Characteristics of lactation performance, based on AM milk offtake and conformation, of Ankole cattle were studied during one year in 37 herds with 606 recorded cows in Mbarara district in southwestern Uganda. Recording of AM milk offtake was undertaken in eight areas of Mbarara district which represent different production systems and vegetation types.

The 467 cows with complete lactation cows yielded, on average, a total AM offtake of 252 and 325 kg over first and second or higher lactations, respectively. These offtakes were higher than other African indigenous populations in pastoral systems. Mean body weight was 292 and 341 kg for first and second or higher parities, respectively. Average body measurements for all parities were 161 cm for heart girth, 129 cm for height at withers and 193 cm for body length.

The daily AM milk offtake varied from 1.1 kg in the Ruhengere area characterized by thorny Acacia thickets to 1.9 kg in the bush-cleared Kanyanya area with improved pastures. Although the Ankole cows performed best on the improved pastures, their future may relatively be more favourable in the original non-cleared bush areas because of the gradually increasing competition from exotic dairy breeds and their crosses.

This study aimed at characterising the genetic diversity of two Fipa cattle populations (Sumbawanga and Nkasi) of South-Western Tanzania, and establishing their genetic relationships with the other indigenous cattle strains (Tarime, Iringa red and Ankole) and Friesian cattle found in the area. The genetic diversity was analysed using 30 microsatellite markers. All the markers used were highly polymorphic. The Nkasi Fipa cattle exhibited the highest mean number of alleles (7.31) and mean genetic diversity (0.732) per locus, followed by Sumbawanga Fipa cattle with 7.10 mean number of alleles and 0.725 mean genetic diversity per locus, with the latter population having a very low mean inbreeding coefficient (FIS = 0.027). Three percent of the genetic diversity was due to differences among indigenous strains while the rest was due to differences among individuals within the strains. Small genetic distances (DA) were observed between Sumbawanga Fipa and Nkasi Fipa (0.032), Tarime (0.073), Iringa red (0.076) and Ankole cattle (0.086). As expected, the largest genetic distances were observed between the Friesian and all indigenous strains since this breed has a quite distinct genetic origin. In the assignment test, the proportion of animals from each group correctly assigned to their source population ranged from 55.3 percent (for Nkasi Fipa) to 100 percent (for Friesian). Despite the low genetic differentiation and genetic indistinctiveness of the Sumbawanga Fipa population from the other indigenous strains, its high genetic diversity, very low inbreeding coefficient and a threat emanating from population admixture with other indigenous strains underscore the importance of establishing appropriate conservation and management strategies for it.

Le Kouri, une des populations bovines les plus anciennes d'Afrique, est en voie d'extinction, victime de la dégradation de son biotope originel : les îles et polders du Lac Tchad. La logique économique veut que sa faible contribution au produit animal brut des pays de la sous-région ne nécessite pas d'action de conservation ou de relance. Cette race possède pourtant des qualités intéressantes de performances laitières et d'adaptation au milieu, qui devraient inciter les institutions régionales et internationales à mettre en oeuvre un programme de conservation de ce patrimoine génétique origina et unique.

The objective of this study was to establish a breeding season and to evaluate the reproductive performance of a horse herd of the Pantaneira breed from Nhumirim Ranch in the lowlands of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. During the period 1990/91, the stallion was kept year-round with 17 mares. In the following year (91/92) a breeding season of seven months (Sept. 91 to Mar. 92) was established, in which the stallion and 15 mares were used. In the first period (90/91), the concentration of births occurred from September to December of 1991. The percentage of pregnancy and parturition observed in 90/91 and 91/92 for the male:female proportions of 1:17 and 1:15 were: 82.3, 100 and 86.7, 100%, respectively. In the breeding season from Oct. 91 to Feb. 92 with male/female ratios of A-1:11, B-1:10 and C-1:10, it was observed that the percentage of pregnancy was 90.9, 100 and 100%, respectively, with 100% parturition in the 3 groups. Independently of the number of females used (A-1:10, B-1:08, C-1:12), the rate of pregnancy obtained from the breeding season from Oct. 92 to Feb. 93 was 100%.

