Information on morphological characteristics is a prerequisite to sustainable breed improvement, utilization and conservation. The present study was initiated to describe the physical and morphological characteristics of indigenous sheep reared in Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya, Gurage-Silte, Gamogofa and Wolaita zones of Southern Regional State of Ethiopia. Data on the assessment of qualitative characters and linear body measurements were obtained from a total of 3966 sheep that were drawn from 928 households. The results indicated that the most common tail form in the Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya, Gurage-Silte and Wolaita sheep was of long fat type ending with a straight tip, whereas that of Gamogofa sheep was long thin tail ending with a curve tip. Hair coat colour pattern was mainly plain followed by patchy. The common hair of sheep in all studied zones was short and smooth. Sheep from Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya and Gurage-Silte were devoid of wattle and ruff. Rams of Gurage-Silte and Wolaita had higher (P < 0.05) body weight values than those of other locations. Ewes of Sidama-Gedeo and Wolaita had relatively high (P < 0.05) body weight, whereas those of Gurage-Silte, Gamogofa and Wolaita had significantly high chest girth values. Gurage-Silte and Gamogofa rams had large (P < 0.05) chest girth values. The height at withers was high (P < 0.05) for both sexes in Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya and Wolaita sheep. The highest body length was obtained from Wolaita rams, followed by Gamogofa and Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya rams, whereas the lowest body length was obtained from Gurage-Silte rams. Ewes of Sidama-Gedeo had higher (P < 0.05) body length values than those of other zones. The dendrogram indicated a close association among the sheep of Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya, Gurage-Silte and Sidama-Gedeo. However, sheep in Wolaita and Gamogofa were more distantly associated with those of the three zones. It can be concluded that the sheep in the study zones may possess unique adaptive features useful in designing sustainable sheep improvement strategies. However, a molecular-based genetic assessment of the population structure found in the study region might be given due consideration.

Phenotypic characterisation of local chicken populations was undertaken in the humid forest zone. Out of 48 village's subsets sampled by Zonal Extension Agents (AVZ) in the 16 divisions of the Centre, South and East provinces, 751 adult chickens were examined, measured and individual pictures were taken.

Birds from the South and East provinces were similar in body weight at around 1 400 g for males and 1 160 g for females versus 1 665 g and 1 259 g for male and female birds from the Centre, the latter being heavier and larger in size than their counterparts from South and East. Annual egg production calculated from farmers' declarations was higher for birds in South with 54 eggs versus 51 and 49 in Centre and East provinces respectively, while hatchability was generally above 80%.

Morphological diversity was characterized by a low frequency (1–10%) for a rather large number of mutations (feathered shanks, crest, naked neck, muffs and beard, frizzing, dwarfism). In contrast, the 'yellow skin' mutation was present with a high frequency (50–60%). Feather colour was very variable with a high frequency of widespread black (E locus) and silver (S locus) colours.

A genealogical analysis of Crioula horses registered by the Brazilian Association of Crioula Horse Breeders was performed. The state of Rio Grande do Sul is the largest producer of animals with 89.85 percent of registered animals, of which 45.29 percent were males and 54.71 percent females. The inbreeding coefficient was calculated at 0.88 percent and the average relatedness was 0.65 percent in the total population (animals born in Brazil and imported). Inbreeding increased over the generations. An increase was seen in the average genetic conservation index in animals born after the year 1927 (0) until 2010 (8.67 percent). The average generation interval was 10.3 years and the average age of parents when offspring born were 10.5 years, falling in recent years. The effective population size of founders was 95.19 animals, the number of ancestors contributing to this population was 5086 where 56 ancestors explained 50 percent of the genetic diversity of the breed. Inbreeding is under control in the Crioula horse. The increase in registrations reflects the increased interest from farmers in this breed.

