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Special Issue "Genetic Evaluation of Local Livestock Breeds"

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A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2023) | Viewed by 6370

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maria Jose Sanchez Guerrero

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Guest Editor

Departamento de Agronomía, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
Interests: animal production; genetic selection; horse

Prof. Dr. Ester Bartolomé

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Departamento de Agronomía, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
Interests: animal behaviour; genetic selection; horse

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Many local livestock breeds are raised all over the world, being in many cases the best option due to its great adaptation to the territory, since there are many local breeds well adapted to the ecological limitations of their environment. These breeds have valuable genetic resources that can be decisive for their viability in the face of global changes. Unfortunately, the present and future of many of these breeds can be problematic, since they use to be less productive than selected and improved breeds and there is a tendency in the animal industry to prioritize high productions instead of adaptation to environment and resilience. Thus, it is important to disseminate the results of the research on local species and their genetic, phenotypic and social contribution on their environment.

It is important (i) to estimate the genetic diversity of these breeds, which determines the subsequent improvement of their characteristics and adaptation to the environment, and (ii) to describe their relationship with their own environment to highlight their specificity.

In this Special Issue, original research articles, short communications and reviews are welcome. Topics of interest include any genetic aspect of local livestock breeds, from the analysis of original genotypes adapted to environments, connections between populations to genetic selection to improve traits or genetic conservation efforts. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Maria Jose Sanchez Guerrero
Prof. Dr. Ester Bartolomé
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 submissions that pass pre-check are 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.

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Dr. Maria Jose Jose Sanchez Guerrero
Prof. Dr. Ester Bartolomé
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Keywords

local breeds
genetic conservation
genetic selection
domestic animals
native breeds

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

The Relevance of the Expected Value of the Proportion of Arabian Genes in Genetic Evaluations for Eventing Competitions

María José Sánchez-Guerrero

María Ripollés-Lobo

Ester Bartolomé

Davinia Isabel Perdomo-González

and

Mercedes Valera

Animals 2023, 13(12), 1973; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13121973 - 13 Jun 2023

Viewed by 3554

Abstract

The Arabian horse is a generally reliable sport horse, and continues to be a remarkable endurance horse, so the relevance of the expected value of the proportion of Arabian genes (EV%AG) in horses participating in eventing could be a relevant factor. A total of 1089 horses participating in eventing (8866 records) were used. A GLM revealed that the EV%AG was significant in dressage, show jumping and cross-country. A BLUP genetic evaluation was computed with five genetic models (without the EV%AG (0) using as a covariate (A), as a fixed effect (B), with variance heterogeneity, and in genetic groups without (C) and with (D)). Dressage heritability ranged from 0.103 to 0.210, show jumping ranged from 0.117 to 0.203 and cross-country ranged from 0.070 to 0.099. The lowest DIC value was used as a criterion of fitness. The best fits (those which included variance heterogeneity) showed fewer than two points of difference in DIC values. The highest average estimated breeding value in dressage, show jumping and cross-country was found for horses with an expected value of the proportion of Arabian genes of 0%, ≥1% to <25%, and 100%, respectively. Therefore, the best way to model the EV%AG effect seems to be by considering the variance heterogeneity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Evaluation of Local Livestock Breeds)

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Open AccessArticle

The Genetic Diversity of Mink (Neovison vison) Populations in China

and

Animals 2023, 13(9), 1497; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091497 - 27 Apr 2023

Viewed by 859

Abstract

The American mink (Neovison vison) is a semiaquatic species of Mustelid native to North America that is now widespread in China. However, the knowledge of genetic diversity of mink in China is still limited. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and identified significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mink populations of five different color types in three different mink farms in China. Using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing, we identified a total of 1.3 million SNPs. After filtering the SNPs, phylogenetic tree, Fst, principal component, and population structure analyses were performed. The results demonstrated that red mink and black mink grouped, with separate clustering of all other color types. The population divergence index (Fst) study confirmed that different mink populations were distinct (K = 4). Two populations with different coat colors were subjected to the selection signature analysis, and 2300 genes were found to have a clear selection signature. The genes with a selection signature were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) categorization and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, the results revealed that the genes with a selection signature were enriched in the melanogenesis pathway. These study’s findings have set the stage for improved breeding and conservation of genetic resources in real-world practical mink farming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Evaluation of Local Livestock Breeds)

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Open AccessCommunication

Evaluation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Associated with Genetic Resistance to Bovine Paratuberculosis in Marchigiana Beef Cattle, an Italian Native Breed

Martina Sebastianelli

and

Animals 2023, 13(4), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040587 - 07 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 902

