in the Creole cattle of the Southern Region of Ecuador, the analysis and characterization of this population was carried out in order to provide the technical information needed for the planning and development of measures aimed at the population's conservation and sustainable use in the harsh ecosystem these animals inhabit. For this purpose, 46 adult animals, out of a population of 114 Creole cattle, were genetically analysed; on the basis of phaneroptical traits, they were classified into four groups known locally as Negro Lojano (15 animals), Encerado (15), Colorado (9) and Pintado or Cajamarca (7). The analysis of the intra-population genetic variability brought out a Na of 228, an average number of alleles per locus of 8.14 and a PIC of 0.70 ± 0.10. All 28 markers analyzed were polymorphic and highly informative. The He and Ho amounted to 0.74 ± 0.0178 and 0.676 ± 0.013, which is an indication of a high molecular diversity in the population studied. The HWE determines that 32 per cent of the alleles are not in equilibrium. The Gst amounted to 4.5 ± 2.8 per cent and the Fst was 0.08 per cent, which corroborates that there is no genetic differentiation among the four groups of this population. The average values for Fit and Fis were 8.89 and 8.92 percent, respectively. The degrees of genetic distance between this Creole population and 18 cattle and zebu breeds were also determined. The distance exceeded 0.10 for all populations, with the lowest distances being those between Ec:BC (0.1031), Ec:PAJ (0.1132), Ec:NAN (0.1302), Ec:VCA (0.1326) and Ec:FRI (0.1362). The greatest distances were observed between Ec:GUZ (0.4725) and Ec:NEL (0.4624). These values show that the Creole cattle of the Southern Region of Ecuador are very distant from the zebu breeds, and therefore their ancestors would be more likely to have originated from Iberian populations. The results concerning variability and genetic distance will enable strategies to be devised for managing and conserving the Creole breed of the Southern Region of Ecuador. These results also suggest that the four groups with phaneroptical differences should be managed independently at the different altitudes of the Andean Region of Ecuador.

The Iraqi indigenous chickens (I.I.C.) are well adapted to a wide range of ambient temperature (-5°C to 50°C). They are found throughout the country and are raised for meat and eggs. The birds are active and independent foragers.

The IPA Agricultural Research Centre played a role in the purification and multiplication of five different genetic lines according to feather colour. These lines are the progeny of segregating populations of the foundation stock which was a specimen collected from all over the country. The plumage colour of the I.I.C. lines varied from white to black. Most of the birds have white skin colour; comb type is single; egg-shell colour varied between white, tinted to brown; age at sexual maturity ranged between 162 to 166 days; body weight at sexual maturity was found to be similar for the differentlines (1.4 kg) indicating that I.I.C are small-sized birds and variations among lines of the I.I.C were significant for egg production, egg weight and feed efficiency.

Egg production performance of 571 local Ghanaian chickens and 107 SASSO T44 chickens kept under improved management conditions were analysed. Average egg weight, hen-day egg production and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined for the three experimental chicken ecotypes. Hen-day production was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the savannah local chicken ecotype than the forest ecotype and SASSO T44 chickens. Egg weights of local Ghanaian chickens compared favourably with values reported for local chickens in Africa. On the average, SASSO T44 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher egg weights and feed intake compared with the local chicken ecotypes. The local chicken ecotypes on the other hand, had significantly (P < 0.05) better feed conversion ratios than SASSO T44 chicken. Local Ghanaian chicken ecotypes have a more efficient FCR per every unit of egg produced compared with the control population. Low feed intake, good feed conversion ratios and adaptation to the environment are traits local chicken harbour which can be exploited in future breeding programmes to improve on chicken meat and egg production in Ghana. Ghanaian local chickens could thus be a valuable genetic resource for the development of an efficient egg production chicken breed adaptable to the humid tropical climates.

Cross-breeding with European beef breeds has become a standard approach for the intensification of smallholder cattle production in Indonesia. This study assessed the environmental impact of cross-breeding, in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP) and land use. We sampled 90 local Ongole and 162 cross-bred (Simmental × Ongole) cattle farms in four study areas. Expressed per kilogram of live weight of young stock produced, GWP (26.9 kg CO2–equivalents) and land use (34.2 m2) of farms with Ongole breeding stock were not significantly different from the GWP (28.9 kg CO2–equivalents) and land use (37.4 m2) of cross-bred farms. Cross-bred young stock grew faster, but in general cross-bred cattle required more feed. In the current smallholder production system, the dominant cross-breeding practice of using Simmental semen on Ongole and F1 cross-bred cows does not result in lower greenhouse gas emissions or land use per kilogram of live weight produced compared with farms with Ongole cows. The advantage from the faster growth of cross-breds is counteracted by the higher emissions from feed production for cross-breds.