The Fayoumi (Oasis/Province of Fayotimi) or Ramadi (village of Dar-el-Ramad) breed of chicken is said to have been introduced into this area in the early part of the 19th century; phenotypically it recalls the Silver Campine from which it is reputed to descend. A hardy and well adapted breed it was saved through the creation of the Fayoumi Poultry Research Station in 194é, which also assured an active improvement policy of the breed. The creation in 1958 of the Fayoumi Poultry Cooperative Society further strengthened the conservation of the breed and its use through distribution of genetic material to farmers and smallholders of the Fayoumi province. Since the early é0's the breed is reported to have been successfully introduced to countries as different as the UK and the USA, Vietn@ Iraq, Pakistan and India. Its adaptability and resistance to the problems of xyrotherrnic tropical and sub-tropical conditions is confirmed by its actual prevalence in Southern Egypt.

The local Brazilian breed of cattle known as Curraleiro is at risk of extinction. As a result a group of researchers have taken action to conserve and utilize these animals. The Curraleiro breed is descended from cattle brought to Brazil by Iberian colonizers. These animals have adapted to pasture of low quality, very low humidity conditions, heat and other adverse factors characteristic of the Brazilian savannah. A population census was conducted and, in order to identify the characteristics of Curraleiro breeders, 28 farmers in the states of Goiás and Tocantins were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire, eliciting information about them, their farms and their animals. The type of production system and the level of technology applied in the farms were determined in each case. Forty-nine herds, with a a total of 3,692 animals, were located in the states of Goiás, Tocantins, Bahia, Pará and Piaui. The production system applied to Curraleiro livestock herds is extensive, with a medium level of technology, low production costs and low economic returns. The risk of inbreeding is evident and there is great concern and interest on the part of producers in conserving this breed. Because the national census of these cattle is low, this breed can be considered vulnerable and at risk of extinction.

On-farm surveys and characterisation of six indigenous north Ethiopian cattle breeds (Afar, Arado, Begait, Fogera, Medenes and Raya) was carried out with the objective of determining the current status of these breeds. Information from a structured questionnaire distributed to 450 farmers, 37 group discussions, field measurements of heart girth and height on 25 males and 25 females from each breed and secondary information were used to carry out the study. Population size of the Arado breed increased by more than three fold between 1992 and 1999, while the Raya, Fogera and Begait population decreased by57, 27 and 67%; between 1981 and 1999 respectively. Three distinctive types were identified within the Afar and Begait breeds with different adaptation and threat levels in relation to changes to the bio-physical and social environment. Overall production and reproduction performance of the breeds in the pastoral production system (Afar and Begait) was higher than the Raya and Medenes, and Arado and Fogera breeds of the agro-pastoral and mixed crop/livestock production systems respectively. Extinction probability for most ofthe breeds was high, the highest (0.67) being for the Begait breed. On the other hand, except for the initiative taken to evaluate, improve and conserve the Fogera breed at the Metekel and Andasa cattle breeding ranches, there are no institutionalized attempts towards improving and/or conserving the other breeds.

In this paper, the Hungarian Grey, a traditional draught and beef cattle was studied. This breed was threatened by extinction due to the mechanization of agriculture and propagation of upgraded breeds which had almost completely replaced it. Following a crisis in the 1960's (in 1966 only 470 dams were registered) a pioneering conservation scheme was introduced. Thanks to scientific breeding, the number of cows increased to approximately 1 600 and the risk of inbreeding has been avoided. In addition to a historical review, body conformation, production characteristics and modern forms of exploitation for this rare but genetically valuable breed are discussed.

The local or traditional types of chicken found in the Philippines are not well described and no comprehensive information is available and as yet not described as breeds. Among the regions in the Philippines, Western Visayas has the largest population of chickens with limited information on their distinct morphological characteristics. Eight hundred and ten chickens from 270 flocks were divided equally into six areas representing the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental. Data collected were qualitative and morphometric traits the former were analysed using non-parametric test and general linear model (GLM) for the latter. Results showed that red-lace and brown-pencilled plumage dominated in roosters and hens, respectively. The local types from Guimaras were the heaviest and dominantly possess amber-coloured iris, yellow skin and shank, snake-like head and have a pea comb, whereas those from Aklan had the lightest live weight and having single comb (p < 0.01). Chickens from Antique were known for its wedge-shaped body. Those from other provinces were found to be comparable.