Abstract

Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of paratuberculosis (PTB), a widespread chronic enteritis of ruminants. The progression of the infection depends on the containment action of innate and cell-mediated immunity (CMI), and it is related to environmental and genetic factors. In particular, PTB susceptibility seems to be associated with specific genes coding for immune regulators involved in the cell-mediated response during the infection. The aim of this preliminary study was to verify, in Italian beef cattle, an association between MAP infectious status and the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation conducted on a native beef cattle breed, known as Marchigiana, reared in Central Italy. The present research, based on a longitudinal study, aimed to identify and correlate phenotypic and genetic profiles characteristic of the subjects potentially able to contrast or contain PTB. In a MAP-infected herd, ELISA, IFN-γ tests, qPCR, and cultures were performed at a follow-up, occurring within a period ranging from three to six years, to evaluate the individual state of infection. Animals testing positive for at least one test were considered infected. DNA samples of 112 bovines, with known MAP statuses, were analyzed to verify an association with SNPs in the genes encoding gamma-interferon (BoIFNG), interleukin receptor 10 (IL10RA), interleukin receptor 12 (IL12RB2), and toll-like receptors (TLR1, TLR2, TLR4). Regarding statistical analysis, the differences among target genes and pairs of alleles in the analyzed groups of animals, were evaluated at a significance level of p < 0.05. For IL10RA and for IL12RB2 genes, relevant differences in genotypic frequencies among the considered cattle groups were observed. For all candidate genes studied in this investigation, SNP genotypes already associated with PTB resistance were found more frequently in our population, suggesting potential resistance traits in the Marchigiana breed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Evaluation of Local Livestock Breeds)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Origin, Selection and Current Status of the Utrerana Chicken Breed: A Review

Antonio Plata-Casado

Carmelo García-Romero

and

Pedro González-Redondo

Animals 2023, 13(18), 2982; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182982 (registering DOI) - 21 Sep 2023

Abstract

The conservation of threatened local livestock genetic resources involves characterising them to implement conservation strategies. The Utrerana is a Mediterranean-type chicken breed, included in the Official Catalogue of Livestock Breeds of Spain and in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), native to south Spain created in 1926 by a farmer from Utrera (Seville province). It was selected for laying performance and with four plumage varieties (White, Black, Black-barred and Partridge), reaching average yields of 180 eggs per hen per year. It was widely used in commercial farming in the second quarter of the 20th century, being subsequently displaced in the second half of the 20th century by the spreading of the improved foreign breeds and lines. The Utrerana breed was reared from then on for its aesthetic values and in backyard systems, being endangered with a vulnerable local risk status (1822 birds in 2022 with an increasing trend) and having worsened its laying performance as selection for productivity ceased. The breed has received little attention from the research community. Therefore, this work aims to review the literature on the origin, selection, genetic and productive characterisation and status of the populations of the breed, as well as the conservation strategies. The Utrerana chicken is a polymorphic breed showing high genetic diversity, sexual dimorphism and morpho-functional differences among varieties. Currently, Utrerana hens start laying at 6 months of age, and a hen lays 94–121 high quality eggs (59–64 g) per year, showing seasonality. It is a slow-growing breed with mature weights of 2.4–2.6 kg for roosters and 1.9–2.0 g for hens. The Utrerana chicken breed is rustic and adapted to alternative farming systems. This review has identified research gaps to be filled, such as characterising the carcass and meat quality of the Utrerana chicken, and evidences the need to make efforts to promote the breed and expand its populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Evaluation of Local Livestock Breeds)

Open AccessReview

Exploring Genetic Markers: Mitochondrial DNA and Genomic Screening for Biodiversity and Production Traits in Donkeys

and

Animals 2023, 13(17), 2725; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172725 - 27 Aug 2023

Viewed by 351

Abstract

Donkeys (Equus asinus) play a pivotal role as essential livestock in arid and semi-arid regions, serving various purposes such as transportation, agriculture, and milk production. Despite their significance, donkey breeding has often been overlooked in comparison to other livestock species, resulting in limited genetic improvement programs. Preserving donkey genetic resources within each country necessitates the establishment of breed conservation programs, focusing on managing genetic diversity among populations. In recent years, significant strides have been made in sequencing and analyzing complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecules in donkeys. Notably, numerous studies have honed in on the mitochondrial D-loop region, renowned for its remarkable variability and higher substitution rate within the mtDNA genome, rendering it an effective genetic marker for assessing genetic diversity in donkeys. Furthermore, genetic markers at the RNA/DNA level have emerged as indispensable tools for enhancing production and reproduction traits in donkeys. Traditional animal breeding approaches based solely on phenotypic traits, such as milk yields, weight, and height, are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. To overcome these challenges, genetic markers, such as polymorphisms, InDel, or entire gene sequences associated with desirable traits in animals, have achieved widespread usage in animal breeding practices. These markers have proven increasingly valuable for facilitating the selection of productive and reproductive traits in donkeys. This comprehensive review examines the cutting-edge research on mitochondrial DNA as a tool for assessing donkey biodiversity. Additionally, it highlights the role of genetic markers at the DNA/RNA level, enabling the informed selection of optimal production and reproductive traits in donkeys, thereby driving advancements in donkey genetic conservation and breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Evaluation of Local Livestock Breeds)

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