Genetic diversity and Zebu genetic introgression have been assessed in five subpopulations of cattle along the coastal region of Togo, Benin and Nigeria using 15 autosomal and one Y- specific microsatellite markers. Mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranges from 0.55 to 0.61 and the mean number of alleles (MNA) from 5.47 to 6.47. Genetic differentiation indexes (Fst), were significant between the five subpopulations (P< 0.01). Some possible population diagnostic alleles are identified with allele 254 at locus ILSTS033 and allele 182 at locus ILSTS005 found only in the population from Togo with frequencies of 5.41% and 12.82% respectively. Allele 226 of locus ILSTS103 is fixed in the Togolese population (100%) and almost fixed (98.75%) in the Benin-Valley population. Y chromosome analysis reveals male Zebu introgression in all five populations with a frequency of indicine Y chromosome ranging from 37.5% in Benin-Valley and Benin Plateau East to 100% for Benin Plateau West. Admixture analysis using the programme STRUCTURE (k = 2) confirms phenotypic observations suggesting different level of taurine background and therefore Zebu introgression amongst the populations. Within populations, variations in levels of Zebu admixture between herds were also detected. Whereas the valley population from Benin shows low level of Zebu introgression, it is the population from Benin Plateau East which is the purest.

Western Visayas has largest population of native chickens in the Philippines; however, data on the phenotypic and genetic diversity is limited. Eight hundred and ten chickens from 270 different flocks, from six provinces within the region were chosen for characterization. Data collected includes farmer selection practices, means of identifying genetic groups and information on phenotypic traits of native chickens. This information was analysed using statistical tools suggested by FAO. Phenotypic diversity and equitability of distribution were analysed using Simpson's diversity index and equality of distribution. Results showed that native chicken genetic resources are comprised of two types, the Jolo and Bisaya; the latter was further divided into Bisaya–Cluster I and Bisaya–Cluster II. Jolo chickens were the heaviest (P < 0.01) but comparable with Bisaya–Cluster II in terms of egg weight, head shape and phenotypic distance. They all had higher diversity and equitability of distribution in their plumage colour and pattern, though the iris and shank colour had higher diversity but had limited distributions. Bisaya–Cluster II and Jolo chickens had higher diversity and above average distribution in liveweight. They were also homogenous in feather morphology and distribution; head and breast shape, and skeletal variants. Thus, the observed diversities and distributions can be used in identifying genetic materials for any breeding undertakings.

In order to satisfy the demands of the modern consumer for food of high quality, low in fat but rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, farmers from the inner regions of both Italy and Greece in recent years have started to orient their activity to the rearing of autochthonous animal populations, as in the case of the bovine Podolian (Italy) and Katerini (Greece). As both of these populations (raised in two different countries, but under a similar free-range production system) were derived from Bos primigenius, it was considered interesting to compare their meat characteristics. For this target, eight animals were used, subdivided into two groups: Podolian group (reared in Italy and slaughtered at 18 months of age) and Katerini group (reared in Greece and slaughtered at 18 months of age). All animals were fed only on local pasture and they were slaughtered in licensed slaughterhouses in their country of birth and they were analysed in the laboratories of the University of Bari in Italy. The results show that the raw meat of Katerini bulls is less red, has higher moisture and is leaner. The fat of this meat is richer in C18:0 and ω3 fatty acids. These data seem to indicate that the meat produced by the breeds studied can satisfy the dietary demands of the modern consumer. As the Katerini breed is threatened with extinction, this study can offer a reason to the local authorities to make a possible future rescue programme, which necessarily passes through a chemical and nutritional characterization of its meat.

The genetic structure and diversity of nine ganadarias (the Portuguese word for bull farmer) of the Portuguese “Brava de Lide” (Bullfighting) breed were assessed with 30 microsatellites. Allelic richness per locus was low, with an overall average of 2 547. The mean number of alleles corrected for the size of the smaller sample ranged between 2,4 in ganadaria Jorge Mendes and 1,9 in ganadaria Vaz Monteiro. The mean expected and observed heterozygosities ranged between 0.627 in ganadaria Palha and 0.461 in ganadaria Vaz Monteiro and between 0.617 in ganadaria Cabral D'Ascension and 0.4485 in ganadaria Vaz Monteiro, respectively. The ganadaria Vaz Monteiro was the one that systematically showed the lowest values of genetic diversity. To analyse the substructure among the 51 animals studied, a factorial correspondence analysis and a Bayesian approach were performed using the Genetix and STRUCTURE programs, respectively. The outcome of the factorial correspondence analysis resulted in the formation of four well-defined clusters. On the other hand, the analysis with the STRUCTURE program has allowed us to obtain six well-defined clusters. One well-defined cluster corresponded to the oldest Portuguese ganadaria, the Vaz Monteiro. This ganadaria was established, at its inception in 1843, with bulls and cows of pure Portuguese caste and has been kept in the same family owing to its formation without the introduction of any other blood, constituting a unique caste that must be preserved, which is the true offspring of the Portuguese cattle breed “Brava de Lide”. In turn, the other clusters formed corresponded to the ganadarias Mario Vinhas, Murteira Grave, Nuno Casquinha, Palha and Jorge Carvalho.