ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES INFORMATION BULLETIN D INFORMATION SUR LE RESSOURCES GÉNÉTIQUES ANIMALES

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1 33 ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES INFORMATION 2003 BULLETIN D INFORMATION SUR LE RESSOURCES GÉNÉTIQUES ANIMALES BOLETIN DE INFORMACION SOBRE RECURSOS GENETICOS ANIMALES Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentatción Initiative for Domestic Animal Diversity Initiative pour la Diversité des Animaux Domestiques Iniciativa para la Diversidad de los Animales Domésticos

2 The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Les appellations employées dans cette publication et la pré sen ta tion des données qui y fi gurent n impliquent de la part de l Organisation des Nations Unies pour l alimentation et l agriculture aucune prise de position quant au statut juridique ou au stade de développement des pays, territoires, villes ou zones ou de leurs autorités, ni quant au tracé de leurs frontières ou limites. Las denominaciones empleadas en esta pu bli ca ción y la forma en que aparecen presentados los datos que contiene no implican, de parte de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agri cul tu ra y la Alimentación, juicio alguno sobre la condición jurídica o nivel de desarrollo de países, territorios, ciudades o zonas, o de sus autoridades, ni respecto de la delimitación de sus fronteras o límites. All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product for educational or other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of material in this information product for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Applications for such permission should be addressed to the Chief, Publishing Management Service, Information Division, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy or by to copyright@fao.org FAO 2003 Tous droits réservés. Les informations ci-après peuvent être reproduites ou diffusées à des fins éducatives et non commerciales sans autorisation préalable du détenteur des droits d auteur à condition que la source des informations soit clairement indiquée. Ces informations ne peuvent toutefois pas être reproduites pour la revente ou d autres fins commerciales sans l autorisation écrite du détenteur des droits d auteur. Les demandes d autorisation devront être adressées au Chef du Service des publications, Division de l information, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italie ou, par courrier électronique, à copyright@fao.org FAO 2003 Todos los derechos reservados. Se autoriza la reproducción y difusión de material contenido en este producto informativo para fines educativos u otros fines no comerciales sin previa autorización escrita de los titulares de los derechos de autor, siempre que se especifique claramente la fuente. Se prohíbe la reproducción del material contenido en este producto informativo para reventa u otros fines comerciales sin previa autorización escrita de los titulares de los derechos de autor. Las peticiones para obtener tal autorización deberán dirigirse al Jefe del Servicio de Gestión de las Publicaciones de la Dirección de Información de la FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Roma, Italia, o por correo electrónico a copyright@fao.org FAO 2003

3 Editors - Editeurs - Editores: S. Galal & J. Boyazoglu Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy Animal Genetic Resources Information is published under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It is edited in the Animal Genetic Resources Group of the Animal Production and Health Division of FAO. It is available direct from FAO or through FAO sales agents. ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES INFORMATION will be sent free of charge to those concerned with the sustainable development conservation of domestic livestock. Anyone wishing to receive it regularly should send their name and address to the Editor, at the address shown above. AGRI can also be found in the Library of DAD-IS at Le Bulletin d information sur les ressources génétiques animales est publié sous les auspices de l Organisation des Nations Unies pour l alimentation et l agriculture (FAO). Cette publication est éditée par le Groupe des ressources génétiques de la Division de la production et de la santé animales de la FAO. On peut se le procurer directement au siège de la FAO ou auprès des dépositaires et agents de vente des publications de l Organisation. LE BULLETIN D INFORMATION SUR LES RESSOURCES GÉNÉTIQUES ANIMALES sera envoyé gratuitement aux personnes intéressées par le développement durable et la conservation du cheptel national. Les personnes souhaitant recevoir cette publication régulièrement voudront bien faire parvenir leurs nom et adresse à l éditeur, à l adresse susmentionnée. AGRI peut être consulté également dans la Librairie de DAD: El Boletín de información sobre recursos genéticos animales se publica bajo los auspicios de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentación (FAO). Se edita en el Grupo de Recursos Genéticos de la Dirección de Producción y Sanidad Animal de la FAO. Se puede obtener directamente de la FAO o a través de sus agentes de venta. EL BOLETÍN DE INFORMACIÓN SOBRE RECURSOS GENÉTICOS ANIMALES será enviado gratuitamente a quienes estén interesados en el desarrollo sostenible y la conservación del ganado doméstico. Si se desea recibirlo regularmente, se ruega comunicar nombre, apellido y dirección al editor a la dirección arriba indicada. AGRI puede consultarse también en la Librería de DAD-IS en: ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES INFORMATION BULLETIN D INFORMATION SUR LES RESSOURCES GÉNÉTIQUES ANIMALES BOLETÍN DE INFORMACIÓN SOBRE RECURSOS GENÉTICOS ANIMALES CONTENTS Page Editorial...I Criteria for the recognition and prioritisationof breeds of special genetic importance... 1 L. Alderson Genetic base and inbreeding of Canadienne, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cattle in Canada C. Hansen, J.N.B. Shrestha, R.J. Parker, G.H. Crow & J.N. Derr The Gir cattle breed of India - characteristics and present status G.K. Gaur, S.N. Kaushik & R.C. Garg Conservation of genetic resources of the small populations of domestic animal of the Amazon Region in Brazil J.R.F. Marques, M.R. Costa, A.A. Egito, A. Mariante da S. & M.S.M. Albuquerque Conservation of livestock genetic resources in Euskadi (Basque Country) M. Gómez & I. Amezaga Iniciativas de conservación la cabra de raza Bermeya de Asturias P. Figueroa, I. Fernández, E. Gómez, L.J. Royo, I. Álvarez & F. Goyache Chilika buffaloes in Orissa: a unique germplasm B.N. Patro, P.K. Mishra & P.K. Rao Indigenous sheep genetic resources and management in Bhutan T. Dorji, G. Tshering, T. Wangchuk, J.E.O Rege & O. Hannote A short note on Chinae Hans Muscuovy ducks in Bengal, India S. Banerjee & S. Banerjeel Recent publications Editorial Policies and Procedures FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANISATION DES NATIONS UNIES POUR L ALIMENTATION ET L AGRICULTURE ORGANIZACIÓN DE LAS NACIONES UNIDAS PARA LA AGRICULTURA Y LA ALIMENTACIÓN

4 Editorial Advisory Board (EAB) of Animal Genetic Information (AGRI) Editor-in-Chief: Senior Officer, Animal Genetic Resources, FAO Editors: J. Boyazoglu (Greece) S. Galal (Egypt) Editorial Board: L. Ollivier, Chairperson (France); L. Alderson (United Kingdom); J.S. Barker (Australia); P. Bhat (India); J.V. Delgado Bermejo (Spain) M. Djemali (Tunisia); J. Hodges (Canada); K. Ramsay (South Africa); E. Rege (ILRI); A. Tewolde (Mexico) Technical Editor: C. Mosconi The following is the address for each of the members of the Editorial Advisory Board. Ricardo Cardellino, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 1, Rome, Italy Tel.: , Jean Boyazoglu, OIE, 12 rue de Prony, Paris, France Tel.: , j.boyazoglu@oie.int Salah Galal, Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ain Shams, PO Box 68, Hadaeq Shubra 11241, Cairo, Egypt Tel.: , sgalal@tedata.net.eg Louis Ollivier, INRA-Station de Génétique Quantitative et Appliquée, CRJ, Domaine de Vilvert, Jouy-en-Josas Cédex, France Tel.: , ugenlol@dga2.jouy.inra.fr Lawrence Alderson, Countrywide Livestock Ltd, 6 Harnage, SY5 6EJ Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK Tel.: , alderson@clltd.demon.co.uk J. Stuart Barker, Dept. of Animal Science, University of New England, NSW 2351 Armidale, Australia Tel.: , sbarker@metz.une.edu.au Pushkar Nath Bhat, Indian Association for Animal Production, World Buffalo Trust, Flat Nº 205 Nº F64-C/9 Sector 40, Noida (UP), India Tel.: , pnbhat@bol.net.in Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo, Facultad de Veterinaria, Departamento de Genetica, Universidad de Cordoba, Avda. Medina Azahara, 9, Cordoba, Spain Tel.: , id1debej@lucano.uco.es Mnouer Djemali, Institut National Agronomique de Tunis, 43, avenue Charles Nicole, Tunis, Tunisia, Tel.: /289431, djemali.mnaouer@inat.agrinet.tn John Hodges, Lofererfeld 16, 5730 Mittersill, Austria, Tel.: , hodgesjohn@compuserve.com Keith Ramsay, Registrar of Livestock Improvement and Indentification, Private Bag X 138, 0001 Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa Tel.: , KeithR@nda.agric.za Ed Rege, Animal Breeding and Production Systems, ILRI, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel.: , e.rege@cgiar.org Assefaw Tewolde, Apartado Postal B-27, CD Victoria, CP Tamaulipas, Mexico, atewolde@uamac.uat.mx Cesare Mosconi, EAAP, Via Nomentana 134, Rome, Italy Tel.: , mosconi@eaap.org

5 I Editorial - The Global Strategy for the managment of AnGR: Towards the preparation of the Country Reports The preparation of the First Report on the State of the World s Animal Genetic Resources (SoW) is considered a most significant undertaking by FAO to start global Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) utilisation and conservation activities on the right path. Conceived and planned in 1999/2000, the actual implementation of this country driven process started in the second half of 2001 (AGRI 30). Since its inception both the process and the product were emphasised. Much progress has been achieved since it started. A basic component of the process was capacity building in a large number of countries in the world. Towards this goal, 12 workshops in as many countries were conducted to train 370 professionals from 176 countries during 2001 and The training which covered all geographical regions of the world included procedural as well as substantive aspects, so that the final product (Country Report, CR) could be easily compiled later into regional and global reports. The trained personnel in turn trained their nationals representing different stakeholders and started forming National Consultative Committees (NCCs) for the actual preparation of their respective CR as laid out in the FAO training manuals. Out of the 190 countries invited to participate in the preparation of the First Report on the SoW-AnGR 149 have accepted, and at the time of the preparation of this editorial, 87 of them have already submitted either the final or draft version of their CRs. This last figure is expected to grow to more than 120 countries by the end of December An important and practical consideration in this process is that some countries needed technical as well as financial support in order to carry out CR preparation. For this purpose FAO has dedicated $ to implement technical and financial aid programmes to around 60 countries in all regions, in partnership with the World Association of Animal Production (WAAP). Good part of this fund has been actually disbursed. Complementary ad hoc financial and technical support to some 40 other countries came also directly through the FAO s AnGR Group in Rome. These funds have all been well-targeted, efficient and low profile on-hand actions. At this stage about 20 additional countries are being sustained in order to be able to finalise their CRs. Another important component of the process is the holding of a series of Regional Meetings to analyse and discuss National Reports and define Regional Priorities. The objective of these meetings is to identify priorities for actions at regional levels leading to Regional Priority Actions Reports, and to the elaboration of a Strategic Priority Actions Report by the beginning of In preparation for these regional meetings three subregional gatherings have already been organised. The compiled global document, after possible revision by stakeholders, will then be submitted to the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, which is a structure of the governing body of FAO representing member countries. The final component of the process is the actual Analysis of Country Reports and the elaboration of the First Report on the State of the World s Animal Genetic Resources. The format of the Report is to be decided by the FAO governing body in 2004 and the elaboration of a Draft Report will commence immediately. Reaching that stage represents a landmark on the path of AnGR management at the global level. The Editors

6 II Editorial - Stratégie Mondiale pour la Gestion des Ressources Génétiques des Animaux: Vers la préparation des Rapports nationaux La préparation du Premier rapport sur la situation mondiale des ressources génétiques animales (SM-RGA) est considérée comme étant l action plus significative réalisée par la FAO dans le but d acheminer correctement les activités sur l utilisation et la conservation des ressources génétiques animales au niveau mondial. Conçues et planifiées durant la période , la réalisation et gestion des Rapports nationaux a commencé effectivement pendant la seconde moitié de 2001 (AGRI 30). Dès le début, l accent a été mis sur la procédure et le produit même, et depuis lors jusqu à présent d importants progrès ont été atteints. Une des composantes de base du procès consistait dans la fourniture d infrastructures à un nombre important de pays et, dans ce contexte, 12 ateliers ont été organisés pendant la période dans différents pays dans le but de former 370 experts en provenance de 176 pays. Cette formation, qui a touché toutes les régions géographiques du monde, a porté sur les aspects de procédure et de contenu dans le but d obtenir un produit final, le Rapport national (RN), facile a compléter dans la suite aussi bien au niveau régional que mondial. Ces experts ainsi formés ont pu former à leur tour d autres experts nationaux qui représentent les parties intéressées ainsi que les Comités consultatifs nationaux (CCN), dans la préparation des RN suivant les indications fournies dans les manuels de formation par la FAO. Parmi les 190 pays invités à participer à la préparation du Premier rapport sur la SM-RGA, 149 ont accepté et au moment de la préparation de cet éditorial, 87 avaient déjà envoyé une version finale ou provisoire de leurs RN. On espère arriver à 120 pays d ici à la fin décembre Dans tout ce processus, une des questions pratiques plus importantes a été représentée par l assistance technique et le support financier fournis pour aider les pays dans la préparation de leurs RN. Dans ce but, la FAO a apporté dollars EU pour pouvoir fournir l assistance technique et financière nécessaire aux 60 pays des différentes régions à travers la collaboration de l Association mondiale de production animale (WAAP). A ce jour, la plupart de ces fonds ont déjà été utilisés. En outre, la FAO à travers son Groupe de RGA de Rome, a apporté son support financier et technique de façon ad hoc à 40 autres pays. Ces fonds ont été utilisés de manière spécifique et avec la meilleure efficacité possible, tout en évaluant et prenant toujours en considération chacune des actions à réaliser. Actuellement, l aide financière à été donnée à 20 autres pays pour la finalisation de leurs RN. Une autre composante importante a été l organisation d une série de réunions régionales pour analyser et discuter des RN et définir ainsi les priorités au niveau régional. L objectif de ces réunions était d identifier les actions prioritaires au niveau régional qui permettraient la préparation des Rapports sur les actions prioritaires régionales, ainsi que l élaboration du Rapport sur les actions stratégiques prioritaires, pour le début de l année Pour la préparation de ces évènements régionaux, trois réunions sous-régionales ont déjà eu lieu. Le document final dûment

7 III complété, et si nécessaire après révision de la part des secteurs impliqués, sera soumis au Groupe de travail technique Intergouvernemental pour les ressources génétiques animales pour l alimentation et l agriculture, qui est la structure nationale de la FAO qui représente les pays membres. La dernière partie de ce processus sera l analyse des RN et l élaboration du Premier rapport sur la situation mondiale des ressources génétiques animales. La décision sur le format de présentation du Rapport sera responsabilité de la structure officielle de représentation des pays auprès de la FAO en 2004; de ce fait, l élaboration du Rapport provisoire commencera immédiatement. Avoir atteint le niveau actuel représente un pas important dans la gestion des Ressources génétiques animales au niveau mondial. Les Editeurs Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

8 IV Editorial - Estrategia mundial para la gestión de los recursos zoogenéticos: hacia la preparación de los informes de países La preparación del Primer informe sobre la situación mundial de los recursos zoogenéticos (SM-RZ) es considerada una de las acciones más significativas llevadas a cabo por la FAO para encaminar correctamente las actividades sobre uso y conservación de los recursos zoogenéticos mundiales. Concebido y planificado durante el período , la implementación y gestión de los informes nacionales comenzó efectivamente en la segunda mitad de 2001 (AGRI 30). Desde el primer momento fueron enfatizados tanto el proceso como el producto mismo y desde el comienzo hasta la fecha se han conseguido importantes progresos. Uno de los componentes básicos del proceso consistió en proveer cierta infraestructura a un número importante de países y, en este contexto, durante el período se organizaron 12 reuniones de trabajo en distintos países con el fin de formar 370 profesionales provenientes de 176 países. El entrenamiento cubrió todas las regiones geográficas del mundo y contempló tanto los aspectos de procedimiento como los de contenido, con el objeto de conseguir un producto final, el informe de país (IP) fácil de completar posteriormente tanto a nivel regional cómo mundial. El personal así formado ha podido a su vez formar a sus propios técnicos nacionales que representan a las diferentes partes interesadas, así como a los Comités Consultivos Nacionales (CCN), en vista de la preparación del IP siguiendo las indicaciones dadas por la FAO en sus manuales de entrenamiento. De los 190 países invitados a participar en la preparación del Primer informe sobre la SM-RZ, 149 han aceptado y, al momento de la preparación de este editorial, 87 de ellos ya habían enviado una versión final o provisional de sus IP. Se espera que esta cifra aumente hasta 120 países, de ahora hasta finales de diciembre de En este proceso una de las consideraciones prácticas más importantes ha sido la ayuda técnica y el apoyo financiero suministrados para ayudar a los países en la preparación de sus IP. Con este fin, la FAO ha dedicado 700 mil dólares para poder suministrar la ayuda técnica y financiera necesaria a 60 países provenientes de todas las regiones, en colaboración con la Asociación Mundial de Producción Animal (WAAP). En este momento gran parte de estos fondos ya han sido utilizados. Además, la FAO, a través de su Grupo de RZ en Roma, ha proporcionado apoyo financiero y técnico ad hoc a otros 40 países. Estos fondos han sido utilizados de forma específica y con el máximo de eficiencia posible, considerando y evaluando siempre cada una de las acciones a llevar a cabo. Actualmente otros 20 países han recibido ayuda para la finalización de sus IP. Otro de los componentes más importantes ha sido la organización de una serie de reuniones regionales para analizar y discutir los IP y definir prioridades regionales. El objetivo de estas reuniones fue identificar acciones prioritarias a nivel regional que permitan la preparación de los Informes sobre acciones prioritarias regionales, así como la elaboración del Informe sobre acciones estratégicas prioritarias, para principios de Se han llevado a cabo tres reuniones sub-regionales para la preparación de estos eventos regionales.