Indigenous pigs of West Africa form the majority of the pig population in Nigeria. They are very precocious but have low prolificacy, a low growth rate and poor carcass characteristics. However, the ability to thrive on low-quality diets in stressful environments is quite remarkable. In recent years, there has been a steady decline in the indigenous pig population. Therefore, conservation of the germplasm of this valuable genetic resource is highly desirable.

A la suite de la conférence des Nations Unies sur l'environnement et le développement (CNUCED, Rio 7 juin 1992) et la convention globale sur la biodiversité, la FAO a programmé neuf missions à travers le monde pour identifier des projets pouvant contribuer à la conservation des ressources génétiques des animaux domestiques. Le présent papier expose le résultat de la mission concernant les pays d'Afrique francophone sub-saharienne. L'approche des races est fondée sur la prise en compte des contraintes du milieu, des objectifs de l'élevage, des marchés des produits et des structures sociales impliquées. L'inventaire fait ressortir la grande diversité des races d'animaux de ferme, liée à la diversité des modèles d'élevage et de leurs objectifs. Les races sont mal caractérisées, leurs effectifs sont mal connus. Les types génétiques sont adaptés à des modèles d'élevage en pleine évolution sous l'influence des marchés des produits et de la pression démographique. Les élevages intensifs (villageois ou industriels) se développent plus vite que les élevages extensifs (pastoraux ou de basse-cour). Il en résulte que les caractères génétiques privilégiés par les éleveurs évoluent profondément. Il est donc nécessaire de mieux caractériser les races d'animaux de ferme et de rechercher les critères d'adaptation du cheptel à une exploitation plus intensive et mieux orientée.

The genetic diversity, genetic differentiation and relationship between four short stature cattle populations of south India - Punganur, Iduki, Kasargod and Vatakara - was studied, using 24 microsatellite loci. A total of 164 alleles were observed. The mean number of alleles per locus was 6.58 with mean observed and expected heterozygosity values of 0.70 and 0.75 respectively. The relative magnitude of gene differentiation (FST) was 6% and was significant except between the Iduki and Kasargod populations. The negative FIS values obtained for the majority of loci indicated a lack of population structure in the four populations. Both phylogenetic and correspondence analysis exhibited a closeness between Iduki and Kasargod animals. The results indicated that all four populations were outbred and Kasargod and Iduki animals should be considered as one even though these are reared for different purposes.

Pattanam is an important mutton-breed sheep of Tamil Nadu, India and is popular among the farmers for its heavy body weight. Despite its economic importance and distinct identity, this breed is not included in the list of descript sheep breeds at the national level, as it is not researched so far. Hence, a study has been made to document the habitat, distribution, physical traits, production and reproduction performances and the existing management practices of Pattanam sheep of Tamil Nadu, India. The preliminary study revealed that Pattanam sheep is a large-sized breed with compact body and uniformly creamy white in colour with black colour in the ventral region from the inner side of the jowl extending up to the inguinal region. Pure breed animals were distributed in the Paramakudi, Mudukulathur and Kamuthi taluks of Ramanathapuram district and Aruppukottai and Thiruchuli taluks of Virudunagar district of southern agroclimatic zone of Tamil Nadu, India. The means of body length, height at withers and chest girth in adult rams were 80.65 ± 0.49, 85.58 ± 0.58 and 93.65 ± 0.35 cm and in adult ewes were 70.05 ± 0.45, 72.80 ± 0.65 and 78.34 ± 0.35 cm, respectively. The body weight in adult rams and ewes were 51.50 ± 1.20 and 36.95 ± 0.51 kg, respectively. Pattanam sheep are used extensively for breeding purposes with other native breeds especially from Coimbatore, Kilakarsal and Ramnad White sheep of Tamil Nadu.

