Special Issue "Competitiveness of Spanish Local Breeds"

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2021.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. José Perea
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
Interests: animal science; agricultural and food safety economics; animal health; agribusiness economics; agricultural economics; dairy management; biostatistics; dairy; animal production.
Dr. Ramón Arias
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centro Regional de Selección y Reproducción Animal (CERSYRA). Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha (IRIAF), CERSYRA Valdepeñas, 13300 Ciudad Real, Spain
Interests: animal production; animal health; animal feed; milk; dairy products; sustainability.

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Spain is among the countries with the greatest diversity of local breeds, as a result of an extensive and heterogeneous cultural and agroecological heritage. The advancement of industrial farming, more focused on cost efficiency and food production for globalized markets, has progressively reduced the utility of local breeds. The loss of competitiveness of traditional farming systems linked to local breeds, and factors such as depopulation of rural areas, have expanded the list of local breeds at risk of extinction.

However, Spanish local breeds provide multiple transferable models to other environments on how to generate and make use of competitive advantages based on consumer preferences, interests of society or attributes of the farming system, among others. In this sense, there are many related factors, including food safety, the circular economy, mitigation of environmental impacts and adaptation to climate change, animal welfare, higher quality, and sensory acceptance by consumers, with differentiation through market-oriented labelling statements. In fact, Spain is among the countries with the highest volume of production of differentiated quality schemes such as Organic Farming, Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) or Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

In addition, the paths to improve efficiency and production costs without damaging quality and promoting farm sustainability are challenges that must be addressed if the survival of local breeds is to be achieved.

This Special Issue offers a platform for the dissemination of research findings on issues related to the competitiveness of Spanish local breeds, focused on their transferability to other production environments and/or their practical application on commercial farms.

Prof. Dr. José Perea
Dr. Ramón Arias
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • animal welfare
  • biodiversity
  • circular economy
  • competitiveness
  • conservation
  • dairy
  • efficiency
  • eggs
  • GHG reduction
  • grazing systems
  • local breeds
  • low-input systems
  • meat
  • organic production
  • Spanish autochthonous breeds
  • sustainability
  • wool and fibber