9 V El documento final debidamente completado, y si fuera necesario tras la revisión por las partes interesadas, será sometido al Grupo de Trabajo Técnico Intergubernamental para los Recursos Genéticos Animales para la Alimentación y la Agricultura, que es la estructura nacional de la FAO que representa a los países miembros. El último componente de este proceso es el análisis de los IP y la elaboración del Primer informe sobre la situación mundial de los recursos zoogenéticos. La decisión sobre el formato del Informe será competencia de la estructura formal de representación de los países ante la FAO en 2004, por lo que la elaboración del Informe provisorio iniciará inmediatamente. Haber alcanzado este nivel ha representado un paso importante en la gestión de los recursos zoogenéticos a nivel mundial. Los Editores Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

10 VI

11 1 Criteria for the recognition and prioritisation of breeds of special genetic importance L. Alderson Countrywide Livestock Ltd, 6 Harnage, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 6EJ, United Kingdom Summary The State of the World survey of animal genetic resources (SoWAnGR) has highlighted the necessity to reconcile the varying systems applied by different organisations for the identification and categorisation of endangered breeds of livestock. Currently, many of these systems are irreconcilable. In particular, there is a need to interpret national breed populations in the context of their international population. Rare Breeds International has developed and applied a system which overcomes these problems, and which coincides with criteria applied by FAO. The system utilises three criteria, namely distinctiveness, local adaptation, and numerical scarcity. Numerical scarcity is measured preferentially by the number of annual female registrations rather than the number of breeding females. The system embodies simplicity, accuracy and effectiveness, based on global data, and will enable more effective interpretation of SoWAnGR reports. Résumé L enquête sur la Situation mondiale des ressources génétiques animales (SoW) a souligné le besoin de standardiser les systèmes appliqués par les différentes organisations pour l identification et la classification des races domestiques en danger. Souvent, certains de ces systèmes ne peuvent pas être standardisés. En particulier, il existe le besoin d interpréter les populations de races locales dans leur contexte international. Rare Breeds International a développé et appliqué un système qui surmonte ces problèmes, et qui coïncide avec les critères appliqués par la FAO. Le système utilise trois critères: la distinction, l adaptation locale, et la scarcité numérique; cette dernière est mesurée de préférence par le nombre de femelles enregistrées chaque année plutôt que par le nombre de femelles croisées. Le système est simple, précis et effectif, et se base sur des données globales, ce qui permet une interprétation plus efficace des rapports SoW. Keywords: Endangered breeds, Prioritisation, Characterisation, Adaptation, Distinctiveness, Population. Introduction Procedures for the identification and categorisation of endangered breeds of livestock have developed inconsistently. Different systems are applied by various organisations involved with programmes for the conservation of animal genetic resources. This at least may cause difficulty and confusion when attempting to compare data, and at worst may yield misleading results from analytical studies. Paper presented at the joint RBI-EAAP workshop held in Cairo, Egypt on 29 August AGRI 2003, 33: 1-9

12 2 Recognition and priorisation of breeds The difficulties were addressed and analysed in the Rachel Ella Nussbaum Memorial Lecture at the Rare Breeds International (RBI) Congress in 1994 (Alderson, 1995), but only limited subsequent action has been taken. There is a need to implement more fully an agreed system which will permit effective and rapid exchange of information between international and national databases, and which will give an accurate measurement of the endangered status of each breed. The objective of this paper was to establish a framework for an internationally acceptable procedure to evaluate the status of endangered breeds. Current Situation First model The earliest procedure to identify breeds worthy of support as endangered breeds was formulated by the author in 1975 (Alderson 1994). It evaluated breeds initially on an assessment of their status as a distinct and recognisable population, and then categorised them by numerical criteria. This procedure was applied in the United Kingdom and, with some minor modifications and refinements, was used until The principles embedded in this procedure were based on genetic integrity, indicated by absence of recent introgression, and degree of vulnerability from either geographical limitations or numerical scarcity. Critical population size was calculated through a formula based on mating ratio, reproductive rate and generation interval, but was modified by trends of population, number of distinct sire lines, number of breeding units and geographical distribution. Four priority categories were recognised namely critical, endangered, vulnerable and at risk (broadly compatible with International Union for Conservation of Nature standards), and a different critical population size applied to each species. In practice, the modifications proved too complex, and the system was applied mainly on the simple criterion of number of registered purebred breeding females. The other factors (number of breeding units, number of unrelated sire lines, trends of population, distance between major breeding units) exert a significant influence on the degree of endangeredness, but were disregarded in the interests of simplicity. Other NGO models Variations of the basic model were adopted by rare breeds NGOs in other countries. For example, American Minor Breeds Conservancy (AMBC, later ALBC) segregated breeds on the basis of their national and international population into four categories of vulnerability critical, rare, watch and study. Breeds also were categorised into four types, namely landrace, standardised, industrial and feral (Christman et al, 1997). Most of the endangered breeds in USA have their origin in the Old World, but the introduction of the term landrace was a significant recognition of the importance of native (indigenous, autochthonous) breeds, although it has potential for confusion with the named Landrace breeds of sheep and pig. In Europe, the University of Hannover followed a different line by attempting to estimate the potential loss of genetic variability (Simon 1995). Greater emphasis was placed on estimates of increase in homozygosity (inbreeding), and effective population size (Ne) was the favoured criterion. Ne is a valuable tool, but underestimates genetic erosion where selection intensity is high. Without modifying factors it is accurate only when random breeding is practised. Its value in commercial or farm conditions is limited for this reason.

13 Alderson 3 A proposal from the Genetic Resources Committee of European Association for Animal Production (EAAP, 2001/2) uses the number of breeding females as the basic criterion, but applies modifying factors derived from the percentage of females used for purebreeding, trend in number of breeding females, number of herds, and trend in number of herds, to calculate the corrected number of breeding females. Governmental bodies FAO used a standard population size for all species and initially set a limit of breeding females. As a result of later changes, the numerical criteria adopted by FAO were a maximum of breeding females for endangered status, and 100 breeding females for critical status (Scherf, 2000). In Europe the criteria were determined by population size throughout EU rather than simply in the country of origin. The limits ranged from breeding females for cattle and equine breeds with increasing populations to breeding females for sheep and goat breeds with declining populations. Current proposals within EU favour a return to a criterion of a regional (European) breed population of breeding females of cattle, sheep and goats, horses and ponies, pigs and poultry (Regulation 445/2002 Article 14). Cultural and socio-economic factors in developing countries demand the application of different criteria. There is rarely a system of individual identification or registration of animals and research workers at ILRI have developed a concept of extinction probability within systems to determine functional diversity (Rege, 2001). This concept incorporates factors for adaptation, production, culturally important traits, and local political and social factors. Evaluation of existing procedures 1. The major shortcoming with most systems is that data are not current, and in some cases not accurate. In some cases population figures are estimates, as a result of the difficulty of collecting complex information. Comprehensive current information is available only spasmodically. 2. It is clear that many breeds that are genetically important are excluded by the procedures used by some organisations. This is evident from an analysis of breeds of cattle in the United Kingdom (Table 3), and results from the use of population size as the dominant indicator of endangeredness. Numerical scarcity is not the only factor which should determine prioritisation for recognition and support. 3. There are fundamental species differences derived especially from variation in length of breeding life, but also from mating ratios and reproductive rate. These are recognised in the UK procedure and in the proposed EAAP system, but not in many others. 4. In most systems population size is assessed through the number of breeding females. This may not be the best criterion. The purpose of prioritisation is to assess the vulnerability of a breed. The number of breeding females has provided useful guidance but it has shortcomings. For example, not all organisations carry out a census of breeding animals, some females may be used in crossing programmes, not all females are registered, not all females may be bred each year, and not all progeny may be registered. The attempt by Hannover to base prioritisation on predictions of genetic loss by-passed these shortcomings, but the use of Ne encompassed some weaknesses. 5. The status of a breed in its country of origin is important, and must be the basic factor of assessment, but it also must be evaluated in the context of its global population (Table 1). Several breeds, which have become scarce in their Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

14 4 Recognition and priorisation of breeds Table 1. Comparison of some native UK breeds. Native and foreign population of breeding females (2002). Species/Breed Native Foreign Sheep: Teeswater Sheep: Shropshire Sheep: Lonk Sheep: Hampshire Down Pigs: Tamworth Pigs: Large Black Pigs: Berkshire Cattle: Shetland Cattle: Red Poll Cattle: Sussex * Cattle: Galloway ** Equine: Dartmoor Equine: Clydesdale Equine: Hackney *Sussex: the figure for foreign populations does not take account of any recent losses in Zimbabwe. **Galloway: the figure takes into account significant losses in UK during the FMD outbreak in country of origin, have a large and thriving population in other countries. The ALBC procedure, and the EU criteria to some extent on a regional basis, acknowledge this factor. However, it is also necessary to determine that the national populations have reciprocity, otherwise they will exist in isolation and eventually become separate breeds. Proposed Model An improved procedure must resolve the shortcomings detailed above. It must be simple and permit easy submission of breed information; it must include criteria in addition to numerical scarcity; it must allow for species differences; it must seek a measure that is superior to the number of breeding females; and it must be able to accommodate an international perspective. The proposed model fulfils these requirements and has been evaluated in UK through the application of programmes of support by RBI during the FMD/2001 outbreak. It deals with procedures for the recognition of eligible breeds, and the preferred criterion for the measurement of population size. Recognition of breeds The procedure formulated for RBI is based on the concept of breeds of special genetic importance within programmes for the conservation of animal genetic resources, and three groups of breeds are recognised: 1. Breeds which possess distinctive characteristics. 2. Breeds which have special adaptation. 3. Breeds which are numerically scarce. Distinctive characteristics Distinctiveness can be expressed in several different ways. The increasing application of DNA profiling has enabled calculations of genetic distance for most breeds, and this fits closely with the FAO concept of prioritising resources in support of breeds with a great genetic distance on the basis that they are

15 Alderson 5 more distinctive. Among native UK breeds of cattle, Chillingham, Vaynol, White Park, Jersey (Island), Sussex and Lincoln Red are genetically distant from the massed group of other breeds. Distinctiveness may also be expressed in performance or type. The distinctive size of miniature Dexter cattle is clearly evident. The quality of milk and meat from Shetland cattle and sheep is less obvious, but they are high in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has important implications for human health. Prolificacy in pigs and sheep is a valuable distinctive characteristic. Distinctiveness merits conservation support. Special adaptation Local breeds evolved in response to their natural environment, and frequently exhibit strong adaptation to it. Their genotype is designed specifically to function effectively in that environment. The prime example in UK is North Ronaldsay sheep which can exist on an exclusive diet of seaweed, but any breed that is adapted to an extreme or unusual environment is likely to show special adaptation. For example, in Iberic pigs there is interaction between environment (dehesa) and meat quality (jabugo), and this is lost when introgression from Duroc occurs. Currently, genetic conservation of endangered breeds is linked to environmental factors, and locally-adapted breeds are recognised by FAO as a valuable group. Numerically scarce Previously this has been the standard criterion for the measurement of endangerment, usually based on the number of breeding females. There is a need to apply refinements to assess founder effect (GCI) and genetic variability (Alderson, 1992). The primary objective of conservation programmes is to maximise the retention of founder alleles, and this objective is confounded by increasing homozygosity and the associated unequal founder effect, as much as by small numbers of breeding animals. Measurement of population size The annual registration of female animals, calculated on either a one-year basis or three-year rolling average, is a more accurate indication of the viability of a population in many circumstances. It reflects accurately the confidence and enthusiasm of breeders, records the actual number of young animals qualified to join the breeding herd or flock, and indicates the future trend in population size. It automatically accounts for breeding females that are not registered or do not produce purebred progeny, and for eligible young stock that is not registered. It relies on the principle that only registered animals will contribute to future generations of the breed. The previous categorisation of endangeredness was based on breeding females in five categories with numerical criteria of <100 (category 1), <300 (category 2), <1 000 (category 3), <3 000 (category 4) and < (category 5). Only categories 1-4 qualify for endangered status. These categories need to be translated into numerical criteria for annual registrations of female replacements which will require differentiation because of variation between species in length of breeding life, and which must allow for those registered females which fail to join a breeding unit. Criteria for each species and each category are shown in Table 2. The basic assessment should take place on the population in the country of origin of the breed, but some recognition must be given to other national breeding populations. It also will be necessary to interpret the numerical criteria in the context of the level of inbreeding and the degree of unequal founder effect in the breed. Significant numbers of breeding females (>10 000) of a breed in other countries would give it a Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

16 6 Recognition and priorisation of breeds Table 2. Upper limit of numerical criteria for the categorisation of four species of livestock (expressed as annual registrations of female young stock). Species Horses Cattle Sheep Pigs Category Category Category Category Table 3. Case studies of three British breeds to show procedure for prioritisation. Breed (spp) Berkshire (p) White Park (c) Teeswater (s) Annual reg of F Initial priority ranking Locally dapted Distinctveness Global population Level of inbreeding Final priority ranking 87 2 * * > medium *** **** 671 high *** 429 medium 2 lower global priority. Significant inbreeding and unequal founder effect would give it a higher priority (Table 3). Although these modifying factors make the system more complex, they would be applied at an organisational level (i.e. RBI, EAAP, FAO or national organisations), and do not compromise the collection of simple information (i.e. annual registrations) from breed societies or other registration authorities. Effect on breed eligibility The proposed system continues to place the greatest weighting (by a multiple of three) on the score for numerical scarcity, but the inclusion of scores for distinctiveness and special adaptation widens the parameters for the recognition and acceptance of breeds in programmes of genetic conservation. The proposed system has the effect of including some breeds which are excluded by other procedures, as illustrated in Table 4 by reference to breeds of cattle in the United Kingdom. In particular, it recognises distinctive breeds (Island Jersey) and specially adapted breeds (Highland and Galloway). The proposed system lists and prioritises in four categories 22 breeds of special genetic importance as defined by Rare Breeds International. In comparison, 6 breeds are listed by Hannover in four categories (critically endangered, endangered, minimally endangered, potentially endangered) (EAAP, 2001/1), 12 breeds by application of the two categories advised by FAO (critical - <100 breeding cows,

17 Alderson 7 Table 4. Breeds of cattle in UK ranked by RBI priority (D = distinctive; A = specially adapted; R = numerically scarce (rare); NE = not endangered; X= not defined or not listed), Breed D/A/R RBI UK FAO TiHo Chillingham DAR Vaynol DR X N.D.S. R 1 X 1 X White Park DAR NE Whitebred R 2 X 2 4 Shetland DAR NE Irish Moiled* R Belted Galloway AR Highland DAR 2 NE NE NE Traditional R NE Hereford** Gloucester R X Red Poll R X Sussex DR 3 NE NE 4 Jersey (Island)*** D 3 NE NE 4 Beef Shorthorn R 4 3 NE X Longhorn R 4 7 NE NE British White R 4 7 NE NE Lincoln Red R 4 1 NE X Galloway A 4 NE NE NE Devon AR 4 NE NE NE Dexter**** DR 4 NE NE X Dairy Shorthorn R 4 NE NE X * Irish Moiled: there is dispute whether this is a native breed of Ireland or UK. ** Traditional Hereford is part of the Hereford breed, but has a separate listing within the Herd Book. *** Jersey (Island) cattle have a separate Herd Book and have been a closed population for more than 200 years. **** Dexter is an Irish native breed but is listed provisionally as a UK breed until the breed is reestablished effectively in Ireland. endangered - <1 000 breeding cows) (Scherf, 2000), and 13 breeds by the original UK system in seven categories. Only three breeds (Chillingham, Irish Moiled and Belted Galloway) are prioritised by all organisations. Four breeds (Highland, Dexter, Dairy Shorthorn and Galloway) are listed only by RBI. The standards currently proposed in EU would include all breeds on the RBI list, plus a further 4 breeds including, for example, the Hereford. Limitations The proposed system is simple at the point of collection of information (i.e. breeder or breed society), but remains complicated at the point of analysis and interpretation. A pragmatic balance must be maintained between the need for comprehensive data and the effectiveness of collection and collation of detailed information. Factors relating to sex ratio of registered animals, global population, reciprocity, homozygosity, founder effect and species differentiation Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

18 8 Recognition and priorisation of breeds require sophisticated procedures to be applied for full effect, and can not be supplied by local organisations. The system assumes that each breed is regulated by a programme for registration of individual animals. This is a valid assumption in many developed countries, but in other regions an approximate head count of the number of breeding females may continue to be a more realistic option than a calculation of breeding stock replacements. The global variation, and even regional variation between northern and southern Europe, in cultural background and registration practices must be recognised. Distinctiveness and special adaptation require an element of subjective judgement. Factors such as genetic distance studies, and the presence of private alleles or unique aberrations, provide objective data. Measurement of performance characteristics and linear assessment provide objective data. Some other items do not lend themselves to easy mathematical evaluation. Conclusions are more relevant to current concepts of utility, disease control and environmental compatibility. The number of annual female registrations should replace the number of breeding females as the basic numerical criterion applied in procedures to determine the endangered status of a breed. It would provide a better opportunity to evolve a global system to ensure compatibility of national systems and data. National NGOs concerned with the conservation of animal genetic resources are encouraged to adopt this system Acknowledgements Several colleagues were consulted in the course of the preparation of this paper. Important comments and suggestions were made by Dr L Ollivier (INRA), Dr. S. Schneider (Drylands Institute), Dr. J.E.O. Rege (ILRI), Dr. S. Galal (Ain Shams University), Dr. D. Bixby (ALBC), Dr. I. Bodo (Debrecen University), and others. The proposed procedure provides a globally applicable format that is uncomplicated at the source of information (grassroots), and flexible at the analytical stage. The system of data retrieval is as comprehensive as possible within the constraints of a pragmatic evaluation of the ability of owners of livestock and breed organisations to provide the required data. It also permits a degree of flexibility which recognises the differences in information resource and cultural influences between different countries and regions. The adoption of the concept of breeds of special genetic importance as the basis for recognition of breeds by organisations concerned with the conservation of animal genetic resources provides a better structure than programmes based solely on numerical scarcity. Factors associated with distinctive characteristics and special local adaptation References Alderson, L., 1992; A system to maximise the maintenance of genetic variability in small populations. In L. Alderson & I. Bodo (Eds) Genetic Conservation of Domestic Livestock (Volume 2). CABI, Wallingford, Alderson, L., 1994; The Chance to Survive. Pilkington Press Ltd. Yelvertoft. Alderson, L., 1995; The value of global information for better estimating the vulnerable status of endangered breeds. In R.D. Crawford, E.E. Lister & J.T. Buckley (Eds.) Conservation of Domestic Animal Genetic Resources. RBI, Rome,

19 Alderson 9 Christman, C.J., D.P. Sponenberg & D.E. Bixby, 1997; A Rare Breeds Album of American Livestock. ALBC, Pittsboro. European Association for Animal Production, (Commission of Animal Genetics). 2001/1; Animal Genetic Data Bank. Website European Association for Animal Production (Genetic Resources Committee). 2001/2; A proposal of EAAP for selection criteria in the rural development measures of EC regulation 1257/99 and 1750/99. Rege, J.E.O., 2001; Personal communication. Scherf, B.D. (Ed.), 2000; World Watch List for Domestic Animal Diversity. FAO, Rome. Simon, D.L., 1995; Factors for defining the status of endangeredness of a breed. In R.D. Crawford, E.E. Lister & J.T. Buckley (Eds.) Conservation of Domestic Animal Genetic Resources. RBI, Rome, Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

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21 11 Genetic base and inbreeding of Canadienne, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cattle in Canada C. Hansen 1 *, J.N.B. Shrestha 1 **, R.J. Parker 2, G.H. Crow 2 & J.N. Derr 3 1 Centre for Food and Animal Research, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada 2 Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada 3 Department Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas 77845, USA Summary The narrowing of the genetic base is of major concern to many cattle breeders and this is a consequence of a small effective population size and an increase in the inbreeding coefficient in cattle populations. Studies of pedigrees of cattle populations found in Canada showed that the effective population size and rate of inbreeding over a 12-year period ( ) were 123 and percent for Canadienne, 975 and percent for Brown Swiss, and and percent for Jersey cattle populations. Over the same period, the year to year trends in inbreeding coefficients based on co-ancestry was 0.11 percent for Canadienne and 0.07 percent for Brown Swiss cattle populations, and 0.37 percent for Holstein bulls used by the artificial insemination industry. Inbreeding was not found to be a major problem in any of the populations examined. However, only 10 bulls of their respective breed sired 61 percent of the Canadienne, 21 percent of the Brown Swiss, and 29 percent of the Jersey cattle populations, and 41 percent of the Holstein bulls in the bull studs. More and more breeders are demanding proven sires to increase milk production from fewer cows resulting in the narrowing of the genetic base of the national cattle populations. Newer technology that provides precise genetic modification could further contribute to the narrowing of the genetic base compromising the ability to sustain current production and respond to changing markets in the long-term. Résumé Le rapprochement de la base génétique est une des questions qui inquiète le plus à la plupart des éleveurs et est la conséquence du nombre restreint de la population et de l augmentation du coefficient de consanguinité dans les populations bovines. Les études de pedigree des populations bovines réalisées au Canada ont démontré que la taille effective de la population et le niveau de consanguinité sur une période de 12 ans ( ) était de 123 et 0,412 pour cent pour la race Canadienne, 975 et 0,054 pour cent pour la Brune Suisse, et et 0,024 pour cent pour les populations de Jersey. Sur la même période, la tendance annuelle des coefficient de consanguinité sur Present address: * Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada ** Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, P. O. Box 90, 2000 Route 108 est, Lennoxville, Québec J1M 1Z3, Canada AGRI 2003, 33: 11-19

