Bhadawari buffaloes are reputed for high milk fat and are found in the Agra & Etawah districts of Uttar Pradesh and the Bhind & Morena districts of Madhya Pradesh. Information on the status, management practices, morphological characteristics, body measurements and performance of the Bhadawari breed were recorded from its breeding tract. Animals true to the breed are copper in colour and have a white ring on the lower side of the neck. The population of this breed is declining at a fast pace and efforts are needed for its conservation. Strategies for its improvement and conservation are also discussed.

There are approximately 41 million sheep in India, 0.51 million of which are made up by the Chokla population. This breed is generally found around Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar and bordering areas of the Bikaner, Jaipur and Nagaur districts of Rajasthan. The animals have a light to medium-sized body, a small head and are reddish brown or dark tan in colour as far as the middle of the neck, with a white body. The skin is pink. The ears are small to medium in length and tubular in shape. The Chokla sheep are hardy and well adapted to arid and semi-arid tropical environments and are suited for the region where migration is a common practice. The Chokla is a comparatively fine-wool producing type among the Indian sheep. The wool produced by Chokla animals is heterogeneous in quality and generally mixed with coarser fleece of other sheep for their utilisation as carpet wool.

This exploratory study aims to understand and improve the performance of Gambia Indigenous Livestock Multipliers’ Associations (GILMA – Fulladu and Saloum) as a way of enabling them to better respond to the challenges faced in fulfilling their institutional responsibilities. Using participatory institutional diagnosis, the GILMA members and experts were able to examine their associations and to stimulate collective reflection as a means of making the associations more efficient and effective. The findings of this diagnosis showed that functioning of both GILMAs was closely linked to the operations of their technical partners. This resulted to GILMAs which clearly lack defined vision and mission. Main issues to address include capacity development of GILMA's executive committee in terms of institutional management, group facilitation, participatory planning, effective strategies for partnership and ownership. Overall, this study developed pathways for revitalizing GILMAs into vibrant and self-sustaining indigenous ruminant livestock multipliers’ associations that can effectively carry out specific roles and responsibilities within the three-tier Open Nucleus Breeding Scheme of the International Trypanotolerance Centre.

Kenya indigenous goat breeds (Capra hircus) have not been accurately described. Therefore, there is threat of erosion of unique genotypes such as those associated with adaptability and disease resistance, through indiscriminate crossbreeding. The Kenyan goats classification based on phenotype/morphology identifies three breeds: Small East African (SEA) goats, the Galla goat and crosses of SEA and the Galla. In the present study, we sampled goats from two main geographic regions of Kenya with pastoralist communities, the Maasai and Somali/Boran. DNA was extracted from whole blood and polymerase chain reaction amplified using primers flanking a fragment of Cytocrome-b and D-loop regions of mitochondria DNA. The sequences derived were analysed both within Kenya goat populations and also compared with phylogeographic-related datasets. These data show that the majority of Kenyan indigenous goats are not distinct and their genetic structure is very diverse; however, distinct haplogroups were present. Genetic diversity showed weak positive in Tajima D test for Kenyan indigenous goats, while the Iberian/Mediterranean/Middle-East dataset had a more pronounced negative value indicating that the two populations are under different selection pressure. These analyses enabled phylogenetic relationships between and within species and the comparisons of local goats to related breeds geographically. The information can be applied management of conservation-guided breeding programmes by crossing the indigenous breed's unique genes with high productivity traits from another source.

Muscuovy ducks (Cairina moschata) are popular as a source of poultry meat. Reports on availability of Muscovies (in the free range system of management) in the eastern region of Indu is lacking. In the West Bengal state of Indu two strains of Muscovies have been identified, the strains resemble Black Muscuovy L 303 and White Muscuovy ducks. Ironically they are known as Chinae haras (Chinese duck). Presently a detailed study is being conducted by the author and is being used to develop a strain of broader duck (mule duck) in the region. Reports on availability of Muscovies in this part of the subcontinent are lacking.