Published Papers (6 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Article
Assessment of Age Effects on Ovarian Hemodynamics Using Doppler Ultrasound and Progesterone Concentrations in Cycling Spanish Purebred Mares
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082339 - 08 Aug 2021
Viewed by 612
Abstract
In equine reproduction, accurate and timely detection of the moment of ovulation is of great importance. Power Doppler ultrasound technology is a non-invasive method that enables to assess the morpho-echogenic features and blood flow changes during the estral cycle in mares. The objective [...] Read more.
In equine reproduction, accurate and timely detection of the moment of ovulation is of great importance. Power Doppler ultrasound technology is a non-invasive method that enables to assess the morpho-echogenic features and blood flow changes during the estral cycle in mares. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of age on ultrasonographic parameters (follicular diameter, follicular blood flow—FBF, corpus luteum (CL) area and corpus luteum blood flow—CLBF) and blood plasma progesterone concentrations in cycling Spanish Purebred mares (15 less than 8 years old and 15 equal o higher than 8 years old). The ultrasound images obtained were analyzed with the Image Colour Summarizer software, which allows the quantification of the pixels of each image. Young mares had significantly higher FBF, CLBF and plasma progesterone levels. Moreover, linear regression analysis showed that blood progesterone levels could be predicted in both groups from CLBF with moderate precision and accuracy. In conclusion, Power Doppler was useful to assess ovarian hemodynamics. Our results support that age is a factor that significantly influences FBF and CLBF as well as blood progesterone concentration in mares. More studies would be needed to develop high precision and accuracy predictive models of blood progesterone concentration from CLBF measured by Power Doppler. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competitiveness of Spanish Local Breeds)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
How Management System Affects the Concentration of Retinol and α-Tocopherol in Plasma and Milk of Payoya Lactating Goats: Possible Use as Traceability Biomarkers
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2326; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082326 - 06 Aug 2021
Viewed by 537
Abstract
The retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were quantified (μg/mL) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in both plasma and milk of goats from three management systems. The aim was to investigate if the compounds pass from feed to animals’ fluids and to evaluate their potential [...] Read more.
The retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were quantified (μg/mL) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in both plasma and milk of goats from three management systems. The aim was to investigate if the compounds pass from feed to animals’ fluids and to evaluate their potential use as feeding regime biomarkers. A total of 45 Payoya dams were distributed in three groups according to management system during the first month of lactation: mountain grazing (MG), cultivated meadow (CM) and total mixed ration (TMR). TMR group had higher concentrations of retinol in both plasma (25.92 ± 3.61 at 30 days postpartum) and milk (8.26 ± 0.79 at 10 days postpartum), and they were also the unique animals whose milk contained detectable concentrations of α-tocopherol (3.15 ± 0.19 at parturition). However, MG and CM goats showed higher plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol (64.26 ± 14.56 and 44.65 ± 5.75 at 30 days postpartum, respectively). These results could imply differences in the bioavailability of supplemented vitamin A and natural β-carotene and between the natural/synthetic forms of α-tocopherol. An inverse relationship between the fluids (plasma/milk) in the contents of α-tocopherol and retinol was observed as lactation progressed. Since 80% of the animals were correctly classified using a discriminant analysis based on these vitamins, these compounds could be used as traceability biomarkers of feeding system, but further studies are necessary to know the possible passage to kid meat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competitiveness of Spanish Local Breeds)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Intramuscular Fatty Acids in Meat Could Predict Enteric Methane Production by Fattening Lambs
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2053; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072053 - 09 Jul 2021
Viewed by 931
Abstract
Methane (CH4) emissions pose a serious problem for the environmental sustainability of ruminant production. The aim of the present study was to explore the usefulness of the intramuscular fatty acid (FA) profile to estimate CH4 production of lambs fattened under [...] Read more.
Methane (CH4) emissions pose a serious problem for the environmental sustainability of ruminant production. The aim of the present study was to explore the usefulness of the intramuscular fatty acid (FA) profile to estimate CH4 production of lambs fattened under intensive feeding systems. A statistical regression analysis of intramuscular FA derived from ruminal metabolism was carried out to assess the best predictive model of CH4 production (g/d) in lambs fed with different diets. CH4 was calculated with three distinct equations based on organic matter digestibility (OMD) at maintenance feeding levels. The OMD of the experimental diets was determined in an in vivo digestibility trial by means of the indicator method. Regression models were obtained by stepwise regression analysis. The three optimized models showed high adjusted coefficients of determination (R2adj = 0.74–0.93) and concordance correlation coefficients (CCC = 0.89–0.98), as well as small root mean square prediction errors (RMSPE = 0.29–0.40 g/d). The best single predictor was vaccenic acid (trans-11 C18:1), a bioactive FA that is formed in the rumen to a different extent depending on dietary composition. Based on our data and further published lamb research, we propose a novel regression model for CH4 production with excellent outcomes: CH4 (g/d) = −1.98 (±1.284)–0.87 (±0.231) × trans-11 C18:1 + 0.79 (±0.045) × BW (R2adj = 0.97; RMSPE = 0.76 g/d; CCC = 0.98). In conclusion, these results indicate that specific intramuscular FA and average BW during fattening could be useful to predict CH4 production of lambs fed high concentrate diets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competitiveness of Spanish Local Breeds)