22 12 Canadienne, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cattle in Canada la base de co-ancêtre était de 0,11 pour cent pour la Canadienne et 0,07 pour cent pour la Brune Suisse, tandis que pour les taureaux Holstein utilisés par l industrie d insémination artificielle le pourcentage était de 0,37. On n a pas considéré le consanguinité un problème important parmi les populations examinées. Cependant, sur 10 taureaux de chacune des races seulement 61 pour cent de la Canadienne, 21 pour cent de la Brune Suisse et 29 pour cent de la Jersey se sont reproduits, et 41 pour cent des tauraux Holstein. Toujours plus les éleveurs demandent des tauraux contrôlés pour augmenter la production de lait de quelques vaches provenants de la base génétique nationale. Les nouvelles technologies qui proportionnent des modifications génétiques précises pourraient contribuer à augmenter le rapprochement de la base génétique compromettant ainsi la possibilité de soutenir la production actuelle et de répondre aux changements des marchés à long terme. Keywords: Canadian dairy cattle, Genetic base, Rate of inbreeding. Introduction The Canadian dairy cattle industry, like those in many industrialised nations, extensively relies on artificial insemination (AI) for the widespread use of genetically superior sires. This technology has enabled breeders to achieve rapid genetic progress for the economically important morphological characteristics and production performance in the short-term. Embryo transfer (increasingly based on embryos produced from in vitro techniques) has become increasingly common over the last 10 years and is beginning to demonstrate an impact on dairy cattle populations. This is especially true for the more popular breeds of cattle, including the Holstein and Jersey. Currently, only a few proven bulls produce the majority of offspring in the purebred populations (Rutter and Pearson, 1981) and sons of these bulls provide the best opportunity for genetic improvement and eventually replace their sire in the AI units. The relationship among animals in the breed and among bulls in the AI units will increase over time, unless unrelated bulls with exceptional genetic merit can be identified and utilised. Less populous breeds such as the Canadienne (Fortin, 1940) and Brown Swiss, however, also make significant and ever increasing use of these breeding and reproductive practices. In general, inbreeding has been associated with increased homozygosity, redistribution of genetic variances, a greater probability of the expression of lethal recessive genes and reduction in performance of inbred animals. As a consequence, there is today, a concern that the use of only a few outstanding bulls will eventually contribute to the narrowing of the genetic base of the cattle populations (Young, 1984; Young et al., 1988; Miglior and Burnside, 1995) and one will observe the detrimental effects of inbreeding on fitness and performance traits (Young et al., 1969; Miglior et al., 1992). The narrowing of the genetic base of a breed or species can have devastating results in the long-term and must be avoided if the current practice of improvement in production is to be sustained and changing demands for future markets are to be addressed. This study was undertaken to investigate the status of the genetic base and inbreeding in the Canadienne, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cattle populations in Canada. Materials and Methods Pedigree records were obtained from the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation in Ottawa for Canadienne and Brown Swiss cattle, and Jersey cattle. Records on the Canadienne and Brown Swiss breeds were combined into a single file because many of today s Canadienne cattle have Brown Swiss parentage as a consequence of a decision made in 1969 by the Québec Ministry of Agriculture following

23 Hansen et al. 13 increasing concern over inbreeding and a requirement to improve productivity (Hansen et al., 2000). Due to the large number of Holstein cattle in Canada, only an excerpt of the total pedigreed population was utilised for the current study. A pedigree file consisting of animals tracing back to four generations was obtained from Holstein Canada in Brantford, Ontario for Holstein cattle representing the parentage of bulls found in the AI units (Eastern Breeders Inc., United Breeders, Western Ontario Breeders and the Centre d Insemination Artificielle du Québec). The tabular method for calculating relationship based on co-ancestry (Cruden, 1949; Emik and Terrill, 1949) was utilised to determine inbreeding coefficients because of the presence of overlapping generations in cattle populations. It was also assumed that animals in the base population (the earliest year in the current pedigree file) were unrelated. The average inbreeding coefficient estimated from the diagonal of the additive relationship matrix was regressed on years to determine the year to year trend in inbreeding for the Canadienne and Brown Swiss cattle and Holstein bulls. Unfortunately, the size of the Jersey file exceeded the computer resources available at the time of the study. Therefore, it proved impossible to use this technique to evaluate the Jersey cattle population as a whole. The effective population size and rate of inbreeding due to random mating among relatives of finite population size was determined according to procedures proposed by Wright (1931) for natural populations and Gowe et al. (1959) for experimental poultry populations. The actual number of parents (sires and dams) for the Canadienne, Brown Swiss and Jersey cattle populations was utilised. Records with missing parents had to be excluded. This analysis was, therefore, restricted to the years 1983 to 1994 for which the most complete pedigree records were available. Results The total number of registrations and the number of male and female parents for Canadienne, Brown Swiss and Jersey cattle are presented in Table 1. The average number of registrations in the Canadienne, Brown Swiss and Jersey cattle was 389±39, 1 756±105 and 7 074±123 animals, respectively. The mean number of male and female parents, respectively, was 24±1 and 184±21 for Canadienne, 193±9 and 1 321±160 for Brown Swiss, and 418±18 and 6 832±98 for Jersey. The inbreeding coefficients from 1983 to 1994 were based on co-ancestry and ranged from 0 to 1.7 percent for the Canadienne breed, from 0.01 to 0.7 percent for the Brown Swiss breed, and from 0.9 to 4.8 percent for the Holstein bulls (Figure 1). Corresponding year to year trends in inbreeding over the 12-year period were 0.11±0.01, 0.07±0.01 and 0.37±0.02 percent, respectively. The effective population size and rate of inbreeding estimates (Wright, 1931) ranged from 61 to 110, and 0.46 to 0.82 percent for Canadienne breed, from 368 to 792, and 0.06 to 0.14 percent for Brown Swiss, and from to 1 829, and 0.03 to 0.04 percent for Jersey cattle (Table 2). The mean effective population sizes and rates of inbreeding over the 12-year period were 85±4 and 0.606±0.029 percent for Canadienne, 665±40 and 0.079±0.006 percent for Brown Swiss, and 1 573±65 and 0.032±0.001 percent for Jersey cattle. Correspondingly, the effective population size and rate of inbreeding estimates (Gowe et al., 1959) ranged from 97 to 159, and 0.32 to 0.52 percent for Canadienne, from 575 to 1 141, and 0.04 to 0.09 percent for Brown Swiss, and from to 2 552, and 0.02 to 0.03 percent for Jersey cattle (Table 2). The mean effective population sizes and rates of inbreeding over the 12-year period were 123±5 and 0.412±0.015 percent for Canadienne, 975±52 and Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

24 Table 1. Total number of registrations and number of male (Nm) and female (Nf ) parents, in Canadienne, Brown Swiss and Jersey cattle populations. Year Canadienne Registrations Nm Nf Brown Swiss Registrations Nm Nf Jersey Registrations Nm Nf Canadienne, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cattle in Canada

25 Hansen et al Inbreeding coefficient Canadienne Brown Swiss Holstein Year Figure 1. Average of inbreeding coefficients derived from the additive relationship matrix for the Canadienne and Brown Swiss cattle and Holstein bulls 0.054±0.004 percent for Brown Swiss, and 2 183±92 and 0.024±0.001 percent for Jersey cattle. Discussion There appears to be a striking difference among the Canadienne, Brown Swiss and Jersey breeds in the size of the national breeding populations (Table 1). One can clearly see that the size of the Canadienne population is relatively small compared to the Jersey population, which corresponds with the average number of annual registrations. In the last two years, there has been a decline in registrations for the Canadienne and Jersey breeds. In contrast, there has been a marginal increase in the registrations for the Brown Swiss breed. A closer examination of the number of parents in the Canadienne breed shows that there is, on average, one sire for every eight dams and 16 animals registered. Corresponding estimates for the Brown Swiss breed were one sire for every seven dams and nine animals registered and for the Jersey breed, one sire for every 16 dams and 17 animals registered. As these figures indicate, the ratio of dams to sires in the Canadienne and Brown Swiss breeds is approximately half that of the more populous Jersey breed. This observation has implications for the future of these breeds as it reflects a definite trend towards a narrowing of the current genetic base in these two breeds. The annual increase in inbreeding coefficients relative to their base population was negligible for the Canadienne and Brown Swiss cattle, while, a more substantial increase was noted in the Holstein bull population (Figure 1). The inbreeding Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

26 Table 2. The effective population size (Ne and Ne ) and rate of inbreeding ( F and F ) in the Canadienne, Brown Swiss and Jersey cattle populations. Year Canadienne 1 N e = ÄF F, percent N e = ÄF F, percent Brown Swiss 1 N e = ÄF F, percent N e = ÄF F, percent Jersey 1 N e = ÄF F, percent N e = ÄF F,percent Ä F = ÄF' = 1 8N m N m + 1 8N f 1 32N f (Wright, 1931) (Gowe et al., 1959) 16 Canadienne, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cattle in Canada

27 Hansen et al. 17 coefficient between 1987 and 1990, which steadily increased at an annual rate of 0.21 percent for all Holstein bulls in Canada (Miglior and Burnside, 1995) was lower than the 0.37 percent in the present study for Holstein bulls in all AI units between 1983 and The rise in inbreeding in the Holstein bull population in recent years, however, is more than three times that observed in the Canadienne population and more than five times that in the Brown Swiss population as a whole. This suggests that inbreeding may be increasing more rapidly in bulls used by the artificial breeding industry compared to all Holstein bulls in general. Although, the inbreeding coefficient in the base population was not considered, it appears that at the present time the overall rise in inbreeding is not of great concern in any of the breeds studied. This conclusion is in agreement with those reported by Young et al. (1988) for the Holsteins in the United States, and Miglior and Burnside (1995) for the Canadian Holstein. The estimate of effective population size and the rate of inbreeding based on Wright s approximations were smaller in size and the inbreeding coefficient larger compared to similar estimates based on Gowe and coworkers (Table 2). The latter may be more appropriate in commercial populations where the number of cows are more numerous than bulls, and the number of individuals chosen as parents are relatively similar in ratio of sexes over generations. Thus, reducing the variances among families contributes to a higher estimate of effective population size. The rate of inbreeding in the Canadienne breed when based on Wright s approximation that ignored over lapping generations was considerably higher (Table 2) compared to corresponding estimates based on co-ancestry (Figure 1). In contrast, the estimates for the Brown Swiss breed were similar. The increased use of artificial insemination in Japan has been shown to contribute to the decrease in the effective population size in a closed herd of the Japanese Black cattle population in Hyogo prefecture from 262 in 1960 to eight in 1988 (Takayanagi et al., 1996), and in a closed herd of the Japanese Brown cattle population in Hyogo prefecture from 725 in 1960 to 40 in 1997 (Ibi et al., 1996). The current Kerry breed in Ireland, derived from less than 5 percent of the animals registered as foundation stock in 1887, also has a small effective population size fluctuating close to 50 and a high level of cumulative inbreeding of nearly 15 percent (O -Huigin and Cunninghan, 1990). An examination of the 10 most frequently sought sires between 1980 and 1995 revealed that the most popular Canadienne bulls sired approximately 61 percent of the Canadienne cattle born during that time period. Corresponding estimates for the Brown Swiss and Jersey bulls were 21 and 29 percent, respectively. In contrast, 41 percent of the Holstein bulls in the four Bull studs were sired by 10 bulls which is slightly lower than the 47 percent of progeny tested US bulls from 1975 to 1979 that were sired by the 10 most popular Holstein bulls (Rutter and Pearson, 1981). There are currently less than 50 Canadienne breeders in the province of Québec and only a small number outside of the province. An examination of the herds of six of the largest breeders revealed that only 39 animals could be found that were not half or full-sibs. The fact that in recent years as many as 61 percent of Canadienne cattle were sired by just 10 bulls and that the effective number of male parents used in the Canadienne breed is extremely small is cause for serious concern over expression of the possible detrimental effects of inbreeding in this breed in the near future. This poses a rather significant problem for the Société des Éleveurs de Bovins Canadiens and for all Canadienne breeders. Recent efforts to utilise unrelated bulls derived from previously stored embryos is an important activity to broaden the existing genetic base (Hansen et al., 2000). Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

28 18 Canadienne, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cattle in Canada Historically, mild inbreeding and selection directed towards greater use of prominent ancestors have provided the foundation population of current breeds. It is important to note that the breeding strategy that has been employed by the dairy industry in recent years involves mating less closely related animals due to the increased use of Holstein sires from the US than would occur at random. This fact and the increasing number of grade cows entering the herdbook (Miglior and Burnside, 1995) has almost certainly helped keep the overall rate of inbreeding in populations such as the ones studied here lower than would have been the case if such action had not been initiated. Nevertheless, the actual inbreeding coefficient may be higher than the present estimates because inbreeding in the base populations was not considered. The present breeding strategy for the less populous breeds may not be adequate in the future. Their smaller effective population size results in increased variance due to drift contributing to increased homozygosity. Lush (1948) stated that in most pure breeds of livestock the effective number of males was in the order of 30 to 50 before AI was a factor in dairy cattle improvement. Similarly, Young (1984) argued that popular bulls will have little if any greater influence than did most prominent bulls of past generations with no reason for concern about inbreeding in dairy cattle populations in the United States. However, this may not remain to be true with the advent of emerging technologies that provide opportunities for increasing the precision of estimating transmitting ability, sampling of bulls on a global basis, the possibility of sex selection, multiplication of embryos by nuclear transfer, production of embryonic stem cells, and the isolation and cloning of specific genes for introduction into the bovine genome. Thus, the newer technologies will enable breeders to achieve rapid genetic progress for economically important production traits in the short-term, contributing to the increased use of a few proven bulls on a global scale, further narrowing the genetic base of the national cattle populations. In conclusion, it appears that at the present time the rise in inbreeding is not high enough to be of concern, although inbreeding has been an important issue for many dairy cattle breeders for a number of years. Signs of possible future danger do exist, however. The level of inbreeding of Holsteins bulls in the A.I. studs has increased rapidly over the last few years. The effective number of breeding parents in the Canadienne and Brown Swiss breeds and the number of registrations seen in recent years suggest that not only the rare breeds are at risk of becoming endangered, but also the genetic diversity in the more popular breeds is being depleted. References Cruden, D The computation of inbreeding coefficients in closed populations. J. Hered.40, Emik, L.O. & Terrill, C.E Systematic procedures for calculating inbreeding coefficients. J. Hered. 40, Fortin, L. de G Histoire de la race bovine Canadienne. La Bonne Terre, Ecole Supérieure d Agriculture, Ste-Anne de La Pocatière, Québec, Canada, pp Gowe, R.S., Robertson, A. & Latter, B.D.H Environment and poultry breeding problems. 5. The design of poultry control strains. Poult. Sci. 38, Hansen, C., Bernier, J-.G. & Shrestha, J.N.B Broadening of the genetic base in Canadienne cattle. Proc. Fourth Global Conf. Conserv. Domest. Anim. Genet. Resour., Nepal Agricultural Research Council and Rare Breeds International, Kathmandu, Nepal,

29 Hansen et al. 19 Ibi, T., Moriya, K., Matsumoto, M., Koba, S. & Sasaki, Y Population structure of the Japanese Brown cattle. J. Anim. Breed. Genet. 114, Lush, J.L The genetics of populations. Mimeo., Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. Miglior, F. & Burnside, E.B Inbreeding of Canadian Holstein cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 78, Miglior, F., Szkotnicki, B. & Burnside, E.B Analysis of levels of inbreeding and inbreeding depression in Jersey cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 75: O -Huigin, C. & Cunningham, E.P Analysis of breeding structure of the Kerry breed. J. Anim. Breed. Genet. 107, Rutter, C.R. & Pearson, R.E Breeding structure in artificial insemination Holsteins. J. Dairy Sci. 64 (Suppl. 1), 74 (Abstr.). Takayanagi, S., Moriya, K., Nomura, T., Dohgo, T. & Sasaki, Y Population structure of Japanese black cattle in Hyogo prefecture. Anim. Sci. Tech., Japan 67, Wright, S Evolution in Mendelian populations. Genetics 16, Young, C.W Inbreeding and the gene pool. J. Dairy Sci. 67, Young, C.W., Bonczek, R.R. & Johnson, D.G Inbreeding and relationship among registered Holsteins. J. Dairy Sci. 71, Young, C.W., Tyler, W.J., Freeman, A.E., Voelker, H.H., McGilliard, L.D. & Ludwick, T.M Inbreeding investigations with dairy cattle in the North Central region of the United States. North Central Regional Publ. 191, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota. Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

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31 21 The Gir cattle breed of India - characteristics and present status G.K. Gaur, S.N. Kaushik & R.C. Garg PH-7, Pallavpuram Phase II, Modipuram, Meerut , Uttar Pradesh, India Summary The Gir is a famous milk cattle breed of India. The native tract of the breed is Gir hills and forests of Kathiawar including Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Rajkot and Amreli districts of Gujarat. The breeding tract lies between 20 5 and 22 6 north latitude and 70 and 72 east longitude. The total cattle population of Saurashtra region i.e., breeding tract of Gir cattle is 2.5 million and Gir breed accounts for 37 percent of total cattle population in the region. The body of Gir animals is well proportioned. Udder in cows is well developed and round. The body weight at one year of age was 138 kg in males and 136 kg in females. Adult body weight, height at withers, body length and heart girth in cows averaged 313 kg, 120 cm, 125 cm and 160 cm, respectively. Age at first heat and calving averaged and day, respectively. Average dry period and inter-calving period were 123 and 423 days, respectively. Heifers received an average 1.07 inseminations for successful conception whereas cows received 1.64 inseminations per conception. Total lactation milk yield averaged litres in an average lactation period of 326 days. Average milk yield in 300 days was litres. Milk yield per day of calving interval was 4.98 litres. Average fat percentage in the milk ranged between 4.69±0.04 and 4.97±0.02. Gir animals are considered as hardy with low overall mortality (3.63 percent). Résumé La race Gir est un bovin à lait très connu originaire des Indes. Le milieu naturel de cette race sont les collines et les forêts de Kathiawar, y compris les zones de Janagadh, Bhavnagar, Rajkot et Amreli dans la région de Gujarat. La race se trouve principalement entre les latitudes 20 5 et 22 6 Nord et longitude 70 et 72 Est. La population totale dans la région de Saurashtra de race Gir est de 2,5 millions et représente 37 pour cent du total de la population bovine de la région. Le corps des Gir est bien proportionné, et les mamelles sont bien développées et rondes. Le poids corporel à l âge de un an est de 138 kg chez les mâles et 136 kg chez les femelles. Le poids corporel adulte, la hauteur au garrot, la longueur corporelle et la circonférence chez les vaches est en moyenne de 313 kg, 120 cm, 125 cm, et 160 cm, respectivement. L âge moyen de la première chaleur et première mise bas est de à jours, respectivement. La période moyenne de tarissement et entre mises bas est de 123 et 423 jours, respectivement. Les femelles reçoivent en moyenne 1,07 d insémination pour un résultat positif, tandis que les vaches ont besoin de 1,64 inséminations par conception. La moyenne par lactation est de litres sur une période de 326 jours. La moyenne de lait sur 300 jours est de litres. La moyenne lait par jour entre mises bas est de 4,98 litres. Le contenu en matière grasse dans le lait est de 4,69±0,04 et 4,97±0,02. Les animaux de la race Gir sont considérés robustes avec une faible mortalité (3,63 pour cent). AGRI 2003, 33: 21-29

32 22 Gir cattle of India Keywords: India, Gir cattle, characteristics, present status Introduction The Gir is a famous milk cattle breed of India. The native tract of the breed is Gir hills and forests of Kathiawar including Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Rajkot and Amreli districts of Gujarat. This breed is also known as Bhodali, Desan, Gujarati, Kathiawari, Sorthi and Surti in different parts of the breeding tract. The Gir animals are famous for their tolerance to stress conditions and resistance to various tropical diseases. Bullocks of this breed are used to drag heavy loads on all kinds of soil. Brazil, Mexico, USA and Venezuela have imported these animals where they are being bred successfully. These animals contribute significantly to the total milk production of Gujarat State. This paper presents information on breed characteristics, demographic distribution, morphological characteristics, management practices and reproduction and production parameters of Gir cattle. Topography and Climate The breed derives its name from the Gir forest, which is the natural habitat of the breed. The breeding tract lies between 20 5 and 22 6 north latitude and 70 and 72 east latitude (Figure 1). The tract is at an altitude of about 400 m above mean sea level ranging from 125 to 600 m. Soil is generally black with scattered tracts of light colours. The climate of the region is tropical. The temperature reaches 40 C (highest) in May and 11 C (lowest) in January. Rainfall ranges from 50 to 100 cm annually. The climate is dry in winter. The relative humidity ranges from 60 to 80 percent during the rainy season (July to September). Management Practices The Rabaris, Bharwads, Maldharis, Ahirs and Charans tribes are mainly involved in rearing of Gir cattle. They move with their Figure 1. Breeding tract of Gir cattle.