All interspecific hybrids, both male and female, resulting from crosses between the wild sheep of- Cyprus (known locally as Aqrinon) and domesticated sheep breeds (Ovis aries), Cyprus Fat-tailed (CFT), Chios an Awassi, were found to be fertile.The chromosome complement of both species and of the hybrids was 2n=54. The survival.rate of hybrid lambs up to 105 days of age increased with a higher percentage of domesticated sheep inheritance. F2 hybrids had the lowest survival rate.

The birth weight of F1 and first backcross to domestic sheep (B,) lambs was higher than that of F2 and F1 × B1 lambs, but much lower thin that of domesticated sheep.

Most of the evidence available suggests that the wild sheep of Cyprus originates from either the European (ovis musimon) or the Asiatic' (Ovis orientalis) mouflon.

The phenotypic correlations between selected body conformation traits and milk off-take of three indigenous cattle breeds were evaluated against a backdrop of widespread traditional practice of identifying better milking cows and heifers using these traits. It was conducted in Fogera, Dembia and Wogera districts of northern-western Ethiopia. One-shot exploratory field visits were used to randomly identify sample cattle herds. Data were collected on eight quantitative and six qualitative body conformation traits as well as milk off-take from 126 sample cows. Pearson's correlation coefficients were determined between these traits and milk off-take for large, medium and small categories of navel flap-size categories. Results show that the average daily milk off-take varies significantly between categories of udder size, size of milk vein and neck length mainly not only in Fogera but also in Dembia and Wogera cows. Statistically significant phenotypic correlations exist between all the quantitative conformation traits and milk off-take in the three breeds but the type and strength of these associations are variable, indicating breed specificity of these associations. The significant correlations between width and length of navel flap with milk off-take are consistent with traditional knowledge of farmers of using navel flap size as an indicator of better milk production in these indigenous cows. The negative correlations of milk off-take with dewlap width in both Fogera and Wogera cattle, especially under the large navel flap category, are in agreement with the indigenous knowledge of these communities about these associations. It was therefore concluded that these traditional subjective practices can be improved by introducing convenient ways of objectively measuring these traits and using them in more conclusive and predictable ways.

The Pantaneiro horse is an important social and economic part of the infrastructure of cattle farms in the Brazilian Pantanal. It is of Iberian origin and closely related to other Brazilian breeds, specifically Mangalarga, Mangalarga Machador and Campolina. Physiological studies have shown this horse to be tolerant to long treks and capable of being maintained on natural pastures. The Brazilian Pantaneiro Horse Breeders' Association has registered, to date, approximately 1 600 mares and 300 stallions, the bulk of which are in the Poconé subregion. The horse is considered small and fast. Linear measurements taken at registration are shown to be, in general, highly heritable. The population has a vulnerable status. Characterization studies showed that a combination of genetic and physical characteristics of the Pantaneiro makes it a unique population that must be conserved. Recent trends in selection may threaten the rusticity and adaptability of this valuable genetic resource. In this paper, several research studies are reviewed and areas where research and technical training are needed are highlighted.

This study forms part of a series of works in progress within the framework of the research programme registered at the laboratory of livestock production improvement at the Institute of Rural Development. The aim of this research is the improved performance of the indigenous Batéké hen.

The observation of weights at each weighing indicates a dynamic of significant growth. The chick which is born at 28,38 ± 2,3 g multiplies its weight by 4,2 one month after, gaining 119,3 ± 10 g (td > 3). The males grow more quickly than the females: at 3 months they reach 770,51 ± 94,35 g and 563,9 ± 43,2 g; in 6 months, 1 462 ± 118 g and 993,43 ± 99 g respectively (td > 4). Egg production per clutch reached 13,44 ± 0,2 eggs with a fecundity rate of 78,96 ± 10% and hatchability of 71,7 ± 8,4%. The positive correlations observed were regarded as linear. The conditions of breeding and feeding are determining factors in improving the performance of the indigenous Batéké hen and this is well appreciated by the Congolese population and the Islamic community living in Congo.

