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Pedigree analysis of the Afrikaner cattle breed

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 July 2015

L. Pienaar ,
F.W.C. Neser ,
J.P. Grobler ,
M.M. Scholtz  and
M.D. MacNeil
L. Pienaar*
Affiliation:
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa ARC – Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa
F.W.C. Neser
Affiliation:
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
J.P. Grobler
Affiliation:
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
M.M. Scholtz
Affiliation:
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa ARC – Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa
M.D. MacNeil
Affiliation:
ARC – Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa Delta G, 145 Ice Cave Road, Miles City, MT 59301, USA
*
Correspondence to: L. Pienaar, ARC – Animal Production Institute, Private Bag X2, Irene, South Africa. email: [email protected]
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Summary

The reduction of genetic variability in beef cattle has been extensively researched on a global scale. However, the genetic variability and inbreeding of indigenous cattle breeds of Southern Africa, referred to as Sanga cattle, has been less well characterized. Breeds of Sanga cattle include Afrikaner, Drakensberger and Nguni breeds. In recent years, the number of Afrikaner cattle and herds has decreased. Our objective was to determine the mean level of inbreeding (F), effective population size (Ne) and generation intervals of Afrikaner cattle using their recorded pedigree. A total of 244 718 records extending from 1940 until 2011 were analysed. The average inbreeding coefficient was 1.83 percent and the effective population size was 167.54. The average generation interval was calculated as 6.6 ± 3.9 years. Pedigree analysis on the Afrikaner cattle population yielded levels of inbreeding that appear to be both acceptable and manageable. By implication, the large Ne results in a low rate of change in F. Current results study can be utilized by farmers and the breeders’ society to conserve the Afrikaner and utilize the breed to its full potential in the era of climate change.

Résumé

La réduction de la variabilité génétique chez les bovins à viande a fait l'objet de nombreux travaux de recherche à l’échelle mondiale. Pourtant, la variabilité génétique et la consanguinité ont à peine été étudiées chez les races autochtones de bovins à viande du Sud de l'Afrique, regroupés sous le nom de Sanga. Parmi les races du rameau bovin Sanga, se trouvent les races Afrikaner, Drakensberger et Nguni. Ces dernières années, l'effectif de bovins Afrikaners et le nombre d’éleveurs de cette race ont diminué. Notre objectif a été de déterminer le niveau moyen de consanguinité (F), la taille effective de la population (Ne) et les intervalles générationnels des bovins Afrikaners, en se servant pour cela du registre généalogique de la race. Un total de 244 714 inscriptions faites de 1940 à 2011 ont été analysées. Le coefficient moyen de consanguinité et la taille effective de la population ont été respectivement de 1.83 pour cent et 167.54. L'intervalle générationnel moyen a été de 6.6 ± 3.9 ans, d'après les calculs. Les niveaux de consanguinité décelés par l'analyse généalogique de la population bovine Afrikaner semblent acceptables et maîtrisables. En fait, la grande taille Ne entraîne un faible taux de changement pour le coefficient F. Les résultats de cette étude peuvent être utiles à l'association d’éleveurs dans le but de conserver la race Afrikaner et de l'utiliser jusqu’à son plein potentiel à l’ère du changement climatique.

Resumen

La reducción de la variabilidad genética en el ganado vacuno de carne ha sido investigada ampliamente a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, la variabilidad genética y la endogamia de las razas autóctonas del ganado vacuno de carne del Sur de África, conocido como ganado Sanga, han sido estudiadas en mucha menor medida. Entre las razas de ganado bovino Sanga, se encuentran las razas Afrikáner, Drakensberger y Nguni. En los últimos años, el censo de ganado Afrikáner y el número de explotaciones que lo crían han disminuido. Nuestro objetivo fue el de determinar el nivel medio de endogamia (F), el tamaño efectivo de la población (Ne) y los intervalos generacionales del ganado Afrikáner, empleando para ello su registro genealógico. Se analizaron un total de 244 714 registros, que iban de 1940 a 2011. El coeficiente medio de endogamia fue de 1.83 por ciento y el tamaño efectivo de población fue de 167.54. El intervalo generacional medio ascendió, según los cálculos, a 6.6 ± 3.9 años. Los niveles de endogamia arrojados por el análisis genealógico de la población bovina Afrikáner parecen aceptables y manejables. En consonancia, el gran tamaño Ne conlleva una baja tasa de cambio en el coeficiente F. Los resultados del estudio actual pueden ser utilizados por los ganaderos y por la asociación de criadores para conservar la raza Afrikáner y emplearla hasta su pleno potencial en la era del cambio climático.

Keywords

Bos taurus africanuseffective population sizeinbreeding coefficientSangaBos taurus africanustaille effective de populationcoefficient de consanguinitéSangaBos taurus africanustamaño efectivo de poblacióncoeficiente de endogamiaSanga
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Genetic Resources/Resources génétiques animales/Recursos genéticos animales , Volume 57 , December 2015 , pp. 51 - 56
Copyright
Copyright © Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2015 

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