33 Gaur et al. 23 Figure 2. A Gir calf. Figure 3. A group of Gir calves. cattle from one place to another in search for grazing. Sufficient fodder is available in pastures of the breeding tract from July to December, thereafter animals migrate to the adjoining districts. Weaning of the calves (Figures 2 and 3) has not been practised and milking cows, new born calves and bullocks are not sent for grazing in villages. Milking cows and bullocks (Figure 4) are given some amount of concentrate (1 to 3 kg/day), which is prepared from wheat bran, crushed pulses, grain husk, oil cakes, cotton seed, etc. Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

34 24 Gir cattle of India Figure 4. A prestigious Gir bull. Proper shelter is provided to the animals especially in winter nights. The animals in migration stay in fallow land during the night. Nominal payment (by farmers) is made to the animal owners for their animals to stay in the fields as dung and urine are very precious for the soil fertility. The Gir animals are also kept at different gaushalas (cow barns) in Gujarat State. These animals are maintained on green fodder, concentrates and pasture. Natural mating is practised in the entire breeding tract except on a few farms where artificial insemination takes place. The calving season in Gir cows lasts from July to September. Population The total cattle population of the Gujarat State is 6.24 million, which is about 3.13 percent of India s cattle repository (Dairy India, 1997). The herd size (Figure 5) varies from a few animals (two to five) to relatively larger herds (10 to 20). The size of the migratory herds ranges from 100 to 200. The population of breedable females in the state is 1.78 million including million in Amreli, million in Bhavnagar, million in Rajkot and million in Junagadh districts. The total cattle population of Saurashtra region i.e. breeding tract of Gir cattle is 2.5 million and Gir breed accounts for percent of total cattle population in the region (Anonymous, 2001). Physical Characteristics The coat colour of Gir animals varies from shades of red and white to almost black and white or entire red. Skin colour is dominantly black but in a few animals it is brown. Forehead is prominent, convex and broad like a bony shield. This overhangs eyes in such a way that they appear to be partially closed and the animal shows sloppy appearance. Ears are long and pendulous and folded like a leaf with a notch at the tip. Horns are curved turning back at the tip. They orient downwards and backwards from the base and incline a little upwards and forwards, thereafter. Gir animals have moderately developed dewlap: males have a large and pendulous sheath. The tail is long and whip like; hooves are black and

35 Gaur et al. 25 Table 1. Body weight (kg) at different ages in Gir cattle. Sl. Male Female Overall No. Age N Mean ± S.E. N Mean ± S.E. N Mean ± S.E. 1. At birth ± ± ± months ± ± ± months ± ± ± months ± ± ± At ± ± 8.1 puberty 6. At first ± ± 5.3 calving N: Number of records, S.E. Standard error of the mean. (Source: PDC Annual Report, ). medium-sized; hair is short and glossy; skin is loose and pliable; hipbones are prominent; the body is well proportioned; the udder in cows is well developed and round and teat tips are round. length, diameter and placement averaged 7.28, 2.88 and 3.11 cm, respectively. The distances between front teats and between rear teats averaged 5.57±0.22 and 2.09±0.12 cm, respectively. Morphometric Characteristics Body weights of Gir cattle at different ages are shown in Table 1. Males were heavier than the females at all ages from birth to 12 months of age. Body weight at one year of age was 138 kg in males and 136 kg in females. Kaushik et al. (1980), however, reported lower body weight at birth in Gir cattle. Tripathi et al. (1978), based on 326 Gir cows (Figures 6 and 7), reported average adult body weight as kg, average height at withers as cm, average body length as cm and average heart girth as cm. In a study on 72 Gir cows, Qureshi et al. (1980) observed mean udder length, udder width and udder depth as 53.80±0.40, 50.11±0.40 and 13.61±0.39 cm, respectively. In a herd of 240 cows, Tripathi et al. (1982) reported frequency of bowl shaped, rounded and goat like udders as 59.6, 39.5 and 0.90 percent, respectively. The frequency of cylindrical, funnel shaped and bottle shaped teats was 31.5, 15.4 and 3.1 percent for fore teats and 27.5, 21.2 and 1.4 percent for rear teats, respectively. Teat Reproductive Performance Reproductive performance of Gir heifers and cows is presented in Table 2. Heifers received a lesser number of artificial inseminations for successful conception than cows. Service period and calving interval presented in the table are lower than those reported by Ulmek and Patel (1995). Their values were days for service period and days for calving interval. Singh et al. (1981) observed age at first calving in Gir cows as months. Age at first oestrus, gestation length, age at calving, service period, dry period and calving interval in 57 Gir heifers averaged 1 096, 287, 1 367, 317, 271 and 603 days, respectively (Malik and Ghei, 1977). Production Performance Production performance in Gir cows is presented in Table 3. Two cows (Lalita and Laxmi) produced more than litre of Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

36 26 Gir cattle of India Figure 5. A Gir herd. Table 2. Reproductive performance of Gir cows. Sl. Heifers Cows No. Traits N Mean ± S.E. N Mean ± S.E. 1. Age at first heat (days) ± Age at first calving ± (days) 3. Dry days ± Inter calving period ± 12 (days) 5. Post partum oestrus ± 10 interval (days) 6. Service period (days) ± No. of artificial ± ± 0.1 inseminations per conception N: Number of records, S.E. Standard error of the mean (Source: PDC Annual Report, ) milk in a lactation of 300 days. Nanavati and Qureshi (1996) observed 10±0.10 kg average peak yield and 47±0.83 days to attain the peak in 211 Gir cows. Ulmek and Patel (1993a) reported average lactation and 300 days milk yield in 378 Gir cows as and kg, respectively. They also observed that milk yield was significantly affected by parity and season of calving. Ulmek and Patel (1993b) reported milk yield per day of age at first calving, per day of first calving interval and per day of first lactation length as 1.10±0.04, 4.20±0.14 and 5.54±0.12 kg, respectively. Malik and Ghei

37 Gaur et al. 27 Table 3. Production performance of Gir cows. Sl. No. Characteristics N Mean ± S.E. 1. Lactation period (days) ± Total lactation milk yield (litre) ± days milk yield (litre) ± Milk yield/day of calving ± 0.3 interval (litre) 5. Record 300 days yield (litre) 1 st cow ( Name: Lalita) nd cow (Name: Laxmi) N: Number of records, S.E. Standard error of the mean. (Source: PDC Annual Report, ). Figure 6. A prized Gir cow with calf. (1977) in a study on 57 Gir Hiefers observed 351 days lactation length and kg lactation milk yield. Average fat percentage in the milk of Gir cows ranged between 4.69±0.04 and 4.97±0.02. Disease Pattern/Survivability Gir animals are considered as hardy with low overall mortality. Mortality pattern is presented in Table 4. Highest mortality was observed from birth to one month of age. Female calves had higher mortality than males during this stage. Mortality was very marginal after one year of age. Odedra (1979) has also reported similar calf mortality in Gir animals. Broncho-Pneumonia and Pneumo-Enteritis were the major causes of mortality in calves. A few cases of reproductive disorders i.e. dystokia, abortion, retention of placenta, prolaps have also been noticed in females. Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

38 28 Gir cattle of India Table 4. Mortality pattern in Gir herd. Sl. No. Age group Sex Total death Population at risk Mortality (%) 1. Birth to 1 month Male Female Overall months Male Female Overall months Male Female Overall months Male Female Overall years Male Female Overall Above 2 years Male Female Overall Pooled Male Female Overall (Source: PDC Annual Report, ). Figure 7. A prestigious Gir cow with well developed udder.

39 Gaur et al. 29 Conservation and Genetic Improvement Programmes This breed has been crossed with exotic breeds in All India Coordinated Research Project (Cattle) for the genetic improvement. The major objective of this mega project was to develop a crossbred strain suitable for the existing environmental conditions. The Animal Husbandry Department initiated a genetic improvement programme for Gir animals. Young Gir bulls are being progeny tested under this programme. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) started two projects on Gir cattle, one is executed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) for the conservation of breed and another by the Project Directorate on Cattle (PDC) for genetic improvement. The objectives of the former project are to characterise the breed in terms of qualitative and quantitative traits, to study the molecular genetic characteristics of the breed, develop breed descriptors and conserve the germplasm of elite/unique animals. The latter project aims to undertake testing and selection of bulls for the genetic improvement and to provide superior germplasm for utilisation in other development programmes. References Anonymous Project Coordinator s Report for Network Project on Animal Genetic Resources. Presented on May 2001 at NBAGR, Karnal, Haryana (India). Dairy India th Edition. A25 Priyadarshini Vihar, New Delhi. Kaushik, S.N., Singhal, R.A., Koul, G.L. & Katpatal, B.G Studies on birth weight in Gir cattle. Indian Veterinary Medical Journal 4: Malik, B.S. & Ghei, G.C A note on some production characteristics of Gir cattle. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 47: Nanavati, S. & Qureshi, M.I Study of peak yield and peak day in Gir cattle. Indian Veterinary Journal 73: Odedra, B.A Calf mortality in Gir cattle. Indian Journal of Dairy Science 32: Qureshi, M.I., Taylor, C.M. & Singh, B.N Note on inheritance of udder measurements and their correlation with test milk yield in Gir cows. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 50: Singh, A., Taylor, C.M. & Gurang, B.S Studies on age at first calving in Gir cattle. Livestock Adviser 6: Tripathi, G.S., Koul, G.L. & Katpatal, B.G Predicting weight from body measurements in Gir cattle. Indian Journal of Dairy Science 31: Tripathi, G.S., Koul, G.L. & Katpatal, B.G Biometrical studies on shape and size of udder and teats and their relation with milk yield in Gir cattle. Indian Journal of Dairy Science 35: Ulmek, B.R. & Patel, M.M. 1993a. Genetic study of milk yield in Gir cattle. Journal of Maharashtra Agricultural Universities 18: Ulmek, B.R. & Patel, M.M. 1993b. Milk production efficiency in Gir cattle. Journal of Dairying, Foods and Home Sciences 12: Ulmek, B.R. & Patel, M.M Effect of season on reproduction parameters of Gir cattle. Livestock Adviser 20: Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

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41 31 Conservation of genetic resources of the small populations of domestic animal of the Amazon Region in Brazil J.R.F. Marques 1, M.R. Costa 1, A.A. Egito 2, A. Mariante da S. 2 & M.S.M. Albuquerque 2 1 Embrapa Amazônia Oriental BAGAM/LABGEN, Trav. Dr. Enéas Pinheiro, S/N, Marco, , Belém, Pará, Brazil 2 Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, CENARGEN, Brasília DF, Brazil Summary The Brazilian Amazon is a wide territory totalling 60 percent of the country s area. Of this area, km² is occupied by humans and related activities. This, among other factors, leads to the destruction of the Amazon s natural resources. The area of cut down and degraded forest may range from 5 to 12 percent of the total area. Therefore, many of the Amazon species are at risk of extinction. However, it is deemed urgent to investigate and preserve the threatened animal species. The total number of mammal species in the world is recorded at and there is a great diversity of them in the Amazon, including animals that live on land, water or those that fly. Despite this huge biodiversity, the most relevant species for the human population, are the domestic species, brought to the continent by the first settlers: Portuguese and Spanish. The most important livestock in the Amazon region are cattle, horses, buffaloes, sheep and goats. They occupy all Amazon ecosystems and are of very important consideration for the opening of agricultural frontiers and for influencing the natural ecosystems, since the main reason for the cutting down of large forest areas has been to use them for pastures. This has resulted in an artificial ecosystem of degraded natural environment. The Animal Germplasm Bank of East Amazon (BAGAM) is the animal germplasm bank for the conservation of animal genetic resources of Embrapa East Amazon, and is part of the research project entitled Animal Genetic Resources of East Amazon. The project is formed by two sub-projects: Germplasm bank of animals of interest to the East Region of the Brazilian Amazon and Genetic characterisation of buffaloes in the Brazilian Amazon, through the use of molecular markers. These two sub-projects are linked to the research programme led by CENARGEN, called Conservation and Utilisation of Animal Genetic Resources. Resumen La Amazonia brasileña ocupa 60 por ciento del territorio nacional de Brasil, lo que corresponde a 600 km 2 de área, ocupada por el hombre y culturas. Entretanto, la destrucción de los recursos naturales de la Amazonia es un hecho real. Es posible que la cobertura de la área degradada alcance entre un 5 por ciento y un 12 por ciento del total. Por tanto, la mayor parte de las especies amazónicas están en riesgo de completo desaparecimiento, antes mismo de ser descritas e incluso conocidas. Es difícil prever el futuro de los recursos genéticos animales de la Amazonia, porque es posible usar como ejemplo lo que ha ocurrido en otros continentes, donde el ecosistema era tanto AGRI 2003, 33: 31-40

42 32 Conservation of AnGR in Amazon Region (Brazil) diversificado cuanto el amazónico, y en los días actuales, está alterado o completamente destruido. Es necesario que se haga alguna cosa lo más rápido posible para conocer y preservar las especies animales amenazadas, así como manejarlas para el uso del hombre. Los mamíferos, el más importante grupo para el hombre, suman de todas las especies del mundo, y entre éstos una gran parte está en la Amazonia, incluyendo los animales que viven en la tierra, agua, e incluso los que vuelan. Con toda esa rica biodiversidad, las especies más importantes para el hombre en la región, son los animales domésticos, que llegaron al continente junto con los portugueses y españoles durante el descubrimiento. Las especies más importantes para el hombre son: los bovinos, los equinos, los bufalinos, los ovinos y los caprinos. Se puede decir que los mamíferos ocupan todos los ecosistemas amazónicos y son muy importantes para la abertura de fronteras agrícolas, así como, en la alteración de grandes áreas de la foresta para el uso en la forma de pasturas. Casi siempre ocurre el desarrollo de un ecosistema artificial a partir de la degradación del ambiente natural. El Banco de Germoplasma Animal de la Amazonia (BAGAM), es un núcleo de conservación de recursos genéticos animales de la Embrapa Amazonia Oriental, donde el proyecto intitulado Recursos Genéticos Animales de la Amazonia Oriental es desarrollado, con dos sub-proyectos: Banco de Germoplasma de Animales de Interés de la Amazonia Oriental y Caracterización Genética del Búfalo en la Amazonia através del Uso de Marcadores Moleculares. Este proyecto está conectado al CENARGEN por el Programa de Investigación llamado Conservación y Utilización de los Recursos Genéticos Animales. Keywords: Conservation, Animal Genetic Resources, Domestic Animals, Amazon. Introduction The Brazilian Amazon is a wide region of 5 million km², occupying 60 percent of the total Brazilian territory. From these 5 million km², 1.9 million km² are occupied by dense forests, corresponding to 38 percent of the total; 1.8 km² are occupied by non-dense forests (36 percent); km² are savannahs and natural fields (14 percent), while only the remaining 12 percent, equivalent to km² are occupied (Atlas, 1996). Brazil possesses a total rain forest of 3.57 million km², representing 30 percent of the existing rain forests around the world. The Amazon Basin, possesses 20 percent of all the planet s fresh water and the Amazon river empties the largest water flowing of all existing rivers into the Atlantic Ocean, which means 175 million litres of water/second. There are species of fish living in the Amazon aquatic environment. A total of 700 of those fish species live exclusively in one river: the Black River (Negro), Amazon River direct tributary. Nevertheless, the destruction of the natural resources of the Amazon region is a fact. In the beginning of the 1990s, 41.5 million hectares had already been destroyed. It is possible that the area of knocked down and degraded forest may reach from 5 to 12 percent of the total. There is a direct correlation between these numbers and the animal life, since for each plant species lost, there is the possibility of also losing 30 species of wildlife that depend on that specific plant species. There is even worse statistics showing that the rain forests are being deforested at an incredible rate of km² each year. This figure corresponds to the extension of several Brazilian states altogether. The main causes of destruction are mining (gold, iron, manganese, cassiterite, copper, bauxite, aluminium, etc.), the industrialisation, agriculture, hydroelectric dams, as well the problems created by the Trans-Amazonian Highway and predatory