Garole is a breed of sheep reared in the Sunderban region of India and Bangladesh. The animals of this breed are adapted to the hot and humid coastal region and are often seen grazing in water. Garole are reared as mutton sheep. The value of their wool is grossly ignored and presently wasted. The raw wool obtained from this breed can be stored for a long time without any significant deterioration in quality, that might be attributed to the genetic tolerance of the breed towards fleece rot. The wool quality parameters of Garole sheep indicate that the wool is coarse but has an excellent felting property. The raisers of these sheep are economically challenged members of the society, and handicrafts produced from the wool can assist in the alleviation of poverty as well as provide an alternative livelihood. An organisation has taken steps in scientific sheep rearing in the region and has assisted in training members of the community in the production of rugs from the wool. The organisation is also providing assistance in marketing the products developed on behalf of the beneficiaries.

The loss of biodiversity has become a major environmental issue during the course of the twentieth century. Numerous indigenous farm animal breeds have been replaced by commercial breeds in agricultural production processes in industrialized countries, sometimes resulting in complete breed loss and at other times placing the breed in an endangered status. Loss of breeds occurs mainly due to the striving for more intensive production, which often means that indigenous farm animal breeds are kept in conventional production only in marginal agricultural areas. One such endangered breed is the Yakutian Cattle, an indigenous Siberian cattle breed that is kept in the Russian Far East. The cattle have a low output but valuable characteristics that confer adaptation to the northern environment. This article addresses the socio-cultural and political context of conservation of the cattle at different levels in society. The conservation of animal genetic resources is embedded in the international agenda, and the Russian Federation has ratified conventions to protect them. The conservation is de facto organized at the republic level. The local communities carry out the conservation in practice by keeping and maintaining the cattle, although the conservation was initiated by the scientific community. We suggest that the conservation of Yakutian Cattle is based on national and local interests, rather than on global conventions on biological or cultural diversity. Furthermore, the reasons for conservation are different at different levels, which constitute both an advantage and a challenge for the future.

The Betizu feral cattle breed is considered as one of the most endangered and ancient in Europe. It is native to the Basque Country (Euskadi). A small number survives in Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa (Basque Autonomous Community), the Navarre and the Atlantic Pyrenees Department of France (Lapurdi). This paper describes the origin, habitat, zootechnical characteristics, aptitudes and attributes of this breed. At present, conservation projects have been initiated in order to preserve the remaining populations.

The American Milking Devon Association was established in 1978 to record and preserve a unique type of cattle originally developed in the United States in the 17th century from imported English and contemporary American stocks. Phenotypically, it exhibits a spectrum of red colour, with light-coloured curved horns and medium body size. The breed is one of the few remaining triple-purpose breeds in the United States, and has been selected by breeders since colonial times for excellent temperament and powerful draught ability, along with desirable dairy and beef characteristics. It is well adapted to low-input management schemes and harsh environments. The American Milking Devon is currently found on the ‘critical’ list of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, indicating that there are fewer than 200 new registrations annually. Since the inception of the American Milking Devon Association, a small group of dedicated breeders has done much to preserve these cattle. However, new management tools are now being introduced to assist breeders and allow conservation of genetic diversity while retaining the original breed traits in terms of size, colour, beef and dairy production, and character and working ability.

The Salem Black is an important meat goat breed in the north-western part of Tamil Nadu, India. The native tract of this breed is the Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Erode, Karur and Namakkal districts of Tamil Nadu. Salem Black goats are tall animals, completely black in colour and reared mainly for meat. The average herd size of Salem Black goats was 31, of which there were 1 buck, 23 does and 7 kids The chest girth, body length and height at withers of Salem Black goats at full mouth age were 79.6±1.1 cm, 75.0±1.5 cm and 86.0±1.6 cm, respectively in males and 73.1 ±0.6 cm, 69.8±0.5 cm and 75.5±0.8 cm, respectively in females. The body weight of Salem Black goats at full mouth age was 38.5±1.0 kg in males and 29.5±0.6 kg in females. The average age at first mating was 9.5±0.4 months in males and 9.7±0.2 months in females, and the average age at first kidding was 14.8±0.2 months. The percentage of animals producing singles, twins, triplets and quadruplets was 54.1, 40.0, 8.2 and 0.4, respectively. Salem Black goats are allowed to browse extensively as a herded group for about seven to eight hours per day and are housed mostly (80%) during the night. Farmers kept breeding bucks, when available, in the herds at all times and exercised no controlled mating. The mortality rate in kids and adults was 7.5% and 2.3% respectively.