The Global Plan of Action (GPA) for Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) adopted by FAO recognizes the role of AnGR for food security through improved productivity while maintaining genetic diversity. A critical issue for conservation and genetic improvement programmes is the availability of supportive infrastructure. The objective of the present study was to assess existing and needed infrastructure for sustainable use of AnGR in a sample of countries in Southern and Eastern Africa. Information was primarily obtained from semi-structured interviews with key personnel in animal breeding during country visits. Countries studied are at different stages of development. No complete breeding programmes are in place but some conservation programmes exist in most countries. Except for a few cases, livestock recording as basis for R&D and breeding practice is lacking. The institutional setup to support animal breeding programmes is fragmented and needs to be better integrated. Shortage of skilled personnel is noted as the most serious constraint for development. Countries with least university training in animal breeding have least developed AnGR activities. However, since the GPA was agreed upon, many countries have re-casted their policies and make efforts to develop breeding policies. A change in mindsets aiming at closer collaboration among institutions, farmer involvement and capacity development and strengthening at all levels is suggested.

This study aims to characterize Azikheli, an undocumented buffalo breed, in its home tract (Khwazakhela, Swat, Pakistan) under traditional farming conditions. For this purpose, 108 buffalo cows and 27 bulls were randomly selected. Mean, standard error, Student's t test and Chi-square test were used for various comparisons. The results show that the majority of animals have a brown coat colour. Cows have significantly higher heart girths, longer horns, longer necks and wider faces at the level of the eyes than bulls, whereas bulls have significantly longer bodies, longer ears, thicker horns, thicker necks and larger hooves than cows. Horns are flat laterally, directed backwards and then slightly upwards without twisting, leading to a sickle to semi-sickle appearance. Owing to its small body size and brown coat colour, the breed is well adapted to mountain slope grazing and thrives well away from swamps. Its adaptation to mountainous ecosystems warrants its in situ conservation.

Populations of the six equine breeds registered by the Indian National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources have drastically decreased due to indiscriminate breeding and their low utilization. In this study, 15 biometric indices along with typical breed characteristics were recorded for 50 animals of each breed except Bhutia breed (35) for their phenotypic characterization. On the basis of their heights at wither, Kathiawari and Marwari breeds were grouped under “horse”, while Zanskari, Manipuri, Bhutia and Spiti fell under “pony” breeds. Marwari was the tallest and significantly different from other breeds in most of the biometric indices. Spiti was the shortest breed among all the six horse and pony breeds. Sex-wise differences were also observed in some of the biometric indices in different breeds. In Marwari and Kathiawari breeds, both stallions and mares can rotate their ears at an angle of 180° making the ear tips meet in the centre, which is a typical characteristic of the two breeds. This report aims at providing reference data for identification and comparison of different breeds of equines in India with a view to raise awareness among animal geneticists and breeders for production of true to breed animals, conservation and better management of these precious genetic resources.

Indigenous goats of Central Asia and Afghanistan produce cashmere, the warm undercoat grown annually to protect them from cold winters. Cashmere is appreciated in luxury markets, but there are no efforts to conserve these goats. Commercial assessments of their fibre quality have recently been undertaken. Poorer villagers in the most climatically difficult remote desert and high altitude regions are particularly dependent on raising goats. Villagers in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan started selling raw cashmere mainly to Chinese traders in the 1990s. Afghan producers have been selling cashmere for a longer time. In comparison with China and Mongolia, Central Asian and Afghan producers sell their cashmere unsorted and at relatively low prices. Traders do not offer producers differentiated prices according to quality, but world commercial prices are highly sensitive to quality. Producers thus lose potential value. Summaries are given of tests on the quality of cashmere from samples of 1 592 goats in 67 districts and 221 villages from 2003 to 2008. There are cashmere goats in these sampled districts which produce the finest qualities of cashmere typical of Chinese and Mongolian cashmere. There is impetus to increase the production, commercial value and income for producers from cashmere produced by Central Asian goats.