43 Marques et al. 33 hunting and fishing. Therefore, many of the Amazon species are at risk of extinction, even before being discovered. The scientists state that, around the world, possibly species are decimated each year, which means that one species becomes extinct every six hours. This is even more relevant when it is verified that many threatened animal species are of great socio-economic importance for the production of food, clothes and draft. It is hard to foresee what the future of the animal genetic resources of the Brazilian Amazon Region will be, because it is possible to take, as an example, what has occurred in other continents, where the ecosystems were altered or even completely destroyed. However, it is necessary to do something as soon as possible, in order to know and preserve the threatened animal species, as well as manage them for human utilisation. Amazon Environment and the Great Domestic Animal Groups The Amazon environment is composed of several ecosystems, among them, four are very important: forests, savannahs, fields and sand banks (restingas) or mangrove swamps (manguezais), where there is a sea influence. According to Falesi and Silva (1999), an ecosystem is an integrated unit, constituted of plants and animals that interact with each others, whose existence depends on the maintenance of structures and biotic and abiotic functions, acting along with climate, soil and microorganisms. It is the basic unit of ecology. There are several groups of animals that live in the Amazon ecosystems. The Emilio Goeldi Museum Newsletter called "Destaque Amazônico" has published a review of the main animal groups that inhabit the Amazon region, and related that vertebrates account for of the world animal species (Destaque 1997). Mammals are the most important group for the human population, and account for of all animal species in the world. A great diversity of mammals can be found in the Amazon Region, including the animals that live on land, water or those that fly, in which the rodents and the bats are remarkable in terms of numbers. They live in all ecosystems and ecological niches. In addition to wildlife, among the Amazon mammals, several domestic species were introduced by the first settlers and are nowadays very well adapted to the diverse ecosystems of this region. They have also been included in the economies of the region in a significant way. The introduced domestic species were: cattle, horse, buffalo, sheep as well as goats. Even though there is a large diversity of the mammals in the Amazon, some species, native and/or adapted, such as small monkeys and manatees among the native ones, and buffaloes and horses among the introduced ones, can be considered as threatened of extinction. Besides occupying all Amazon ecosystems, the mammals are a very important means for the opening of new agricultural frontiers as well as for the alteration of natural ecosystems, mainly due to the cutting down of large forest areas, for the formation of pastures. Domestic Animal Small Populations of the Brazilian Amazon (Threatened Animal Populations) Buffaloes and horses are the two domestic species that are threatened, hence discussed here. Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

44 34 Conservation of AnGR in Amazon Region (Brazil) Buffaloes The domestic buffaloes belong to the Bubalus bubalis L. species and they are native to the Asian continent. They were introduced to Brazil at the end of the 19 th century (1895), through the Marajo Island. Today, there is a population of approximately two million heads of buffaloes spreading throughout the country. In Brazil, there are four buffalo breeds: Murrah, Jafarabadi, Mediterrâneo and Carabao as well as the Baio type. The Baio type (Figure 1) and the Carabao (Figure 2) breed constitute small populations at risk of extinction. They need effective care in order not to loose their genotype due to crossbreeding with other breeds, a situation that tends to be intensified as time goes by. Both buffalo genetic groups belong to a project aiming at their genetic conservation (BAGAM - Animal Germplasm Bank of East Amazon). Horses The origin of the horses found on the Marajo Island (Equus caballus) dates back 300 years (around the year of 1702), when the first herds were brought from Cape Verde, by the Portuguese settlers. After that, a great miscegenation among the horses of Arab, Alter and other Portuguese breeds occurred, which originated the Marajoara breed (Figure 3) (Dias, snt). Since then, these animals have been submitted to natural selection and became adapted to the adverse climatic conditions of the region, facing two very distinct seasons: the rainy and the dry. The abundance of haematophagous insects and the mud of the rainy season are compensated by the occurrence of a great variety of pastures. However, since these pastures do not offer them an adequate food balance, they had to develop survival alternatives against energy and protein restrictions. The Marajoara horse Figure 1. Baio buffalo herd

45 Marques et al. 35 Figure 2. Brazilian Carabao buffaloes breed was developed under those conditions. For a long time, this population was submitted to the same conditions as the wild animals. Consequently, they developed a great rusticity. Even though the Marajoara horse is of extreme importance to the region and of fundamental importance to the livestock industry of the Marajo Island, where the management of buffaloes and cattle is extensive, this breed has been crossed with several other horse breeds, recently introduced to the region. Another horse breed developed in these regions is the Puruca mini-horse (Figure 4), originating from crossbreeding between the Shetland pony breed, imported to the Marajo Island at the end of the 19 th century, with other horse breeds, mainly the Marajoara. Today, it is an adapted horse breed, and very important to the work on the farms of the region (Dias, snt; Teixeira, 1985). Animal Germplasm Bank of East Amazon BAGAM BAGAM is the Animal Germplasm Bank for the conservation of animal genetic resources of Embrapa East Amazon, and is a part of a research project entitled Animal Genetic Resources of East Amazon. The project is formed by two sub-projects: Germplasm bank of animals of interest to the East region of the Brazilian Amazon and Genetic characterisation of buffaloes in the Brazilian Amazon, through the use of molecular markers. These two sub-projects are linked to the research programme led by CENARGEN, called Conservation and Utilisation of Animal Genetic Resources. BAGAM was implemented in the Experimental Farm Ermerson Salimos CEMES, at Embrapa East Amazon, and is located at longitude 48º W and at latitude 00º S, in the Marajo Island, at the right margin of the Paracauari river, in Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

46 36 Conservation of AnGR in Amazon Region (Brazil) Figure 3. Marajoara horses Figure 4. Puruca mini-horses

47 Marques et al. 37 Figure 5. View of the Animal Germplasm Bank of East Amazon BAGAM the Salvaterra county, state of Pará, Brazil. The climate at this experimental farm (Figure 5) is considered of the Ami (Koppen) type. The annual average temperature is 27ºC and the annual average rainfall is mm. The main objective of BAGAM is the conservation of germplasm of animals of economic and biological interest, threatened by extinction. Presently, BAGAM shelters two buffalo genetic groups: the Carabao breed and the Baio type, managed "on-farm". In the future, the two mentioned breeds of horses (Marajoara and Puruca) will be included in BAGAM, bearing in mind that both are exposed to a severe extinction process. Results of the Conservation Work Accomplished at BAGAM The results refer to data collected from 1996 to 2000, of the two genetic groups conserved at BAGAM, the buffaloes of the Baio type and of the Carabao breed (Marques, 2001). Initially, both herds presented a critical number of animals, mainly females. The Baio type possessed a total herd of 67 animals, of which 33 are females. Today there are 113 animals of which 67 are females There was, therefore, a growth of 103 percent in the number of females. The Carabao breed presented a similar situation, with a total of 93 animals and only 35 females. Today, the Carabao herd has 123 animals, 63 being females (an increase of 80 percent). During this period, several culling processes had to be made, and this included females. The Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

48 38 Conservation of AnGR in Amazon Region (Brazil) Table 1. Reproductive performance of Carabao buffaloes in the Amazon Region ( ). AFC Breeds/Crosses (months) Carabao 37 ±2.9 (16) ½ Carabao* 36 ±3.6 (41) CI (days) 396 ±29.3 (54) 395 (1) SP (days) 86 ±29.3 (54) 85 (1) PUL (years) 09 ±3.8 (38) 7 (4) BE (%) 89.0 AFC - Age at First Calving; CI - Calving Interval; SP - Service Period; PUL - Productive Useful Life; BE Breeding efficiency; ( ) Observations. Number; * Crosses other buffalo breeds. - Table 2. Reproductive performance of Baio Type buffaloes in the Amazon Region ( ). AFC Breeds/Crosses (months) Baio 35±1.6 (9) 1/2 Baio 36±1.2 (2) CI (days) 385±26.9 (48) 389±28.7 (31) SP (days) PUL (years) BE (%) 75± ± (48) (14) 79±.28.7 (31) - - AFC - Age at First Calving; CI - Calving Interval; SP - Service Period; PUL - Productive Useful Life; BE Breeding efficiency. culling was necessary not only to adjust the size of the herds to the available areas but also to eliminate animals with reproduction problems. The reproductive performance for Carabao and Baio type buffaloes is shown in Tables 1 and 2, respectively. The average birth rate for the studied period was 68 percent for the Carabao breed, and there has been a concentration of 68 percent of the calving at the less rainy season (July-December). The average sex ratio was 1.28:1, or 56.2 percent of males versus 43.8 of females. For this same period, the average birth rate for the Baio was 74 percent, where there was a concentration of percent of the calving at the less rainy season (July-December). The average secondary sex ratio was 1.37:1 or percent of males versus percent of females. Weights at different ages for both herds are presented in Tables 3 and 4. As expected, the Carabao buffaloes were heavier than the Baio type, at all ages. To compare body size of the two breeds, the most important body measurements of adult females were collected. The Carabao females showed the following measurements: height at front, 132 cm; height at back side, 130 cm; body length, 158 cm; croup length, cm; croup width, 24 cm; thoracic perimeter, 207 cm. These were the measurements for the Baio type females: 136 cm; 130 cm; 163 cm; cm; cm; 208 cm, respectively.

49 Marques et al. 39 Table 3. Weights (kg) at different ages of Carabao buffaloes breed raised in the Amazon Region ( ). Age Sex Birth weight Weaning 18 months 24 months Females 31± ± ± ±58.4 (8) (21) (22) (32) Males 31± ± ± ±55.4 (6) (31) (37) (33) ( ) Observations. Number. Adult weight 428±58.3 (61) 674 (2) Table 4. Weights (kg) at different ages of Baio Type buffaloes raised in the Amazon Region ( ). Age Sex Birth weight Weaning 18 months 24 months Adult weight Females 27±5.0 (39) 168±49.4 (36) 206±45.9 (46) 241±46.1 (46) 495±88.2 (19) Males 28±5.2 (25) ( ) Observations. Number. 184±50.5 (20) 195±56.1 (30) 224±58.1 (16) 555±0.0 (1) Table 5. Scrotal Circumference (cm) of Carabao buffaloes breed raised in the Amazon Region ( ). Age Breed Weaning 18 months 24 months Adult Carabao 14.3 ±1.7 (51) ( ) Observations. Number ±2.6 (37) 20.2 ±2.1 (33) 22.8 ±2.6 (27) The morphological description of the Carabao females can be summarised as heavy head with a straight line profile; large open lira shape horns; coat colour from roan to a darker colour; medium and thick neck; medium size body; medium and strong arms and legs; and small udder and teats. The morphological description of the Baio type females is: soft head with a profile varying from a straight line to lightly concave; coat colour varying from a light tonality to a reddish one; short to medium neck; body size and croup width ranging from medium to large; medium and strong arms and legs; udder well inserted, varying from medium to large, presenting medium size teats. Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

50 40 Conservation of AnGR in Amazon Region (Brazil) Table 6. Scrotal circumference (cm) in Baio type raised in the Amazon Region ( ). Age Breed Weaning (cm) 18 months(cm) 24 months (cm) Adult (cm) Baio type 16.2±1.6 (32) ( ) Observations. Number. 18.8±2.6 (35) 20.8±3.3 (15) 23.8±3.4 (08) Data on scrotal circumference at different ages, are presented in Tables 5 and 6 for Carabao and Baio type buffaloes, respectively. The scrotums were measured from weaning until maturity. Adult Carabao and Baio type buffaloes showed an average scrotum circumference of 23.5 and 28 cm, respectively. Final Considerations and Recommendations The immensity of the Amazon shelters the largest biodiversity of the planet. Efforts should be made to coordinate conservation activities, such as the participation of local society, government institutions and NGOs, in view of the little investment and lack of initiatives to gather information and act on the preservation of the natural environment. Therefore, the following is recommended: 1. Description of the current situation of animal genetic resources in the region by identifying the threatened populations. 2. Characterisation of the animal genetic resources found in the region, at all levels, from morphological traits to molecular markers. 3. Conducting a thorough genetic conservation programme, taking into account the management and the sustained use of those animal genetic resources. 4. Creation of biological reservations, focusing on the conservation of the animals of the Amazon region. 5. Invigoration of the existing works and establishment of other animal gene banks in the Amazon region by stimulating investments from the private initiative. References Atlas do Meio Ambiente do Brasil Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária 2 ed., ver. aum. Brasília: EMBRAPA-SPI: Terra viva, pp. 160, ilust. Destaque Amazônia Anfíbios: uma fauna por estudar. Informativo editado pelo Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi/CNPq Ano X - n os 1 e 2 Jan/ Abr., Dias, C. snt. Condicionamentos Históricos e Ecológicos; Estatuto, Regulamento do Registro Genealógico do Padrão Racial; Tabela de Pontos da ABCCRM. (Associação Rural Pecuária do Pará), pp. 25. Falesi, I.C. & Silva, B.N.R. da Ecossistema de várzeas da região do Baixo Amazonas. Belém: Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, pp. 75. Marques, J.R.F Conservation of genetic resources and the small animal populations of Amazon. In: Global conference on conservation of domestic animal genetic resources, 5., 2000, Brasília. Proceedings, Brasília: CENARGEN, CD-ROM. Conference, pal 107 (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology. Doc. 49). CDD , pp. 8 Teixeira, J.C.O O Cavalo, Origem e Evolução. Cavalo Marajoara, v.11, pp. 8.

51 41 Conservation of livestock genetic resources in Euskadi (Basque Country) M. Gómez 1 & I. Amezaga 2 1 Servicio de Ganadería, Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, Avda. Lehendakari Agirre nº 9, 2º Bilbao, Spain 2 Landare Biologia eta Ekologia saila, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Sarriena auzoa. z/g Leioa, Spain Summary This study presents the actual Basque livestock breed situation. The breeds described are: Betizu, Monchina, Pirenaica and Terreña (bovines); the Asno de las Encartaciones (donkey), Caballo de monte del País Vasco and the Pottoka horse (horses); Carranzana black face and blond face, Latxa black face and blond face and Sasi ardi (sheep); Azpi gorri (goat); Chato vitoriano and Euskal txerria (pigs); Erbi txakurra, Euskal artzain txakurra (shepherd dogs) with two varieties: Gorbeiakoa and Iletsua; Villano de las Encartaciones (cattle dog) and Villanuco de las Encartaciones (dog); Euskal antzara (goose) and the five varieties of the Basque poultry: Beltza, Gorria, Lepasoila, Marraduna and Zilarra (chicken). The conservation study shows that farmers need these animals. A programme is needed to develop these breeds in natural parks to assure their survival. In this way the society gets to know the Basque livestock heritage. At the same time, it aims at presenting the in vivo conservation and the work carried out by the Association Euskal abereak the umbrella of more than 20 societies that work on the conservation and recovery of Basque native breeds. Resumen En este estudio presentamos la situación actual de las razas autóctonas vascas, así como la puesta en marcha de estudios de investigación sobre las mismas. Las razas descritas son: Betizu, Monchina, Pirenaica y Terreña (bóvidos); Asno de las Encartaciones, Caballo de monte del País Vasco y Pottoka (équidos) y Carranzana cara negra y cara rubia, Latxa cara negra y cara rubia y Sasi ardi (óvidos); Azpi gorri (cáprido); Chato vitoriano y Euskal txerria (suidos); Erbi txakurra, Euskal artzain txakurra con dos variedades: Gorbeiakoa e Iletsua; Villano de las Encartaciones (perro boyero) y Villanuco de las Encartaciones (perros); Euskal antzara (ocas) y las cinco variedades de Euskal oiloa: Beltza, Gorria, Lepasoila, Marraduna y Zilarra (aves). El estudio de conservación auspicia la necesidad de contar con ganaderos que crían animales vivos y la posibilidad de un programa de desarrollo de las razas en parques naturales que asegure su supervivencia y sirva para que la población conozca esta parte del patrimonio ganadero vasco. Por otra parte trata de combinar la conservación in vivo con el trabajo de la Asociación Euskal abereak que agrupa a las más de 20 asociaciones que trabajan en la conservación y recuperación de las razas autóctonas vascas. Keywords: Basque Livestock Breeds, Conservation, Breeder Associations. AGRI 2003, 33: 41-55

52 42 Conservation of livestock in Eusakadi Introduction The study of the domestic breeds is based on identification, evaluation, efficient use and conservation of the animal genetic resources. Such activities are being supported by FAO, the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992 and the regulations concerning breed conservation of the European Community. FAO defines a breed as: "either a subspecific group of domestic livestock with definable and identifiable external characteristics that enable it to be separated by visual appraisal from other similarly defined groups within the same species or a group for which geographical and/or cultural separation from phenotypically similar groups has led to acceptance of its separate identity". Among the reasons to conserve promulgated by FAO are: economic, today it may not be of interest to protect a breed but it could be in the future; scientific, a breed or population must not be lost because it can be interesting to study, historical and cultural. Euskal Herria or the Basque Country is formed by the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC) that includes three historical territories: Bizkaia, Araba and Gipuzkoa, and since 1979 has the ble 1. Basque native livestock breeds. Species Name of the breed Area where raised Cattle 1. Betizu* 2. Monchina* 3. Pirenaica 4. Terreña* BI and GI Las Encartaciones (BI) BAC BI and AR Goat 5. Azpi Gorri * BI Sheep 6. Carranzana black face* 7. Carranzana blond face 8. Latxa black face 9. Latxa blond face 10. Sasi Ardi* Horses Pig Sheep and cattle dogs Poultry 11. Asno de las Encartaciones* 12. Pottoka* 13. Caballo de monte del País Vasco 14. Chato vitoriano** 15. Euskal txerria 16. Erbi txakurra 17. Euskal Artzain Txakurra Gorbeiakoa* 18. Euskal Artzain Txakurra Iletsua* 19. Pachón de Vitoria o navarro 20. Villano de las Encartaciones* 21. Villanuco de las Encartaciones* 22. Euskal antzara* 23. Euskal Oiloa Beltza* 24. Euskal Oiloa Gorria* 25. Euskal Oiloa Lepasoila* 26. Euskal Oiloa Marraduna* 27. Euskal Oiloa Zilarra* BAC=Basque Autonomous Community; AR=Araba; BI=Bizkaia; and GI=Gipuzkoa; *Endangered breed; **Near to extinction breed. Las Encartaciones (BI) Las Encartaciones (BI) BAC BAC BI and GI Las Encartaciones (BI) BAC AR AR BI and GI BI BI and AR BAC AR Las Encartaciones (BI) Las Encartaciones (BI) Las Encartaciones (BI) BI and GI BI and GI BI and GI BI and GI BI and GI

53 Gómez & Amezaga 43 status of autonomy allowing a degree of self-government; Nafarroa and the Basque-French side (Department of the Atlantic Pyrenees) (Figure 1). The BAC has a human population of (1998 data), covers km² and has a density of 283 inhabitants per km². The peculiar orography of the BAC and the conservasionist approach towards customs and traditions by the Basque shepherds and cattle raisers have permitted the conservation of many breeds that appeared to be represented in the Neolithic ( years BC) (Table 1). The aim of this study was to show the situation of the different native breeds in the Basque Country. Cattle Betizu Geographical area Few individuals have survived the crossing with other meat producing cattle breeds. There are a few populations in Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, Nafarroa and the Basque-French side (Figure 1). The situation is very critical and near extinction. General characteristics The betizu word originates from the Basque language where it means, Behi= cow, izua= shy, due to the semi-wild nature of Figure 1. Situation of Basque Autonomous Community within the Basque Country, Spain and Europe. Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

54 44 Conservation of livestock in Eusakadi these animals that hide in forest areas. The height of the withers in males is around 130 cm and 120 cm in females. Average weight for males is between kg and 350 kg for females. The front is more developed than the back. It is a tawny colour with absence of pigmentation in mucous and hoof. The natural reproductive cycle is associated with the seasons and calving takes place once every two years. Aptitudes Apart from their characteristic of great rusticity, this breed presents an historical and traditional value in the Basques mountains, as it has special characteristics for marginal areas and mountains. Monchina Geographical area This group of bovines originates from Southwest Bizkaia and Southeast Cantabria where most animals are located. In other areas like the Northwest of Araba and North of Burgos, some individuals are present in most cases crossed with other breeds. General characteristics This is a wild or semi-mild breed that is extensively exploited. It inhabits forested rough mountains with pasture. Animals are rustic and small which belong to the group of chestnut and concave bovines. It is worth pointing out that they have a maternal character. They are small in size (the height of the wither in males is around 130 cm and 120 cm in females) and predominantly chestnut red or marine red; with a black switch in the tail, black ring around the eye and, a lighter colour on the forehead, blackline or top-line and fringe. They have small horns, which are, white at the base and black at the tip and shaped like brackets. The weight is around 150 kg for females and 200 kg for males. Aptitudes They are wild cattle that attack and charge down on, qualities that have been used traditionally in bullfighting in local or family fiestas, where females are used more often than males. Pirenaica This is the bovine breed most extensively used in the BAC as a meat producer. The animals are medium-sized animals with straight profiles and long-bodied proportions. They are of blond cape that ranges from corn-coloured to cream. The exploitation system used is a mixed one, making use of mountain pastures. Terreña Geographical area Two types can be differentiated: the Gorbean Terreña and the Terreña of the Sierra Salvada or the Peña, Northwest of Araba. The first group is located in the Gorbea Natural Park and the peripheral towns between Bizkaia and Araba. The animals are small in size and rustic. The type from Sierra is chestnut coloured, bigger in size and located in Araba. General characteristics These animals are rustic, strong and harmonious (Figure 2). The cape colour is chestnut with different tones. They have black or grey colour mucous. They almost never grow more than 142 cm in height. They have fine white horns with black tips. Females have cream colour breasts with hairs.