The Banni buffaloes distributed in the Kachchh region of Gujarat state in western India are medium to large in body size with a compact body and typical coiled horns. Mean body length, heart girth and height at withers estimated during the survey were 153.7±0.4 cm, 205.5±0.6 cm and 136.7±0.2 cm, respectively. Data on 397 adult milking buffaloes from Banni area based on interviews with farmers, revealed the mean age at first calving to be 39.7±0.4 months, a mean service period of 66.4±1.3 days, a mean lactation length of 293.3±1.5 days and a mean peak yield of 15.7±0.1 litres. Genetic diversity analysis of Banni buffaloes using a set of 15 heterologus bovine microsatellite markers revealed a high degree of allelic polymorphism with a total of 81 alleles and a mean of 5.4. The observed heterozygosity was found to be moderate with a mean of 0.506 and ranged from 0.125 (ILSTS 045) to 0.795 (ILSTS 008). The mean F value (0.181) across 15 microsatellite loci was significantly positive indicating heterozygote deficiency in the population. The test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium revealed seven of the 15 microsatellite loci analyzed showing significant deviations.

Rampur Bushair is an important dual-purpose (meat and wool) sheep in the north temperate Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh state (India). The breeding tract of the breed runs across three districts namely Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Information on three body biometric characteristics, viz. body length from shoulder to pin bone, chest girth and height at wither, qualitative confirmation attributes and body weights of 335 animals were recorded. Animals were strong, well-built and of medium size with a square brow. The animals were mostly white, but black, brown and mottled were also found in good numbers. Typically a prominent Roman nose, convex head, large eyes and pendulous ears (10 cm to 15 cm long) with a prominent mid-ridge were peculiar characteristics of this breed. The males had medium to long (19 cm to 29 cm) curling horns, running backwards and downwards. The ewes were polled. The average adult body weight of males was 34.7 kg and that of females was 26.0 kg. The body weight of adult male and female sheep varied from 24 kg to 47 kg and 18 kg to 40 kg, respectively. Wool yield varied from 200 g to 500 g per shearing. The animals were shorn twice a year (summer and winter). Sexual maturity in males and females is reached at one year of age.

The information on feed, management and breeding practices, flock size and structure, reproductive performance and disease prevalence in the breeding tract was collected through formal interviews, using a structured questionnaire given to sheep owners, who were chosen at random within a structured, stratified framework. There were 98 574 animals of the Rampur Bushair sheep breed in its breeding tract based on the sample survey estimates. The results indicated good scope for improvement of its productivity under the field conditions based on selective breeding.

Characterization and genetic diversities among members of a species are fundamental to their improvement and conservation. This study was conducted to characterize and estimate genetic diversity in the ecotypes of the locally adapted Muscovy duck in Nigeria using blood proteins (haemoglobin, transferrin and albumin) and enzyme (carbonic anhydrase) markers. Blood samples collected from 20, 40 and 20 adult Muscovy ducks sampled randomly from the Rain Forest, Derived Savanna and Guinea Savanna ecotypes, respectively, were typed for blood proteins and enzyme polymorphism with cellulose acetate paper. Genetic variability in the studied population was accessed using heterozygosity (H), effective number of allele (ne) and polymorphism (percent P). All the 13 allelic variants expressed at the four loci were expressed in the Derived Savanna ecotype but 12 each in the Rain Forest and Guinea Savanna ecotypes. Results showed that all the four loci were polymorphic (100 percent) and the estimated heterozygosity among them was similar (0.424–0.481). Similarity in the estimated genetic variability parameters among ecotypes indicate that the sub-populations understudy was under similar evolutionary forces and there were no appreciable differences among them.