The aim of the study was to identify and characterize the phenotype of goat genetic resources in the Bench Maji zone, south western Ethiopia. Focus group discussions, observation of physical attributes and morphology, and morphometrical measurements were employed for data collection. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, general linear model (GLM) and two-step cluster analysis were employed to analyse the data. The results of the analyses revealed that 90.7 percent of the female and 88.4 percent of the male goats have straight facial profile. Horns in the majority of females (85.7 percent) and males (73.4 percent) are straight with backward direction in 72.6 percent of females and 84.2 percent of males. In most cases the female goats lack ruffs (88.2 percent), wattles (73.8 percent) and beards (68.3 percent). Averaged quantitative traits of the female population were 56.97 ± 0.21 cm; 70.15 ± 0.27 cm, 60.08 ± 0.17 cm and 26.36 ± 0.21 kg for body length, chest girth, height at withers and body weight, respectively. The corresponding values of the male population were 60.81 ± 0.35 cm, 75.04 ± 0.50 cm, 64.47 ± 0.32 cm and 31.02 ± 0.50 kg, respectively. Goats from the different districts have shown significant (P < 0.01) differences in body length, height at withers and body weight of female and chest girth and body weight of males. 48 and 52 percent of the goat populations were distributed under two clusters indicating that the goat populations can be classified into two ecotypes (Meanit and Sheko).

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

It was found that about 23% of the alleles in the population of 1997 originated from the old type. Of 21 base animals of the old type, alleles of seven animals were completely lost in the gene dropping while only six base animals contributed with 20.2% of the alleles in the 1997 population. Inbreeding coefficients ranged from zero to 35.6% with a mean of 4.1%.

This study aims to provide data on the physical profiles of the red goat of Maradi. It was conducted in the centre of the goat's main territory, and further comprised 4 departments of the Maradi area (Tessaoua in the east, Dakoro in the north, Madarounfa in the south and Guidan Roumdji in the west). This work was performed on 339 animals including 77 in the centre, 88 in the east, 69 in the north, 50 in the south and 55 in the west. It focused on the following measurements: height at withers, scapulo-ischial length, chest size, back length, length of the horns, ears and head, the presence of “pendeloques” and goatees, the coat color and structure of the hair. The results have shown differences between body variable measurements related to geographical position. In fact, the geographical position has significantly influenced body profiles, IGS and IAT indices (P < 0.0001). The dominant trend of the red color is probably an adaptation character of Maradi goats. Our contribution to define the standard of this breed of red goats should be summary as a population with medium size, short and erect ears, two horns (most developed in males) tilting back, short hair and the presence of a beard (beard developed in males) in both sexes. We also note the presence of “pendeloques” in some animals in the East of Maradi.

The fast changing socio-economic levels of inhabitants, ecological profile and agricultural scenario in the native breeding.tract of Hariana cattle breed reveal several factors resulting in consistently a declining trend in the population as well as genetic deterioration in performance traits of the breed. The breed, once occupying pre eminent position in Indian farming throughout the entire rural households of North India for both draught power and milk production, isnow being gradually neglected and becoming economically non-remunerative because of intensive and more mechanized agriculture replacing draught animal power, shrinking grazing areas, over emphasis on crossbreeding with exotic cattle inheritance and emergence of buffalo as a commercial dairy animal. The authors emphasize the need to develop suitable strategies for planned genetic improvement and conservation programmes of the breed to resurrect it as an economical viable cattle breed for the posterity.

The Hanwoo cattle of Korea are probably one of the oldest autochthonous breeds in the world that are known to have populated a specific geographic region for over 2000 years. They are also a unique case of a domestic animal genetic resource (DAGR) that after having followed the classical tendency of dangerously and rapidly decreasing numbers (I 740 000 in 1940 down to 393 000 in 1950) moved slowly back to near 2 000 000 in 1993, following an exemplary and voluntary conservation programme and a well organized national improvement scheme. This wellplanned selection scheme made it possible for the average live weight of Hanwoo cattle to nearly double their measure adult weight since the first in official controls were made in the early seventies: sires from 290 kg to 477 kg and cows from 246 kg to 309 kg in a more than 30 year period. This is a unique reference case of D.A.G.R. conservation, of domestic preservation, development, and economic use within the traditional production ten-ns and management conditions of a specific geo-cultural environment.