55 Gómez & Amezaga 45 Figure 2. Terreña cow. Aptitudes The traditional use, mainly for the oxens, has been to help in agrarian work. Sheep Carranzana (black face and blond face) Sometimes the breed is incorrectly named Vasca (Basque). Its origin is in the Carranza valley in the Encartaciones region of Bizkaia. Ewes are great milk producers together with Latxa sheep. The milk is often used in the manufacturing of the Idiazabal cheese (denomination of origin). The sheep are bigger in size than the Latxa and have big and drooping ears; they have a convex or ultraconvex profile, with long-line proportions without ribbon (Figure 3). They do not have a tuft of wool in the anterior part of the neck. There are two varieties; black face and blond face. The black face is nearly extinct. There are only five flocks left with 250 sheep in total. Latxa (black face and blond face) The origin of the Latxa word is from the Basque language where it means rough, in view of the rough quality of its wool. The ewes are great milk producers and the milk is used to make the Idiazabal cheese (denomination of origin). The animals are medium- or small-sized, with horns, ribbon, and with a peculiar and long tuft of wool. The head profile is straight or subconvex. They have medium-sized and horizontal ears. There are two types: black face and blond face and are located in all sheep producing areas of the Basque Country. Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

56 46 Conservation of livestock in Eusakadi Figure 3. Carranzana (black face) sheep. Sasi ardi The Sasi ardi name originated from the Basque language where it means, sasi = bramble or thicket and ardi = sheep due to the fact that the sheep are mostly located in this type of vegetation. They are feral animals with a slight gregarious attitude. They originate from between Oiartzun to Leizaran and from Hernani to Goizueta between Gipuzkoa and Nafarroa. They have a hairless neck, without wool and have long legs. They are not milked because all the milk is for the lambs. Lambing takes place at the end of January. They have a good maternal capacity. At the beginning of April the sheep are moved to the mountains where they are kept in an extensive state and remain there until the end of November when they are gathered for lambing. They have a triangular head which is stiff and have small ears; they have a straight profile, popping eyes, open chest without tufts of wool, fine legs, with or without horns and have a very slight gregarious sense. Goat Azpi gorri The Azpi gorri goat belongs to the Pirinees breed and has been selected for centuries by goat breeders in some Basque mountains. The animals are of medium size and have a straight profile and aegagrus type horns which lean backwards; a black cape with chestnut patches in the abdomen, head and extremities; they are a mixed type of exploitation, mainly with sheep; and are used for meat and milk production.

57 Gómez & Amezaga 47 Donkey, Horse and Pony Asno de las Encartaciones The Asno de las Encartaciones (donkey) originates from an area located in the Encartaciones zone of Bizkaia, although until recently they were extended throughout the whole historical territory. The mechanisation of most of the agricultural work has made this commonly used animal almost extinct. The animals are small in size, proportionate and balanced. They have a red chestnut cape, sometimes with splashed white on the scapulas and vertebrate (Figures 5 and 6). At present, they are close to extinction. Caballo de monte del País Vasco The Caballo de monte del País Vasco (horse) originated from Araba. It is small- or medium-sized, but strong and rustic and can be used for meat. In all the varieties the predominant coat colour is chestnut and sorrel, and in a lower proportion black, golden and roan. They are of medium weight and the outline is straight-subconcave. Pottoka Geographical area The Pottoka is the equine native breed of the Basque Country. Its origin goes back to more than years as shown in cave paintings. They live in wild flocks organised in a hierarchy where the leader is the stud boss. General characteristics It is a pony with an acceptable general shape that can be defined as elipometric, subconcave, and of a short-line animal. The head profile varies from straight to Figure 4. Azpi gorri (goat). Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

58 48 Conservation of livestock in Eusakadi Figure 5. Asno de las Encartaciones (donkey) Figure 6. Asno de las Encartaciones (donkey)

59 Gómez & Amezaga 49 subconcave and the face is straight. The capes are black, liver chestnut, pied-bald, and skewbald. Aptitudes Until a few years ago, once a year, these horses were gathered together by the farmers who used them for exploiting communal pastures. These animals can be described as strong, fast, rustic, strong, docile and good for hunting, riding, walking and jumping. These latter uses are the ones that help to conserve this breed. Pig Chato vitoriano Geographical Area Its pre-historical predecessor was represented by Sus vitatus, that belongs to the Celtic origin line. Originated from Araba, the animals spread to the rest of the Basque Country, La Rioja and Burgos. At present it is extinct. General characteristics Hypermetric animals with cephalic concave or ultra-concave profiles and sublongline (Figure 7). It has white rosy uniform cape colour. Average withers height is 90 cm. They animals have a short and straight head. At maturity they weigh more than 300 kg. Figure 7. Chato vitoriano Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

60 50 Conservation of livestock in Eusakadi Aptitudes Very precocious, produce high lean content meat, great rusticity and fecundity. Euskal txerria Their origin is in the Celtic stock, related to already disappeared breeds such as the Chato vitoriano and the Baztanesa. It is a rustic breed, well adapted to herds and of late development. In the past, this breed was present in different territories of the Basque Country. Nowadays, in the BAC it is only found in Bidegoian in Gipuzkoa and in Zalla in Bizkaia. The animals have a black spotted coat, with well-defined black spots on the head and hindquarters, including the croup, and the back with no spots. The head is big, long and the outline straight. They have big hanging ears, close to the base, horizontal and falling on the eyes. The back is slightly bent with a narrow, short and descending croup. Sheep and Cattle Dogs Erbi Txakurra They are dogs for hunting and tracking. Their origin is in the BAC, where historically there has been a centenary tradition of hunting with these dogs. They seem to be a descendant of the Celtic scent hound; they have a good sense of smell, are strong and very rough. They are traditionally used for hare, wild boar and roe deer hunting. Synonymous: sabueso navarro, braco vasco, braco navarro, braco vizcaíno. Their coat is white on the paws, chest, prominent and forehead, the rest is orange. They are not very big dogs. They have medium-sized ears and the nose is extended. The body has a tendency to be extended, i.e. long bodied. They have thin tails which are straight and fall downwards, the tip is white and they have double dew claws in the hindlegs. The first monograph of this breed was made in Elorrio (Bizkaia) on 2 September 2001, with 29 dogs. Euskal artzain txakurra (Gorbeiakoa and Iletsua) These dogs are used by the Basque shepherds as flock carers mainly with sheep although also used with cattle, horses and goats and as farm guards. There are two types: the Gorbeiakoa, which is distributed in the towns inside the Gorbeia Natural Park (South of Bizkaia and North of Araba); they have a fire-red face colour and have an average height of 54 cm. The other variety, Iletsua is distributed uniformly throughout the Basque Country. They are blond and sand cape colours. The average height is 54 cm. Both types are of eumetric weights. Villano de las Encartaciones These are prey dogs which originated from the Encartaciones in Bizkaia and areas near Cantabria, Araba and Burgos. They have been used from old times by farmers to catch the wild Monchina cattle in the mountains. They have typical reddish-grey cape colour (Figure 8). Mean height is 59 cm. They are subhypermetric, mesocephalic and longlined animals. Villanuco de las Encartaciones These are buzzard dogs which originated in the Encartaciones in Bizkaia and are small in size, have sharp hearing and are very agile. They are very much appreciated as pets and for guarding.

61 Gómez & Amezaga 51 Figure 8. Villano de las Encartaciones (prey dog). Poultry Euskal antzara These are grey coloured geese, with darker and lighter stripes wings and chest sides, the ventral part being white. There are many bibliographic references that date back to the 19 th century in relation to these birds as there are several painters and photographers that have left graphic evidence of this breed. This goose has no dewlap nor crest. The plumage is abundant, dense and tight on the back and chest, but less dense on the coccyx and thighs (Figure 9). The eggs have a minimum weight of 160 g; and the shell is white. The weight of the male varies between 7 and 9 kg and that of the female between 6 and 8 kg. The situation is critical and most of the birds are maintained in the Encartaciones in Bizkaia. Euskal oiloa (beltza, gorria, lepasoila, marraduna and zilarra) Geographical area Evenly distributed in Basque farms in Bizkaia, Araba and Gipuzkoa. In 1984 the Basque Government started up in the Fraisoro Agrarian School (Gipuzkoa), a programme which is called Programme for the selection and improvement of the Euskal Oiloa breed. General characteristics The recovery of this breed was started by Fernando Orozco in 1975 after he saw the extreme situation in which the native Basque farm poultry breeds lived. As in the Basque Country there has always been a preference for the dark-shell eggs produced by the native breeds. White shell egg Leghornhybrid was not a challenge to the native Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

62 52 Conservation of livestock in Eusakadi Figure 9. Euskal antzara. breeds until when the commercial firms began producing hybrids with dark-shell eggs. There are five types, all of them with the same basic morphological constitution: Beltza (black with greenish patches), Gorria (red), Lepasoila (naked-neck), Marraduna (with red strips) and Zilarra (silver colour). The common characteristics in all of them are typical of the Atlantic type of European chicken: medium weight, average production, dark egg-shell, red ear, small and simple comb and yellow legs (Figure 10). An already extinct breed is the Llodiana" or "Blond from Araba". Aptitudes Mean production of 200 dark eggs with an average weight of 61 g. Due to its medium weight it is used in meat production, reaching a liveweight of 2 kg at 13 weeks of age under farm conditions. The birds are also well-known for their use in ornamental aviculture and their feathers in the production of artificial flies for fishing hooks. Association Euskal Abereak Recently, an association named Euskal Abereak has been formed which includes more than 20 Basque farmer associations that breed Basque native breeds. This Association comprises approximately farmers with more than animals with the main aim to join efforts in order to continue recuperating the Basque breeds from extinction, as well as to divulge a beautiful legate of our ancestors. The web site: contains information on the Association and the Basque breeds.

63 Gómez & Amezaga 53 Figure 10. Euskal oiloa. Programme for Conservation Farmers defending their native breeds, breeder associations, the Department of Agriculture of the Basque Government and the County Councils of Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa and Araba started research projects some years ago that have helped to increase the knowledge about these breeds through the study of their characteristics, and also to prevent their extinction. At present, there are various conservation programmes thanks to the understanding between the Basque Administration and the farmer associations of the different breeds. Thanks to these initiatives, there are a few conservation and genetic improvement centres for some of the breeds as is the case of Pottoka, Euskal artzain txakurra, Villano de las Encartaciones and Euskal oiloa. In the past years, similar projects have included the Asno de las Encartaciones, and the Betizu and Terreña cattle. Funding is also provided to research projects, genetic and reproductive improvement plans as well as promotion and breeding. There is also conservation of cryogenic elements in a sperm and embryo bank where the future of the breeds is assured. There are 215 semen doses from a Betizu bull, frozen since 1989 thanks to collaboration between a farmer and a local enterprise. For the Terreña there are doses frozen from 11 different bulls and 60 embryos. This type of measure will increase for various breeds in the future through the agreements between the farmer associations and the Basque Administration. There are also some proposals to include conservation flocks and herds of the endangered breeds in the Basque Natural Park Net. As it is clear that the conservation of breeds is not the same as conserving the genes the cattle fairs specialised in a specific native breed are increasing. These allow the public in general to admire and understand more fully the importance of protecting this part of our cultural inheritance. Conclusions The conservation of the native genetic resources could increase the economic or productive value in the relatively near future. In any case, the historical or cultural aspects are still the key. The preservation of the genetic resources of native local breeds will give us the possibility to use them in education programmes that could be developed combining on the one hand, the conservation point of view as part of the cultural legacy of each town, and on the other hand, offering the urban people high quality products integrated into the landscape or as pets. Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

64 54 Conservation of livestock in Eusakadi References Aparicio, G Raza Vasco-Navarra. Razas porcinas españolas. Zootécnia especial, Arciniega, A. & Ferreras, G Ganadería Vasca, vol. I, Zootécnia. Estudio etnológico y biométrico de las razas mayores del País. Excma. Diputación de Vizcaya, Echevarría, T Raza vacuna Pirenaica. Tesis doctoral. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de Zaragoza, pp FAO Executive Brief. The global strategy for the management of farm animal genetic resources. Rome, Italy Gómez, M El Villano de las Encartaciones. Madrid, Guau: 61, Gómez, M El Euskal Artzain Txakurra: Descripción y tipificación racial. Tesis doctoral. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, pp Gómez, M Euskal Herriko bertako arrazak: katalogo etnologikoa-razas autóctonas vascas: catálogo etnológico. Gobierno Vasco. Vitoria-Gasteiz, pp. 43. Gómez, M Primera monográfica de la raza aviar Euskal oiloa. Arte avícola. Valls (Tarragona) : 4-6. Gómez, M., Gorostiza, P.J. & Urarte, E Programa de Conservación de las Razas de Ovino y Caprino Vascas en Peligro de Extinción. Avances en Alimentación y Mejora Animal 39-2º. Vitoria-Gasteiz, Gómez, M. & Hernández, J Programa de Conservación de la raza: Asno de las Encartaciones, en Euskadi. Tercer Coloquio Internacional sobre Équidos de Trabajos. México, Gómez, M., Orive, J.R. & Reta, M Las razas porcinas autóctonas de Euskal Herria. Porci 61: Gómez, M., Plazaola, J.Mª & Seiliez, J.P The Betizu Cattle of the Basque Country. Animal Genetic Resources Information Bulletin (AGRI). FAO, 22: 1-5. González, F.J Contribución al conocimiento de poblaciones vacunas marginales en las provincias de Álava y Vizcaya: Agrupaciones bovinas Monchina y Terreña, pp González, P., Lauzurica, J. & Ugarte, C Las agrupaciones bovinas Monchina y Terreña. Feria Internacional Ganadera. Zafra. Maguregui, B., Albizua, J.J. & Gómez, M Estudio zoométrico-faneróptico del Pottoka. Feria Internacional Ganadera. Zafra, 1-5. Odriozola, M El cerdo vitoriano y otros grupos nacionales. Estudios en el cebadero de Porriño, 2º. INIA. Madrid Orozco, F Razas de gallinas españolas: MAPA. Servicio de extensión agraria. Ediciones Mundi-Prensa. Madrid, Orozco, F Utilización de marcadores genéticos en estudio de razas de animales. Su problemática. Archivos de Zootecnia 50: Universidad de Córdoba. Sánchez, L., Gómez, M. & Fernández, M Situación actual de las razas bovinas en el Noroeste español. Bovis 81:

65 Gómez & Amezaga 55 Seiliez, J.P Quelques notes sur les betiso. Bulletin du Musée Basque 67: Seiliez, J.P La grande faune Pyrénéeune et des montagnes d Europe. Université de Pau, Urarte, E La raza Latxa: sistemas de producción y características reproductivas. Tesis doctorales nº 1. Gobierno Vasco. Vitoria-Gasteiz, pp Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

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67 57 Iniciativas de conservación la cabra de raza Bermeya de Asturias P. Figueroa 1, I. Fernández 2, E. Gómez 2, L.J. Royo 2, I. Álvarez 2 & F. Goyache 2 1 ACRIBER, Edfo. del Ayto., Alles, Peñamellera Alta, Spain 2 SERIDA-CENSYRA, C/ Camino de los Claveles 604, Gijón, Spain Resumen En este trabajo se describe la cabra de raza Bermeya de Asturias (norte de España). Es una raza de capa rubia que constituyó hasta mediados del siglo XX la población caprina más importante de la rama occidental de la Cornisa Cantábrica española. Los reproductores adultos de esta raza presentan pesos medios de 64 kg en los machos y 42 kg en las hembras. La alzada a la cruz media es de 81 cm en los machos y 74 en las hembras. La longitud escápulo isquiática es, respectivamente, de 75 y 71 cm. Se ha realizado una encuesta en 27 explotaciones inscritas en el Libro Genealógico de la raza para estimar el riesgo estructural que presenta la población. La encuesta caracterizó las condiciones estructurales y socioeconómicas que comprendían la composición del rebaño, la base territorial, instalaciones y maquinaria, la alimentación del ganado, manejo y gestión de reproductores, producciones, destino de la producción y comercialización, estado sanitario, aspectos sociales de la explotación, e ingresos y primas. El sistema productivo en que se desenvuelve la raza Bermeya resulta especialmente frágil: las explotaciones son de pequeña dimensión y con un acusado componente tradicional; las producciones caprinas pueden no resultar competitivas si no existe un decidido apoyo de las administraciones al mantenimiento de esta actividad. Los ganaderos que mantienen ganado de raza Bermeya son fundamentalmente jóvenes y serían receptivos a una acción sostenida de la administración. Summary This paper describes the Bermeya goat breed of Asturias (Northern Spain). This breed was the major local goat population in the Spanish Cantabric Branch. Adult males average 64 kg for live weight, 81 cm for height at withers and 75 cm for body length. Adult females average 42 kg for live weight, 74 cm for height at withers and 71 cm for body length. A questionnaire was carried out, including a total of 90 questions, in 27 Bermeya farms to assess the structural risk affecting the Bermeya goat breed of Asturias. The questionnaire aimed at describing the livestock composition of the farms, the territorial basis, the facilities of the farms, the feed and management of the flock, production, health of the animals, and the social and economic aspects of the farms. The farms exploiting Bermeya goats are not solidly based. Farms are of small size and are managed in a very traditional way; so, they can not be competitive in market conditions. Since maintaining the traditional uses of the land is an important goal for conservationists, shepherds and herds of goats should be supported by Public Administrations. The Bermeya farmers are still young and they should react positively to a long-term decision of the administration. Keywords: Conservation, Structural risk, Production system. AGRI 2003, 33: 57-71

68 58 La cabra Bermeya de Asturias Introducción La cabra Bermeya fue descrita por Aparicio (1944) como uno de los biotipos diferenciados de la Agrupación Serrana de la Cornisa Cantábrica. En estos momentos, los efectivos de la raza se encuentran fundamentalmente en Asturias (Figura 1). Asturias es una región de condiciones orográficas difíciles, en la que sólo el 10% de la superficie presenta pendientes menores del 10%. La cabra Bermeya se explota en el sur montañoso de la región en zonas consideradas de clima frío con temperaturas medias anuales inferiores a los 10ºC y precipitaciones medias anuales superiores a los ml/m 2. Tradicionalmente, la cabra Bermeya ha sido explotada para la obtención de cabritos en pastoreo extensivo, o bien para la producción de leche destinada a la fabricación de quesos tradicionales como los de Cabrales o Gamonedo en las majadas del área de influencia del Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa. La cabra Bermeya no ha recibido una atención especial por parte de criadores y administraciones públicas hasta tiempos recientes. Actualmente la raza Bermeya está incluida, como raza de protección especial, en el Real Decreto 1662/1997, de 7 de noviembre, por el que se actualiza el Catálogo Oficial de Razas de Ganado de España. Los Criadores de animales de esta raza constituyeron ACRIBER (Asociación de Criadores de Cabra Bermeya y Oveya de los Picos), en 1998, Asociación que ha sido reconocida oficialmente por Gobierno del Principado de Asturias para la gestión del Libro Genealógico de la raza. Figura 1. Situación Geográfica de Asturias y de las explotaciones de la cabra Bermeya encuestadas.