The methods of preserving animal genetic resources and the benefits and disadvantages are reviewed. The economic value of preserving germplasm in the face of uncertain needs and opportunities for use in the future is calculated. The conclusion is that the benefits greatly exceed the costs, and in many conditions in developing countries it would be desirable both to preserve and to improve indigenous breeds. International action is desirable to maximize efficiency and minimize risk.

Goats were first domesticated in Turkey some 10 000–11 000 years ago. The country's population of 5.1 million goats in 2009 (down from 24.6 million in 1960) are still an important livelihood asset for smallholder farmers and nationally are a rich array of farm animal genetic resources of current enormous and future inestimable value. The structure of agriculture is such that most farms are predominantly subsistence oriented, of small size, keep few animals and provide only minimal inputs. Native breeds have evolved to meet these conditions and are generally well adapted to the natural environment, inadequate and unbalanced nutrition and disease stress. In general, there are two classes of goat, the one being the iconic Angora that produces mohair and the other the “common” or “hair” goat. The reduction in numbers is owing to a variety of reasons both internal and external to the country, but the Angora, which now amounts to only 2.5 percent of national goat numbers, has suffered relatively more than the hair types. This paper, based on detailed reviews of the literature and on the authors' own experiences, provides information on 17 breeds or recognized populations of Turkey's goat genetic resources and their conservation status. The government is now aware of the danger of the impoverishment or loss of this important aspect of biodiversity and has established programmes for conservation and preservation of several native breeds. The government, research institutions and producers should work together to ensure that the local gene pool is preserved and can thus continue to contribute to biodiversity and sustainable livestock production.

The paper reviews information on the White Fulani cattle under the headings: origin, classification, distribution, population statistics, ecological settings, utility, husbandry practices, physical characteristics, special genetic characteristics, adaptive attributes and performance characteristics. It was concluded that the breed is economically important for several local communities in many West and Central African countries. The population of the breed is substantial. However, introgression from exotic cattle breeds as well as interbreeding with local breeds represent the major threat to the breed. The review identified a lack of programmes to develop the breed as being inimical to its long-term existence.

Cette étude a été menée dans les élevages périurbains et au niveau des marchés à bétail de Ouagadougou avec pour objectif de caractériser sur le plan phénotypique les petits ruminants de race locale “Mossi”. 314 animaux (202 ovins et 112 caprins) repartis chez 25 producteurs ont été concernés. Les mesures corporelles suivantes ont été effectuées: le poids vif (PV), le périmètre thoracique (PT), la hauteur au garrot (HG), la hauteur à la croupe (HC) et la longueur de la diagonale du corps (LDC). Ont été également enregistrées la présence ou non de cornes, de barbiche, la couleur de la robe (blanc, noir, noir et blanc, brun, blanc-brun) et la structure du poil (ras et dur, ras et lisse, long et dur, long et lisse).

Les résultats ont mis en évidence entre les variables corporelles mesurées, des différences liées au sexe en fonction de l’âge. Les ovins locaux de type “Mossi” sont eumétriques avec un PV moyen à l’âge adulte de 23,3±5,0 kg et une HG de 59,3±5,5 cm. Chez les caprins, le PV moyen est de 20,2plusmn;4,5 kg et la HG est de 48,4±4,1 cm.

Ce sont des types génétiques à robes multicolores avec cependant une prédominance de la couleur “noir et blanc” chez les ovins, “blanc-brun” chez les caprins. Le poil est généralement “ras et dur” chez les ovins et “ras et lisse” chez les caprins. Le port des oreilles est “dressé et court” chez les caprins et “tombant et court” chez les ovins.

La grande variabilité notée pour la couleur de la robe et le PV chez les individus de ces races indique de grandes possibilités d'amélioration génétique par sélection.

