Abstract The aim of this study was to emphasize the importance of conservation of the Lipe sheep, as a local endangered type of Zackel breed, and to perform a comprehensive phenotypic characterization in order to ensure a better use and preservation of this genetic resource. In addition, we compared the results of a detailed morphometric characterization of the modern Lipe sheep carried out in the present study with the morphometric parameters of the native form of this breed described in 1935. The comparative analysis revealed the development dynamics of the local Lipe sheep in the traditional habitat, over a period of nearly one century. Throughout this period, different factors affecting Lipe sheep management, such as biogeografic, agro-economic, sociocultural and others, led to significant population erosion, and to the current status of the Lipe sheep as an endangered genetic resource. Although a slight increase has been registered in some body measurements, the major body indexes of the Lipe sheep, such as body format, body compactness, body massiveness, body proportion, pelvic, and head index, remained without significant fluctuations over the last century (p>0.05). Body length of the modern type still exceeds the height at withers, which was also recorded in the native Lipe sheep nearly 100 years ago. A prominent sexual dimorphism is still evident. Therefore, our comparative analysis showed no significant differences between the native and modern form of Lipe sheep in their body format and growth potential. The slight increases in absolute body measurements of the modern Lipe type we recorded could be linked to better housing conditions and improved quality of feed, without application of strategic selection measures over the last 100 years. The importance of conservation of this ovine resource is less economical, but mostly cultural, historical and heritage oriented, and still essential for the survival of the breed.
The study aimed to evaluate the utility of blood protein systems of the Yugoslav Shepherd dog as genetic markers for parentage verification in this breed. Polymorphism of hemoglobin (Hb), acid phosphatase (Acp), superoxide dismutase (Sod), albumin (Al), and transferrin (Tf) was analysed by vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 60 blood samples. Out of the five tested markers, Hb was the only monomorphic and, thus, of no value for parentage analysis in the Yugoslav Shepherd dog. The Acp, Sod and Al loci exhibited a certain degree of polymorphism, but their efficiency as single markers for parentage control was relatively low. The paternity exclusion probabilities established were 12.7%, 15.5% and 16.6% for Acp, Sod and Al, respectively. Tf as a genetic marker displayed a significantly higher efficacy since it was able to reach the 49% power of exclusion for parentage verification. Joined parentage exclusion probability for a panel of four protein systems displaying polymorphism, Acp, Sod, Al and Tf, was 68.5%. In comparison with results of previous studies investigating blood protein systems as markers for canine parentage testing, the panel of markers tested in our study displayed high discriminatory power and provided a substantial probability of resolution in parentage verification for the Yugoslav Shepherd dog. .
The development of molecular techniques for genome studies has led to qualitative progress in the selection of domestic animals by enabling the use of genetic markers, in addition to phenotypic selection parameters in choosing an animal. Genetic montoring has a wide application in contemporary swine production. Namely, genetic control is in the basis of all procedures pertaining to the selection of parent couples. Genetic monitoring is thus used in the genetic characterization of breeds, lines (evaluation of genetic drift and calculation of genetic distance), identification of transgenic animals (gene introduction), identification and control of origin of an animal. An especially important quality of genetic monitoring is the possibility to use genetic markers in the prenatal test of an animal. The project to map swine genomes has already resulted in the identification of several genes which are significant for resistance to causes of certain diseases (F 18+ E. coli resistent), stress, as well as genes significant for economically important characteristics (RN), which are used as commercial tests in genetic monitoring of swine.
The central issue in process of organizing organic cattle breeding is the knowledge about specificities of this kind of production, good knowledge of breed characteristics (body composition, immune tolerance, expressed predisposition towards some diseases, production properties). Research centres, in collaboration with producers, have defined the essential features on which the selection programmes in organic cattle breeding are based on. Of the greatest importance for veterinary service is the fact that selection programmes in organic cattle breeding are in the first place based on giving priority to healthy animals, with strong immune system, good reproductive characteristics, which can be in production system for a long period. Additional important selective criteria is specific body resistance and adaptability of autochtonous breeds to environmental conditions.
This background study paper reviews the results of scientific investigations involving genetic control mechanisms for resistance/tolerance in farm animals to specific viral, bacterial, parasitic and prion diseases. The paper presents the most prominent documented examples for resistance/tolerance in cows, sheep and goats, pigs and poultry. The importance of genetically heterogeneous populations is highlighted, particularly as they impact response to epidemics, their duration, lower mortality rates, etc. Genetic studies on resistance in farm animals to a variety of etiological infectious agents can be determined at three genetic levels of variation: species, breed and unique genetic variation among individual animals. Depending upon the etiology of disease and the available animal resources, strategies for developing genetic disease management can be developed at the following levels: selection of breeds that are particularly well adapted to the local environment, breeding methods which include the introduction of genes exhibiting genetic resistance/tolerance towards pathogenic organisms, and the selection of individual animals with a high level of specific pathogen resistance. The most recent epidemic zoonoses illustrate how important it has become to develop global mechanisms for control of zoonoses and consequently the vital role of veterinary services in disease control.
The paper presents results of investigating possibilities for organizing and developing organic production in sheep farming, in the territory of the Sjenica-Pester plateau. The results of investigations on yield, floristic and chemical composition, as well as harmful matter, demonstrate that conditions exist for the development of organic production, in particular of organic lamb meet. On the grounds of its known characteristics, the Sjenica-Pester Pramenka breed presents the most suitable breed for organizing organic sheep production. Organic sheep production can largely contribute to rural development and the advancement of this region.
Abstract Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog - Sharplanina (YSD) is a livestock guard dog from the Western Balkans present in this region over a long time, but recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as a distinct breed as late as 1957. However, the information regarding the origin and the size of the breed’s foundation stock is still lacking. In order to contribute towards better understanding of the genetic make-up of the YSD and its foundation stock, we re-analyzed previously generated genetic profiles of 94 registered YSD dogs assessed with nine nuclear microsatellites. Studied individuals comprised 90 unrelated dogs and two pairs of full-sibs, sampled at four sampling sites: three dog shows and at a military training centre for dogs in Serbia. We supported earlier findings on high levels of genetic diversity in YSD ( H E =0.728±0.027) and lack of inbreeding, and revealed substructure of the breed because we found two distinct gene pools in the Bayesian clustering analysis, indicated also by the excess of homozygotes (i.e., Wahlund effect) and outcomes of other analyses: linkage disequilibrium tests, Neighbour-Joining tree, principal coordinates and two-dimensional scaling analyses. The two gene pools were almost equally represented at each sampling site. One gene pool was composed of individuals with high genetic integrity, while the other gene pool was characterized with admixed ancestry, developed possibly via hybridization with native breeding stock outside the registry system, other breeds, such as the Caucasian Shepherd, and/or individuals admixed with wolves. Thus, we demonstrate rather complex and diverse ancestry implying a genetically heterogeneous foundation stock of the YSD.