69 Figueroa et al. 59 Iniciativas de Conservación Los animales de raza Bermeya eran predominantes en Asturias hasta los años 40 del siglo XX (Alvarez Sevilla, 2001). Sus efectivos entraron en recesión a partir de entonces por la introducción de machos de tipo Pirenáico, predominantes en la parte Oriental de la Cornisa Cantábrica española. A finales de los 60 el ganado Bermeyo sería minoritario en zonas de especial importancia en la explotación caprina en Asturias como Cabrales, Onís o Peñamellera Alta. A la introducción de razas foráneas se sumó el progresivo abandono de la explotación de pequeños rumiantes que fue general en Asturias por causa del envejecimiento y disminución de la población rural, el abandono de la explotación de los recursos naturales de amplias zonas del sur de la región y el desinterés de los ganaderos ante la falta de diferenciación de la raza y sus producciones. En la actualidad la explotación de ganado caprino tiene en Asturias (norte de España) una importancia marginal. Los últimos censos disponibles (SADEI, 1999) cifran el número total de cabezas de ganado caprino en , de las que son hembras reproductoras, lo que supone un 3,9% de las Unidades de Ganado Mayor bovinas que existen en la región. En el año 1997, la Consejería de Agricultura del Gobierno del Principado de Asturias realizó un censo provisional de cabras que cumplían con el prototipo racial de la cabra Bermeya en los Concejos del Oriente de Asturias en que la explotación de ganado caprino tiene más importancia. Aunque este trabajo no puede considerarse ni exhaustivo ni absolutamente preciso, sus resultados fueron concluyentes: se encontraron 574 animales de fenotipo Bermeyo distribuidos en 98 explotaciones de esos Concejos; el total de animales presentes en esas explotaciones era de 4.363, por lo que los animales de población Bermeya resultaban ser el 13% de los presentes. La Cabra Bermeya ha sufrido una difícil situación de cuello de botella de la que ahora pretende salir por el interés de sus criadores asociados en ACRIBER. La asociación de criadores intenta identificar animales y rebaños aislados promoviendo la cría en raza pura. Los datos acumulados del Libro Genealógico de la cabra Bermeya gestionado por ACRIBER reflejan la inscripción de un total de 69 ganaderías y animales. La recuperación de animales se ha realizado por todo el territorio de la región incluyendo rebaños aislados en el occidente de la región que pueden constituir una subpoblación dentro de la raza debido a su aislamiento reproductivo respecto de la población Oriental. Características Morfológicas El prototipo racial aprobado por ACRIBER se encuentra en la tabla 1. Zoometría Los reproductores de raza Bermeya han sido caracterizados morfológicamente (Figueroa et al., 2000) para peso vivo y las principales medidas corporales. Los estadísticos más importantes en la descripción morfológica de la raza Bermeya han sido calculados utilizando el programa SAS (1999) y se encuentran en las Tablas 2 y 3. El peso medio de los animales de raza Bermeya fue de 45,2 kg con diferencias significativas entre machos (Figuras 2 y 5) y hembras (Figura 5). Los reproductores de raza Bermeya parecen aumentar su tamaño hasta los 5 años de edad, a la que se llega con pesos de alrededor de 60 kg para las hembras y de unos 70 kg para los machos. Los resultados de las medidas corporales realizadas a los reproductores de cabra Bemeya se encuentran en la Tabla 3 detallados por sexo y edad del reproductor. Los animales de cabra Bermeya se configuran como animales ligeramente Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

70 60 La cabra Bermeya de Asturias Tabla 1. Prototipo racial la cabra de raza Bermeya de Asturias aprobado por la Asociación de Criadores de Cabra Bermeya y Oveya de los Picos (ACRIBER). Aspecto general Cabeza Ojos Orejas Hocico Cuello Tronco Miembros y aplomos Piel Mama Testículos Capa y Pelo Grupa y Cola Cuernos Animales eumétricos, muy ágiles, vivos, andariegos y llamativos por su belleza De buenas proporciones, de forma triangular y perfil subconvexo. Los machos presentan perilla manifiesta Grandes y muy expresivos, normalmente de color castaño y a veces de color azul claro. Arcadas orbitarias salientes De tamaño mediano, horizontales, finas y vivaces Sonrosado y sin manchas Largo y firme, más desarrollado en los machos. Frecuente presencia de mamellas Mediolíneo, tórax profundo, costillar amplio y bien arqueado, y vientre bien desarrollado. Fuertes, secos, con pezuñas de tamaño intermedio. Fina y sin pliegues Mediana y bien implantada con los pezones de tamaño medio dirigidos hacia delante y hacia fuera Bien desarrollados Los cabritos nacen de color acastañado para tomar una capa uniforme de color rojo encendido, con variaciones que van desde el amarillo rojizo al rojo acastañado. Hay ejemplares que pueden presentar un listón más oscuro, hasta el caoba, en la línea dorso-lumbar. Nunca presentan pelos negros en el tercio posterior del tronco ni en la grupa, ni pelos de color blanco. El pelo suele ser corto y fino con ejemplares, más frecuentemente machos, que presentan pelos largos y de coloración degradada a lo largo de la línea dorso-lumbar, muslos y piernas y, menos frecuentemente, en la espalda y el antebrazo Grupa larga e inclinada. Cola corta y levantada Dirigidos de adelante hacia atrás y de arriba abajo, fuertes, de sección triangular, y abiertos en la parte final. Se aceptan hembras con los cuernos dirigidos hacia arriba y hacia fuera cuando inician una curvatura hacia abajo. Pueden aparecer hembras acornes con baja frecuencia. En hembras viejas la curvatura del cuerno es más acusada y, excepcionalmente en hembras y más frecuentemente en machos, los cuernos pueden completar una espiral sobre sí mismos. ensillados, con una alzada a la cruz 1,5 centímetros inferior a la alzada a los iliones, profundos y compactos, que adquieren el tamaño adulto a partir de los 3 años de edad. Se calcularon coeficientes de regresión para el cálculo del perímetro torácico a partir de otras medidas corporales corrigiendo para el efecto de la edad y el sexo del animal. Las variables de mayor influencia resultaron ser la profundidad de pecho, la longitud escápulo isquiática y la anchura entre iliones, con coeficientes de 0,94, 0,38 y 0,37 respectivamente. Los valores calculados

71 Figueroa et al. 61 Tabla 2. Estadísticos más importantes en la descripción del peso vivo (en kg) de los reproductores de raza Bermeya Número Media D.T. Total 73 45,2 8,2 Machos 10 64,2 ª 17,1 Hembras 63 42,1 b 13,4 1 año 21 28,6 g 8,1 2 años 11 39,2 efg 6,3 Hembras 3 años 12 46,0 def 7,8 4 años 7 50,1 cde 4,5 5 años 8 59,4 bcd 8,1 Más de 5 años 4 58,8 bcd 5,0 4 años 5 61,0 bc 16,0 Machos 5 años 3 68,8 ab 14,5 Más de 5 años 2 78,8 ª 0,4 Figura 2. Macho cabrio de raza Bermeya de Asturias. Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

72 Tabla 3. Principales medidas zoométricas en reproductores de raza Bermeya por sexo y edad de los animales. Altura a los iliones Altura a la cruz Longitud Escápulo isquiática Longitud de la grupa Anchura de la grupa Longitud de la cabeza Profundidad Perímetro Sexo Edad N de pecho orácico Media D.T. Media D.T. Media D.T. Media D.T. Media D.T. Media D.T. Media D.T. Media D.T Hembras 1 Año 40 71,1 4,2 70,2 5,0 28,2 2,9 81,1 5,1 66,4 4,9 19,0 1,4 15,0 2,6 17,9 1,7 2 Años 56 73,2 6,0 71,2 6,1 29,7 2,2 85,5 5,8 68,4 5,0 19,0 1,0 15,8 1,7 18,7 1,4 3 Años 50 75,1 4,2 74,2 4,3 31,1 2,0 89,9 5,3 71,5 5,0 20,5 1,0 16,0 2,6 19,3 1,6 4 Años 56 75,2 4,3 74,5 4,5 31,6 2,7 90,4 6,6 72,5 5,1 20,6 1,4 16,7 2,8 19,4 1,7 5 Años 52 75,9 3,4 74,1 3,9 32,6 2,7 92,4 6,3 73,0 5,3 19,7 1,7 16,9 2,0 20,4 1,0 >5 Años 36 76,4 3,1 74,6 3,5 32,9 2,2 92,9 6,6 74,1 4,4 21,2 1,3 16,6 1,5 20,5 1,4 Total ,5 4,9 73,2 4,9 31,1 2,9 88,8 7,1 71,1 5,6 18,5 1,3 16,2 2,3 19,4 1,6 Machos 1 Año 2 80,5 9,2 75,5 6,4 34,0 4,2 97,0 11,3 75,5 6,4 17,3 1,2 16,5 2,1 21,5 2,1 2 Años 7 79,0 4,2 77,7 4,0 32,2 2,7 90,6 3,5 69,1 4,6 18,0 1,1 16,4 2,6 21,4 2,4 3 Años 4 81,2 3,4 80,0 4,5 35,0 1,4 97,7 5,6 75,7 3,5 18,8 1,2 16,7 2,4 21,7 1,5 4 Años 8 82,5 3,6 82,1 3,7 35,2 2,4 99,8 8,7 79,0 8,5 18,8 1,2 18,6 1,6 21,4 1,4 5 Años 4 83,0 6,1 81,7 6,7 32,7 2,6 90,0 5,3 73,0 5,7 18,8 1,4 14,5 3,7 20,2 2,8 >5 Años 5 81,0 7,0 78,8 5,1 36,8 3,9 102,6 6,3 76,4 6,8 19,0 0,9 19,0 2,0 23,0 2,3 Total 30 81,2 4,9 79,8 4,8 34,3 3,1 96,5 7,7 74,8 6,9 20,1 1,4 17,2 2,6 21,5 2,1 62 La cabra Bermeya de Asturias

73 Figueroa et al. 63 presentaron una correlación altamente significativa de r= 0,80 respecto de los valores reales. Caracterización de las Explotaciones de Raza Bermeya Gama y Delgado (2000) han descrito los diferentes factores asociados al riesgo de extinción de una raza. Si bien el principal factor de riesgo está representado por el número de hembras en reproducción, existen otros factores que pueden desempeñar un papel de gran importancia en la posible extinción de una raza, entre los que se encuentran la componente humana y social asociada a una determinada población, el número de explotaciones y la dimensión de las mismas, la competitividad de los animales respecto de otros genotipos, factores demográficos y riesgos sanitarios. Los resultados de las iniciativas de conservación y promoción de la raza Bermeya llevadas a cabo por ACRIBER pueden verse limitados por la precariedad en la que se encuentran una parte importante de las explotaciones incluidas en el Libro Genealógico de la cabra Bermeya. ACRIBER ha promovido la realización de una encuesta al objeto de caracterizar los factores estructurales que pueden suponer un riesgo para la conservación de la cabra de raza Bermeya en su medio de explotación (Figueroa et al., 2002). Se han encuestado 27 explotaciones inscritas en el Libro Genealógico de la cabra Bermeya situadas en el área de influencia del Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa en el Oriente de Asturias de las que 4 estaban orientadas a la producción de leche. Aunque las explotaciones de cabra Bermeya se encuentran en distribuidas por todo el territorio del Principado de Asturias se ha elegido esta zona por las siguientes razones: a) es la comarca asturiana con mayor censo de animales y explotaciones de especies ovina y caprina; b) es la zona con mayor concentración de ganaderías de raza Bermeya; y c) existen ganaderías de raza Bermeya cuyo objetivo productivo es la producción de leche con destino a la transformación en queso. La distribución geográfica de las explotaciones encuestadas se refleja en la Figura 1. La encuesta ha sido realizada in situ por un solo técnico durante la primavera de Para el diseño de la encuesta se ha tenido en cuenta la estructura del cuestionario descrito por Falagan (1988) para la raza Murciano-Granadina y por Tejón et al. (1996) en la raza caprina del Guadarrama. La encuesta básica se ha dividido en 10 grandes apartados que constaban de un total de 90 preguntas. Las explotaciones orientadas al ordeño se caracterizaron mediante un bloque de 30 preguntas adicionales que incluían la descripción de las instalaciones y las rutinas de ordeño. Algunas de las preguntas se repetían para estimar el grado de fiabilidad de las respuestas. Los grandes apartados de la encuesta y el número de preguntas (entre paréntesis) de que constaba cada uno de ellos fueron: 1. composición del rebaño (8) 2. base territorial (7) 3. instalaciones y maquinaria (10) 4. alimentación (9) 5. manejo y gestión de reproductores (18) 6. producciones (8) 7. destino de la producción y comercialización (5) 8. estado sanitario (6) 9. aspectos sociales de la explotación (12) 10. ingresos y primas (7) 11. producción de leche (30) Los principales resultados del trabajo de campo se describen en el orden de los apartados de la encuesta y según la orientación productiva, carne u ordeño, del ganado caprino presente en la explotación. No se ha realizado ninguna estratificación por tamaño de las explotaciones. Cuando no se hace indicación expresa en sentido contrario, las referencias a los animales en el Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

74 64 La cabra Bermeya de Asturias Figura 3. Cabra de raza Bermeya de Asturias. texto del presente trabajo deben entenderse realizadas al ganado caprino de la explotación. Las Unidades de Ganado Mayor (UGM) de la explotación se han calculado considerando 1 UGM por animal reproductor de especie bovina o equina presente en la explotación y 0,15 UGM por animal de las especies caprina u ovina. Composición del Rebaño La composición del rebaño de las explotaciones encuestadas se detalla en la Tabla 4. Se trata de explotaciones de pequeño tamaño que presentan una media de 41 UGM. No existe una especie dominante en la población encuestada. Una de las explotaciones mantiene en exclusiva ganado caprino aunque sólo cuenta con 26 hembras reproductoras de las que 16 están inscritas en el Libro Genealógico de la cabra Bermeya. La mayor parte de las explotaciones (25) tienen vacas reproductoras y 19 de ellas tiene ovejas reproductoras. Diez explotaciones mantienen yeguas reproductoras del país. En el conjunto de las explotaciones encuestadas la especie caprina no tiene un peso despreciable, ya que supone el 31% de las UGM totales, aumentando hasta el 45% en el caso de las explotaciones orientadas al ordeño. Sin embargo el peso de los reproductores de raza Bermeya es pequeño y supone, como media, un 50% de los efectivos caprinos de la explotación. Este porcentaje aumenta hasta un 75% en las explotaciones dedicadas al ordeño, lo que hace suponer que estas cabras, en su entorno productivo, resultan competitivas en producción lechera con los cruces con razas foráneas. Como media las explotaciones cuentan con 33 reproductoras Bermeyas. En cualquier caso, cuatro explotaciones (el 15% de las encuestadas) no tenían macho reproductor de raza Bermeya. El 26% de los propietarios encuestados constatan un crecimiento de su cabaña caprina en los últimos tres años, en un 26%

75 Figueroa et al. 65 Tabla 4. Media, desviación estándar (D.E.) y valores máximos y mínimos de la composición del rebaño de las explotaciones encuestadas. Los datos se describen respecto del total de las explotaciones encuestadas (N = 27), y según su orientación productiva: carne (N = 23) u ordeño (N = 4). Media D.E. Mínimo Máximo Todas las explotaciones Cabras reproductoras 73,4 49,4 11,0 180,0 Reproductoras Bermeyas 32,7 25,3 6,0 121,0 Porcentaje de cabras Bermeyas 53,7 28,2 8,9 100 Ovejas reproductoras 40,0 51,7 0,0 221,0 Vacas reproductoras 22,0 13,0 0,0 48,0 Yeguas 1,7 2,6 0,0 9,0 UGM totales 40,8 19,5 3,9 78,9 Porcentaje de UGM caprinas 31,1 21,9 4,7 100,0 Orientación carne Cabras reproductoras 67,6 43,3 11,0 168,0 Reproductoras Bermeyas 27,0 18,0 6,0 67,0 Porcentaje de cabras Bermeyas 49,9 26,3 8,9 82,1 Ovejas reproductoras 30,1 36,1 0,0 130,0 Vacas reproductoras 22,7 13,0 0,0 48,0 Yeguas 2,0 2,8 0,0 9,0 UGM totales 39,4 17,4 3,9 71,1 Porcentaje de UGM caprinas 28,7 19,8 4,7 100,0 Orientación ordeño Cabras reproductoras 106,8 75,2 36,0 180,0 Reproductoras Bermeyas 65,5 38,8 36,0 121,0 Porcentaje de cabras Bermeyas 75,2 33,3 35,0 100 Ovejas reproductoras 97,3 92,3 0,0 221,0 Vacas reproductoras 18,0 14,5 1,0 35,0 Yeguas 0,5 1,0 0,0 2,0 UGM totales 49,1 31,2 6,4 78,9 Porcentaje de UGM caprinas 45,3 30,7 11,4 84,4 se mantiene estacionario y en el 48% restante disminuyó. La causa más frecuentemente esgrimida para justificar el descenso del número de pequeños rumiantes en la explotación fue la incidencia de las muertes por lobo u otros enemigos naturales. El 60% de los propietarios encuestados afirmaron haber sufrido bajas por ataques de lobo u otros predadores naturales que se cifraron en total en 156 reproductores y 60 cabritos (Figura 4). De estas muertes sólo se declaró a la administración la pérdida de 46 reproductores y 10 cabritos al parecer por la imposibilidad de encontrar algún resto del animal muerto. De las bajas declaradas se indemnizó finalmente por 12 reproductores y 10 cabritos lo que supone un 46% de las bajas declaradas y un 9% de las aparentemente sufridas. Base Territorial Las explotaciones encuestadas disponen, como media, de 51 Ha de base territorial constituida fundamentalmente por pastos comunales (Tabla 5) cuyo utilización o Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