Sheep breeding is a traditional activity in Peru for small farmers, who generally possess Creole animals, which are frequently ignored in public policies as well as by the scientific community, not being recognized as a breed, showing poor productivity and having crosses with exotic breeds. This study aimed to characterize Creole and Hampshire Down crossbred ewes phenotypically, for using in the conservation and improvement of the Peruvian creole sheep. The year 2012, in the rural municipality of Ite, southern coast of Peru, 200 adult ewes were evaluated, classified by possible genotype (Creole or crossbred) and farm type (wetlands or ranches). Morphological and morphometric measurements were analysed; indices were drawn up and canonical and discriminant analysis were conducted, using the statistical program R. The results showed crossbred ewes with greater meat-producing capacity than the Creole, both influenced by the environment, management, and racial miscegenation that threatens the native sheep conservation. The adaptation of flocks was seen in different conditions, but some traits must be improved, requiring adequate technical orientation and rural extension services.

There are approximately ffteen million sheep in Peru, with more than 50% of this population being located in peasant communities and considered to be Criollo. Sheep were introduced by the Spanish, producing an almost complete displacement of the native camelid population. These animals were the foundation of the Criollo sheep presently found in the peasant communities of the Peruvian Andes. The Criollo sheep has a typically pear-shaped body, with a relatively small head, most often with horns. Productive characteristics among the Criollo sheep in the sierra are highly variable and depend mainly on the locations where they were raised. Criollo sheep andtheir crosses with improved breeds show a higher survival rate than crosses among the improved breeds of sheepin Peru. This indicates that although not as productive in conventional terms (weaning weight or fleece production) the criollo are well adapted to their environment.

Many domestic breeds face challenges concerning genetic variability, because of their small population sizes along with a high risk of inbreeding. Therefore, it is important to obtain knowledge on their extinction risk, along with the possible benefits of certain breeding strategies. Since many domestic breeds face the same problems, results from such studies can be applied across breeds and species. Here a Population Viability Analysis (PVA) was implemented to simulate the future probability of extinction for a population of the endangered Danish Jutland cattle (Bos taurus), based on the software Vortex. A PVA evaluates the extinction risk of a population by including threats and demographic values. According to the results from the PVA the population will go extinct after 122 years with the current management. Four scenarios were created to investigate which changes in the breeding scheme would have the largest effect on the survival probabilities, including Scenario 1: More females in the breeding pool, scenario 2: More males in the breeding pool, scenario 3: Increased carrying capacity, and scenario 4: Supplementing males to the population through artificial insemination using semen from bulls used in the populations in past generations. All scenarios showed a positive effect on the population's probability of survival, and with a combination of the different scenarios, the population size seems to be stabilized.

Estas Directrices tienen por objeto facilitar la elaboración de los infor-mes de los países como documentación relativa a las políticas estra-tégicas, que comprende la situación de los recursos zoogenéticos, de la capacidad y los conocimientos para administrar estos recursos, y de las necesidades y prioridades de los países.

Las Directrices sirven también para respaldar la realización, mediante un proceso impulsado por los países del informe sobre la la situación del proceso mundial de los recursos zoogenéticos, cuya preparación está siendo coordinada a escala mundial por la FAO.Los informes de los países servirán como documentación formativa en este proceso, por lo que se estimula encarecidamente la participación de todas las partes interesadas en la ela-boración de estos informes.

Han contribuido numerosos expertos y países a elaborar estas Directrices, que habrán de ser utilizadas junto con el Módulo para el Sistema Mundial de Información sobre la Diversidad de los Animales Domésticos http://www.fao.org/dad-is/ tras la correspondiente capaci-tación y la coordinación de las actividades en los países.

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