The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of creole cattle in northwestern Mexico using the BoLA-DRB3.2 locus of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). A total of 56 creole cattle were sampled from five communities; in the state of Chihuahua (Cerocahui, Guadalupe y Calvo and Cuauhtémoc) and in the state of Baja California Sur (La Paz and Mulegé). The BoLA-DRB3.2 locus was genotyped by PCR-RFLP assay. Thirty-nine alleles were identified, out of which 14 had not been previously reported. The average level of inbreeding in all populations analyzed was FIS = 0.09 (P < 0.0001), but only two populations (Cerocahui and Guadalupe y Calvo) showed an excess of homozygotes (P < 0.05). The breed differentiation in all populations studied was FSC = 0.068 (P < 0.0001). The smallest genetic distance was between La Paz and Mulegé (0.022); but Mulegé presented smaller distances (0.028–0.053) with the populations of La Paz (0.071–0.083) and with Chihuahua. Baja California Sur populations are grouped in a separate branch than Chihuahua populations. We conclude that creole cattle from Baja California Sur and Chihuahua show high genetic diversity in the locus BoLA-DRB3.2.

This work describes a morphometric and reproductive study conducted on male and female N'Dama cattle in Congo. The study was concentrated on a herd having an average live weight of 255.1 ± 19.8 kg and 249.7 ± 26.4 kg respectively for male and female animals at 3 years of age. The regular coat is fawn with black legs. Some animals are piebald with occasional white patches and brown sprays.

Some average body measurements were evaluated: the wither height (115.3 ± 1.1 cm and 111.8 ± 0.9 cm), the length of the body from point of shoulder to point of buttock (143.7 ± 3.1 cm and 140.8 ± 3.2 cm) and the heart girth (158.2 ± 4.2 cm and 144.4 ± 1.3 cm) respectively for male and female animals.

When considering puberty as the age of first oestrus, by the overall behavioural criteria, the age of puberty fluctuated around 458 ± 26 days with a weight of 168 ± 18 kg. When considering puberty as the moment where a cycle similar to that of an adult ready to be fertilized is established, the results were different: the age of puberty became 779 ± 119 days with a weight of 182 ± 16 kg.

The N'Dama heifers born in the rainy season are more precocious (461.2 ± 33 days) with a weight of 184.6 ± 21 kg, against 767 ± 22 days and 191.8 ± 21 kg during the dry season. The number of calves born from a breeding dam was 0.8.

In our study, sire puberty was reached between 16 and 20 months, for a weight of 151.8 ± 16 kg. A positive correlation (r = 0.49 ± 0.1) was obtained between scrotal circumference and puberty weight.

In light of the upcoming first International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources (September 2007), experts have been interviewed to tell about their experiences in the management of animal genetic resources over the past fifty years. They identified three milestones in the history of Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) management: the foundation of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (1973), the FAO/UNEP 1980 Technical Consultation on AnGR, and the signing of the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992). Conservation of AnGR started at grassroot level and eventually led to policies at governmental level. The passion of civil society organizations remains vital to conserve local livestock breeds. Technical and financial support will be crucial for the future of AnGR conservation. The next milestone will be a Global Plan of Action that is expected as one outcome of the International Technical Conference.

At the beginning of the 1980's, Sambucana sheep, which have inhabited a valley in the northern Italian region of Cuneo since the Eighteenth century, were on the verge of extinction. In an effort to safeguard the breed, the ‘Comunità Montana’ and local institutes set up a consortium which includes approximately eighty breeders and has entrusted the recovery of the breed's genetic heritage, threatened by repeated cross-breeding with Biellese sheep, to a ram centre. The sales of Sambucana lamb, which is a highly prized meat guaranteed by a specific brand, have increased at the shops in the province served by the consortium, and moreover the economy of mountain communities has benefited from the protection program. A pack of wolves endangering the summer grazing of the sheep at high altitudes could in the future have a negative effect on the purity of the breed and the characteristics of the meat.