76 66 La cabra Bermeya de Asturias Tabla 5. Base territorial de las explotaciones de cabra Bermeya con detalle de la superficie total disponible (en Ha), la superficie cultivada (en áreas) la distancia de prados, cuestas y pastos del domicilio del propietario (en metros) y el número de días al año en que las cabras se aprovechan en pastoreo en pastos de altura y número de días en que las cabras se explotan en pastoreo en prados, cuestas o pastos de altura. Media D.E. Mínimo Máximo Todas las explotaciones Superficie total (Ha) 50,9 27, Superficie cultivada (a) 947,6 903, Distancia los prados (m) Distancia a las cuestas (m) Distancia los pastos de altura (m) Días de pastoreo en pastos de altura 208,9 19, Días de pastoreo 343,9 42, Orientación carne Superficie total (Ha) 52,4 29, Superficie cultivada (a) 900,0 904, Distancia los prados (m) Distancia a las cuestas (m) Distancia los pastos de altura (m) Días de pastoreo en pastos y cuestas Días de pastoreo Orientación ordeño Superficie total (Ha) 44,4 13, Superficie cultivada (a) 1.157,0 969, Distancia los prados (m) Distancia a las cuestas (m) Distancia los pastos de altura (m) Días de pastoreo en pastos y cuestas Días de pastoreo propiedad tiene carácter hereditario. Sólo el 0,2% de los terrenos de la explotación se cultivan. El cultivo de alimentos para el ganado es prácticamente inexistente. Sólo una de las explotaciones cultiva maíz forrajero en una superficie de 500 áreas. Otras dos explotaciones cultivan maíz forrajero de forma esporádica y en una superficie que no supera las 300 áreas. La totalidad del maíz cosechado se ensila. Cuatro de las explotaciones encuestadas no cultivan ningún alimento para el ganado. En el resto de las explotaciones se dedican entre 200 y áreas a pradera natural con una media de áreas, lo que supone el 91% de la superficie cultivada. Tres explotaciones siembran pradera artificial una superficie entre 200 y 250 áreas. La pradera natural se aprovecha fundamentalmente a diente (67%) y resto de la pradera natural o artificial se siega para su consumo en verde. Los pastos comunales se utilizan según el sistema de cuestas descrito para el Oriente de Asturias por Rodríguez Castañón (1995). Los animales se encuentran en pastoreo prácticamente todo el año y sólo se estabulan, en algunos casos, los días más crudos del invierno. Los prados cercanos al domicilio del propietario se aprovechan a diente para, en el mes de marzo, iniciarse el

77 Figueroa et al. 67 Figura 4. Cabrito de raza Bermeya de Asturias. traslado de los animales a los pastos comunales, primero en las llamadas cuestas (monte bajo y arbolado pastable) y más tarde, a partir de junio en los pastos de altura. Los animales empiezan a descender de los pastos altos en septiembre para abandonar las cuestas completamente a finales de diciembre. Las cabras Bermeyas aprovechan los pastos de altura y cuestas unos 7 meses al año (Tabla 5). Este período es ligeramente menor en el caso de las explotaciones de ordeño que suelen hacer coincidir la bajada de los animales con su secado. Sólo 7 explotaciones estabulan las cabras en algún momento del año: cuatro de ellas estabulan los animales entre 30 y 60 días al año según las condiciones climáticas, mientras que tres explotaciones estabulan los animales en períodos de aproximadamente cuatro meses por existir una mayor incidencia de ataques de lobo. Debido a las grandes distancias que suelen separar las cuestas y pastos de altura de los domicilios de los propietarios el pastoreo durante la mayor parte del año se realiza en completa libertad, salvo en el caso de las explotaciones de ordeño en que el pastor acompaña a los animales durante todo el verano para realizar el ordeño y la transformación de la leche en queso. Instalaciones y Maquinaria Las instalaciones dedicadas a las cabras son extremadamente sencillas. Las veintisiete explotaciones encuestadas dedican 44 instalaciones a cabrerizas. El 41% de las explotaciones posee dos cabrerizas y el 15% tres. Las cabrerizas tienen una superficie media de 89 m 2, siendo las cabrerizas más grande y más pequeña de 12 y 240 m 2 respectivamente. Las cabrerizas se sitúan preferentemente en prados y cuestas (34% en cada situación) y el 11% en los pastos de altura. El resto de las instalaciones se encuentran en el núcleo de población y sólo se utilizan para las cabras enfermas o para las hembras paridas en caso de fuertes nevadas. La mayor parte de las cabrerizas son cabañas más o menos antiguas que en el Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

78 68 La cabra Bermeya de Asturias 27% de los casos han recibido alguna reforma en los últimos 20 años; sin embargo, el 34% de las instalaciones son simplemente cuevas cercadas. Si bien todos los domicilios de los propietarios disponen de luz eléctrica y agua potable proporcionados por una red pública, sólo una de las cabrerizas dispone de luz eléctrica y ninguna de agua potable. Las cabras se abrevan en todos los caso en manantiales o arroyos. Dos explotaciones no cuentan con maquinaria alguna. Las veinticinco explotaciones restantes disponen de un pequeño tractor de 52 CV como media y 18 explotaciones disponen de un motocultor de 10 CV. En 6 casos se dispone de remolque distribuidor de estiércol y en dos explotaciones se dispone de cisterna de purín. Nueve explotaciones disponen de rotoempacadora como apero del tractor. El resto de los aperos son escasos y consisten fundamentalmente en cintadoras y plumas. Alimentación y Manejo y Gestión de los Reproductores Las cabras del rebaño sólo reciben algún tipo de suplemento alimentario en invierno. Sólo 5 explotaciones reconocen cultivar algún alimento (hierba y maíz) para el ganado caprino pero la mayor parte de las explotaciones aportan hierba seca a sus cabras en algún momento de la invernada con una media de 17 kg de hierba seca por reproductor y año. La práctica totalidad de las explotaciones (26) compran alimentos para suplementar a las reproductoras, fundamentalmente cebada (76%), alfalfa (12%) y maíz o hierba (12%). Las cantidades de alimento suplementario aportado en cada caso por reproductor y año son de 9 kg de cebada, 17 kg de alfalfa y 9 kg de maíz. No se constató en ningún caso la aportación de alimentos suplementarios diferenciados para los cabritos durante la lactación. La vida media útil de los reproductores se considera de 5 años para los machos y de 10 años para las hembras. La primera causa declarada de eliminación del castrón es el temor a cruzamientos consanguíneos y la segunda su edad, íntimamente relacionada con la primera. No parece haber selección de machos por la capacidad de crecimiento de sus hijos. La única causa declarada de eliminación de hembras reproductoras es su edad. Dos explotaciones de orientación lechera señalan como causa secundaria la aparición de lesiones en la ubre. El 63% de las explotaciones recría sementales provenientes del propio rebaño o comprados en otros rebaños, mientras que el resto sólo utiliza animales nacidos en el propio rebaño. Sólo una de las explotaciones declara haber comprado hembras reproductoras de raza Bermeya para reposición. La selección de reproductores se realiza fundamentalmente a partir de criterios morfológicos pero teniendo muy en cuenta la producción de leche y apariencia de la madre. Parece que los ganaderos eligen como reposición los hijos mejor conformados de las hembras con mayor capacidad de cría o producción de leche. El sistema reproductivo en el rebaño caprino es siempre la monta natural. Seis explotaciones, entre ellas dos de ordeño, realizan un completo control de los períodos de monta al objeto de agrupar los partos en marzo-abril en el caso de las explotaciones lecheras y enero-febrero en las explotaciones productoras de carne. Estas explotaciones no permiten la subida a pastos comunales de hembras no preñadas. El resto de las explotaciones (78%) mantiene los machos siempre junto a las hembras. Las hembras de estos rebaños pueden ser cubiertas por sementales de otros rebaños sin importar la raza de los reproductores. El 52% de las explotaciones no realiza ningún tipo de control de la preñez de las hembras, el 41% declara que detecta entre el 2 y el 6 % de las hembras del rebaño vacías cada año y el 7% declara que quedan vacías más del 10% de las hembras del rebaño. Las hembras de reposición se exponen por primera vez al macho al año de edad en la mitad de las explotaciones encuestadas, buscando un primer parto a los dos años. Sin embargo,

79 Figueroa et al. 69 un importante porcentaje (40%) de las explotaciones adelantan esta primera exposición a los 6-8 meses para conseguir un primer parto al año. No se realizan vacunaciones para ningún proceso patológico. Los ganaderos están más concienciados de la necesidad de realizar desparasitaciones; aunque el 26% de las explotaciones no realizan ningún tratamiento de este tipo, el 74% realizan desparasitaciones internas y externas de forma regular Aspectos Socioeconómicos de la Explotación Los titulares de las explotaciones son mayoritariamente varones (93%)y solteros (63%). El 78% de los titulares es menor de 45 años (Tabla 6), por lo que ostenta la condición de joven agricultor a efectos de la política de desarrollo rural de la Unión Europea. La edad media de los titulares encuestados es de 39,5 años. Sólo 2 de los titulares de las explotaciones se dedican a la agricultura a tiempo parcial estando afiliados al régimen general de la Seguridad Social. El resto se dedica a tiempo completo a la actividad agraria y están afiliados al régimen especial agrario de la Seguridad Social. Todos los cónyuges ayudan en la explotación. El 75% está afiliado al régimen especial agrario o a la rama agraria del régimen de trabajadores autónomos de la Seguridad Social. El resto está afiliado al régimen general y realiza trabajos fuera de la explotación. La unidad familiar mínima es de dos personas (26%) y se encuentra una fuerte proporción de pensionistas (59%) en las familias, que suelen ser dos (33%) (Tabla 6). Los ganaderos imputan al ganado caprino una aportación del 26% de los ingresos de la explotación aunque los porcentajes declarados oscilan entre el 10 y el 50% dependiendo en gran medida de la cantidad de derechos a la prima de ovino-caprino instrumentada por el FEOGA-Garantía de la Unión Europea de que disponga la explotación. En ese sentido, la media de ingresos anuales por esos derechos es de Euros por explotación, lo que supone el 43% de lo que las explotaciones encuestadas ingresan como media por los derechos a la prima de vacas nodrizas (3.994 Euros). Producciones El cabrito destetado es el producto tipo de la explotación y se vende a pesos medios de kg/canal (Figueroa et al., 2000) a un precio estable de 6-7 Euros por kg/canal. Los cabritos se venden en lote normalmente a tratantes, aunque el sistema preferido por los productores es la venta individual al peso a carniceros de la zona porque consiguen mejores precios. El 50 % de las explotaciones dedican los animales de desvieje a autoconsumo. El resto de las explotaciones Tabla 6. Edad de los titulares, número de miembros de la unidad familiar y presencia de pensionistas en la unidad familiar en porcentaje respecto de las 27 explotaciones encuestadas. Edad en años 30 o menos o más % Unidad familiar 2 miembros 3 miembros 4 miembros 5 miembros 8 miembros % Pensionistas ninguno uno dos tres % Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

80 70 La cabra Bermeya de Asturias Figura 5. Machos cabrios de raza Bermeya de Asturias. los vende directamente a consumidores o carniceros de la zona a precios que oscilan entre el 50y el 75% del precio de venta de un cabrito. Las explotaciones lecheras suelen destetar los animales a los 4 meses y a los seis si son cabritas de reposición. El resto de las explotaciones no realiza ninguna práctica de destete y separa los cabritos del rebaño para su venta en agosto-septiembre. Las explotaciones orientadas al ordeño mantienen unas pautas de manejo completamente tradicionales. Excepto en el caso de la explotación más pequeña, los ganaderos intentan racionalizar mínimamente el manejo concentrando la paridera para poder ordeñar el mismo número de cabras al día. El ordeño se realiza en el puerto al aire libre y a mano dos veces al día. En el caso de la explotación de menor dimensión el número de cabras que se ordeña varía según la distribución de la paridera y sólo se realiza un ordeño al día durante el período en que las cabras están en las cuestas cercanas al domicilio del propietario. La rutina de ordeño no comprende la limpieza y desinfección de pezones y manos. Los titulares no se plantean la posibilidad de realizar ordeño mecánico. El período de ordeño está entre los 150 y 180 para todo el rebaño en las tres explotaciones de mayor dimensión y en 60 días por cabra en la de menor tamaño. Toda la leche producida es para transformación propia de leche en queso. Los quesos producidos en las explotaciones encuestadas son de tipo Cabrales (1), Gamonedo (2) y de los Beyos (1) con una proporción de leche de cabra entre el 60 y el 100% dependiendo de la explotación y la época del año. Sólo el primer tipo cuenta con Denominación de Origen Protegida.

81 Figueroa et al. 71 Conclusiones La cabra de raza Bermeya se encuentra en peligro de extinción. Este peligro se basa fundamentalmente en la existencia de un número reducido de hembras reproductoras distribuidas en un alto número de rebaños donde conviven con machos de otras razas. El presente trabajo ha pretendido caracterizar los componentes sociales y técnicos asociados a la raza Bermeya. El sistema productivo en que se desenvuelve la raza Bermeya resulta especialmente frágil: las explotaciones son de pequeña dimensión y con un acusado componente tradicional; las producciones caprinas pueden no resultar competitivas si no existe un decidido apoyo de las administraciones al mantenimiento de esta actividad. Las ayudas administrativas al ganado caprino en Asturias están justificadas no sólo por el mantenimiento de recursos genéticos en peligro, sino por la necesidad de sostener usos tradicionales de unos ecosistemas especialmente sensibles como son los del área de influencia del Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa. Los ganaderos que mantienen ganado de raza Bermeya son fundamentalmente jóvenes y serían receptivos a una acción sostenida de la administración. Bibliografía Alvarez Sevilla, A Les races autóctones del Principáu d Asturies, Fundación Belenos, Uviéu/Oviedo (Prinicpau d Asturies), Figueroa, P., Álvarez, I. & Goyache, F Caracterización morfológica de la cabra de raza Bermeya de Asturias. II Congreso Ibérico sobre Recursos Genéticos Animales, Santarém, Portugal, de octubre de 2000 Figueroa, P., Fernández, I., Royo L.J., Álvarez, I., García, G. & Goyache, F Análisis demográfico y genético de la población ovina de raza Xalda de Asturias. V Congreso de la SERGA, de septiembre de Gama, L.T. & Delgado, J.V Factores a considerar na definiçao do estatuto de risco de uma raça. II Congreso Ibérico sobre Recursos Genéticos Animales, Santarém, Portugal, de octubre de Rodríguez Castañón, A.A Análisis técnico-económico del sector vacuno de carne del Principado de Asturias. Tesis Doctoral, Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 327 pp. SADEI Las explotaciones ganaderas en Asturias, Evolución de las explotaciones y de la cuota láctea. Servicio de Publicaciones del Principado de Asturias, Graficas Rigel, Avilés (Asturias), 259 pp. Tejón, D., Delgado, R., García O. & De la Fuente. J Caracterización de las explotaciones de la raza caprina del Guadarrama en la comunidad de Madrid, FEAGAS, 9: Falagan, A Caracterización productiva de la raza caprina murcianagranadina en la región de Murcia. INIA, Publicaciones de M.A.P.A., Paseo de Santa Isabel 1, Madrid, pp Animal Genetic Resources Information, No. 33, 2003

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83 73 Chilika buffaloes in Orissa: a unique germplasm B.N. Patro, P.K. Mishra & P.K. Rao Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Orissa Veterinary College, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, , Orissa, India Summary People in the villages situated on the bank of the famous salt lake Chilika in Orissa rear buffaloes with almost zero input. These animals, endowed with the special quality of entering deep into the lake and feeding on the vegetation that grows there, help to maintain the natural ecosystem and provide good earnings for the rural people. This biodiversity in buffalo germplasm needs to be preserved. The mean body length, girth, height at withers and weight were 122.3±0.2 cm, 169.7±0.3 cm, 123.9±2.7 cm and 320.0±0.7 kg, respectively. The mean age at first calving was ±6.8 days. The average of the first two calving intervals was 431.7±3.6 days. The average daily milk yield of the first three lactations and lactation length was 2.6±0.01 kg and 238.7±2.1 days, respectively. Most of the economic traits had high heritability. The temperature of the habitat ranges approximately between 15 C in winter to 40 C in summer. Resumen Los habitantes de los poblados situados a orillas del famoso lago salado de Chilika en Orissa crían búfalos con prácticamente ningún entrante. Estos animales, que poseen la rara capacidad de entrar en el lago en profundidad para alimentarse con la vegetación que allí crece, ayudan así a mantener el ecosistema natural y aportan buenas ganancias a las poblaciones rurales. Es necesario conservar esta biodiversidad en el germoplasma del búfalo. La longitud corporal, circunferencia, altura y peso son respectivamente 122,3±0,2 cm, 169,7±0,3 cm, 123,9±2,7 cm y 320,0±0,7 kg. La edad media al primer parto ha sido de 1 331,4±6,8 días. La media de intervalo entre partos ha sido de 431,7±3,6 días. La media diaria de producción lechera y su duración en las tres primeras lactaciones ha sido de 2,6±0,01 kg y 238,7±2,1 días. La mayoría de los rasgos económicos poseen un alta heredabilidad. La temperatura del hábitat oscila aproximadamente entre 15 C en invierno hasta 40 C en verano. Keywords: Chilika lake, Chilika buffalo, Management, Feeding practices. Introduction The famous salt lake, Chilika in Orissa, India is surrounded by villages on three sides starting from Palur in the Ganjam district extending to the Bramhagiri area of Puri through Balugan and Bhusandapur of the Khurda district. This lake is well known for migratory birds from far off places like Siberia in the winter season and has attracted the attention of tourists from all over the world. There are several villages on the coast of Chilika lake where people have reared buffaloes for several generations. These animals have distinct feeding habits and require management practices involving almost no investment except labour. Studies on these buffaloes with respect to body conformation, production and reproduction potentialities, management practices, feeding habits and utility are very limited. AGRI 2003, 33: 73-79

84 74 Chilika buffaloes in Orissa, India Materials and Methods A study was undertaken in 18 villages on the bank of the Chilika lake starting from Palur in Ganjam to Bhusandapur in the Khurda district (Figure 1). These villages were grouped into five localities. Information was collected on 409 buffalo cows belonging to 61 farmers of these localities. Body measurements of adult animals like length, girth, height at withers, height at hind limb, length of fore limb, tail length, teat length, neck length, face length, ear length and horn length were taken together with information on age at first heat, age at first conception, age at first calving, service period, calving interval, age at second calving, average daily milk yield, lactation length and dry period. A significant difference between the localities with respect to the conformation and economic traits was detected using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. A few milk samples were also collected from different localities to estimate the fat and SNF content. The feeding and management practices in different localities were studied. Figures 2 and 3 show Chilika buffaloes in Parikud and Bhusandpur area. Management and Feeding Practices The Chilika buffaloes are reared under an extensive system of management. No housing is provided for them throughout the year. During hot summers and heavy rains the buffaloes are found to take shelter under the trees on the shore of the lake away from Figure 1. Orissa region in India, breeding tract of the Chilika buffalo.