Article
Value-Creating Strategies in Dairy Farm Entrepreneurship: A Case Study in Northern Spain
Animals 2021, 11(5), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051396 - 13 May 2021
Viewed by 667
Abstract
This paper explores different value-creating strategies (VCS) used by dairy farmers engaged in on-farm diversification ventures. In order to explicitly identify the informal strategies followed by 49 farmers in their value-added ventures, we applied a theoretically informed business model framework combining three dimensions: [...] Read more.
This paper explores different value-creating strategies (VCS) used by dairy farmers engaged in on-farm diversification ventures. In order to explicitly identify the informal strategies followed by 49 farmers in their value-added ventures, we applied a theoretically informed business model framework combining three dimensions: value proposition linked to local food, customer engagement via quality schemes and shorter supply chains, and the key capabilities of the entrepreneur. Using cluster analysis, four different types of VCS were identified and labelled as ‘Ecological’, ‘Single-product’, ‘Innovative’, and ‘Traditional’. Whilst we found that these strategies are influenced by contextual factors and the owner’s entrepreneurial skills, in general, we did not observe significant differences in performance between them. The results suggest that farmers respond entrepreneurially to sectorial changes adopting those VCS that tend to align with their entrepreneurial capabilities and context, thus enabling them to succeed with any of the strategies pursued. Hence, our work contributes towards clarifying the relationship between VCS, entrepreneurial capabilities, and context. This is important for farmers and policymakers because it reveals the diversity of farm management and the resilience of farm systems. As a result, the potential challenges for Single-product VCS and Traditional VCS are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competitiveness of Spanish Local Breeds)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Analysis of the Sustainability of Fattening Systems for Iberian Traditional Pig Production through a Technical and Environmental Approach
Animals 2021, 11(2), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020411 - 05 Feb 2021
Viewed by 665
Abstract
At present, two types of fattening are carried out in Iberian traditional pig production. The montanera is the fattening system where fatteners are fed on acorns and pasture in the dehesa, and cebo de campo is the fattening where the pigs are [...] Read more.
At present, two types of fattening are carried out in Iberian traditional pig production. The montanera is the fattening system where fatteners are fed on acorns and pasture in the dehesa, and cebo de campo is the fattening where the pigs are fed on compound feed and natural resources, mainly pasture. The aim of this paper is to analyze Iberian fattening production from an economic and environmental approach in order to identify fattening strategies to increase the sustainability of this traditional livestock activity. Based on technical-economic and environmental variables, the differences between Iberian farms according to the types of fattening were determined using discriminant analysis techniques. The model based on environmental variables showed a greater predictive ability than that found in the model based on technical-economic variables. Consequently, environmental variables can be used as reference points to classify the Iberian farms according to the type of fattening. Furthermore, canonical correlation analysis allowed to study the relationships between both sets of variables, showing that environmental values had a strong correlation with technical-economic variables. The results of this study show that it is possible to improve the sustainability of Iberian traditional pig production through fattening strategies in both types of fattening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competitiveness of Spanish Local Breeds)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Selection Criteria for Improving Fertility in Spanish Goat Breeds: Estimation of Genetic Parameters and Designing Selection Indices for Optimal Genetic Responses
Animals 2021, 11(2), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020409 - 05 Feb 2021
Viewed by 524
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for several female fertility criteria and to choose the most suitable selection index in Spanish Florida and Payoya goat breeds. In this study, we analyzed as fertility traits, the age at first kidding [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for several female fertility criteria and to choose the most suitable selection index in Spanish Florida and Payoya goat breeds. In this study, we analyzed as fertility traits, the age at first kidding (AgFiKid), and the interval between the first and second kiddings (Int12Kid), between the second, third, and remaining kiddings (Int3toKid), and between all kiddings (IntAllKid) in 51,123 and 22,049 Florida and Payoya females, respectively. Genetic parameters were estimated by fitting animal models using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology. We proposed six selection indices to compare the genetic responses for all traits included, based on a new selection index theory. The heritability and repeatability estimates of the traits were low, as expected. The genetic correlations among fertility traits covered a wide range of values from 0.07 (AgFiKid-Int12Kid) to 0.71 (Int3toKid-IntAllKid) in Florida and from −0.02 (AgFiKid-Int12Kid) to 0.82 (Int3toKid-IntAllKid) in Payoya. Overall, the results of this study indicate that IntAllKid gives the highest genetic responses in both breeds but is expressed late in a female’s life. However, AgFiKid and Int12Kid could be recommended as early selection criteria for female fertility in both breeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competitiveness of Spanish Local Breeds)

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Antonio Alvarez, Beatriz García-Cornejo, José A. Pérez-Méndez and David Roibás

Value creating strategies in dairy farm entrepreneurship

 

José Ramiro González-Montaña

Effect of maximal stress and exercise on biological variables in Lidia Cattle

 

Juan García-Casco

Use of by-products from the olive industry in feeding Iberian pigs during growth prior to the fattening period with acorns and pastures

 

María Dolores Soler, Achille Schiavone, Carlos Garcés-Narro

Consumer perception of products from local Spanish poultry breeds

Back to TopTop