The Muturu, a trypanotolerant cattle breed is probably one of the least known breed of cattle in West Africa. Little has been published on its distribution, management, morphological characteristics or biological performance.

Early reports showed that the Muturu cattle were once widely distributed across the continent from Liberia, across the West African subregion, to Ethiopia. However, due to expansion of the Zebu population and rapid urbanization, the small bodied animal came under pressure and was found surviving in pockets of the savannahs and in the humid forest zones where it had the comparative advantage of trypanotolerance. The survival of the cattle in the humid and forest zones of Nigeria stems from the fact that the animal is still sacred in so many communities and its milk is widely used for medicinal purposes. In some states of Nigeria, the semi-feral Muturu are not tended but hunted when required for sacrifice.

From a population size of 0.4 million heads in 1960, Akinwunmi and Ikpi, (1985) reported a decline in the population of the breed to 50–80 thousand in the late 1980s in Nigeria although RIMS (1992), reported a population growth to 115 172 heads. With limited data bank information on their adaptation and productivity, possible identification of genes that confer resistance to or tolerance of environmental stress in these animals will be of global significance.

Attappady Black goats are found exclusively in Attappady, an isolated hilly region of Kerala, India. A survey on these goats was carried out in the breeding tract for the purposes of breed characterization. The total population of Attappady Blacks in the area was estimated to be 9351, which represented only 40% of the total goat population in the area. These goats are reared mainly by the tribes of Attappady and maintained on an extensive grazing system. The animals are black in colour with bronze coloured eyes. Ears are medium in length (13.5 cm) drooping over the lateral side of the face. Horns are present in both males and females and they are curved laterally upwards and backwards. Tassels are present in some animals. Their tail is of a bunchy type and curved. The average body length, height at withers, height at rump, chest girth and paunch girth of these goats in the adult stage were found to be 67±0.8, 80±0.8, 76±0.8, 71±1.3, 75±1.3 cm, in males and 63±0.4, 69±0.4, 71±0.3, 69±0.4, 75±0.3 cm in females, respectively. Adult males above 18 months of age weigh on average 35±1.1 kg and females weigh 31±0.4 kg. Attappady Blacks are reared for meat purposes.

An exploratory field survey was conducted in north Gondar zone, Ethiopia to identify and characterize the local chicken ecotypes. Seven qualitative and 12 quantitative traits from 450 chickens were considered. Chicken ecotypes such as Naked neck, Gasgie and Gugut from Quara, Alefa and Tache Armacheho districts were identified, respectively. Morphometric measurements indicated that the body weight and body length of the Naked neck and the Gasgie ecotypes were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than the Gugut ecotypes except in shank circumstances (circumference). Sex and ecotypes were significant (P < 0.01) sources of variation for both body weights and linear body measurements. The relationship of body weight with other body measurements for all ecotypes in both sexes was highly significant (r = 0.67, P < 0.01). Some traits like the spur length (r = 0.64, P < 0.01) for males and (r = 0.59, P < 0.01) for females of the Naked neck chickens are significantly correlated with body weight. Therefore, highly correlated traits are the basic indicators for the estimation of the continuous prediction of body weight of chicken. Identification and characterization of new genetic resources should be employed routinely to validate and investigate the resources in the country.

Livestock production faces major challenges through the coincidence of major drivers of change, some with conflicting directions. These are:

1. An unprecedented global change in demands for traditional livestock products such as meat, milk and eggs.

2. Large changes in the demographic and regional distribution of these demands.

3. The need to reduce poverty in rural communities by providing sustainable livelihoods.

4. The possible emergence of new agricultural outputs such as bio-fuels making a significant impact upon traditional production systems.

5. A growing awareness of the need to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production.

6. The uncertainty in the scale and impact of climate change. This paper explores these challenges from a scientific perspective in the face of the large-scale and selective erosion of our animal genetic resources, and concludes thai there is a stronger and more urgent need than ever before to secure the livestock genetic resources available to humankind through a comprehensive global conservation programme.