Using standard survey approaches, we carried out a nationwide survey to morphologically characterize and identify ecozones of Ethiopian horse populations. Accordingly, we explored one new feral horse population previously unreported and seven other distinct horse populations. A total of 17 selected morphological variables were recorded on 503 horses (293 stallions and 210 mares) that belong to five out of eight identified horse populations. Pair-wise multiple mean comparisons (PMMC) using one-way analysis of variance and multivariate analyses were performed separately for each sex and least-squares means was used in the case of aggregated sexes. Results of PMMC showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the means for most of the variables recorded. Principal component analysis showed that height at wither, height at back, height at rump, body length, back length and barrel length jointly account for about 80 percent of the variations. All squared Mahalanobis distance between populations were significant (P < 0.01). The greatest phenotypic divergence was observed between Bale and Selale horse populations and the least phenotypic divergence was between Horro and Kafa populations. Canonical discriminant function analysis showed that 77.05 percent of individuals were correctly categorized into their respective populations. Moreover, cluster analysis based on squared Mahalanobis distances grouped the five measured Ethiopian horse populations into three major breed groups and five distinct horse populations.

To better understand natural genetic variation in indigenous livestock resources, as well as formulate conservation policies, better genetic characterization is required to balance the competing needs of genetic improvement and conservation of native germplasm, primarily in rural agricultural systems in developing countries. Genetic diversity of goats in southern Nigeria was assessed using 295 indigenous goats with ten microsatellite DNA markers. The breeds are West African Dwarf (WAD), Red Sokoto (RS) and Sahel (SA) sampled from farms, market places and rural homesteads. The mean expected heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.608 to 0.784 in two sub-populations of WAD goats. Deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were statistically significant (p < 0.05) indicating that these populations are under various forces stemming from the management choices of rural dwellers. Polymorphic information content of these markers averaged 0.803 and mean GST index was 0.176. The measure of genetic distance between pairs of breeds indicated that the lowest distance was between WAD and RS (0.268) and the highest distance was between WAD and SA (0.662) goats, respectively. The estimated dendogram clustered these Nigerian goats into nine sub-populations and two major genetic groups. The study suggests that indigenous goat populations in southern Nigeria may be collapsed from three breeds into two distinct genetic groups, possibly due to extensive cross-breeding and gene flow between them, which are symptomatic of uncontrolled crossing across much of the country.

The first International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture adopted the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, the first ever international framework for the promotion of the wise management of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture, endorsed by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations member countries. The adoption of the Global Plan of Action has created unprecedented momentum for promoting the sustainable use, development and conservation of the world's livestock diversity. This article describes the first steps that countries have taken in its implementation.

The objective of this paper was to estimate the farmers' preferences based on the non-market traits in selection, breeding and conservation of indigenous chicken. The study was carried out in four selected counties of Kenya. Data were collected using structured questionnaires with the use of multi-attribute elicitation techniques applied to 450 rural households. Conjoint analysis through an ordered probit model was used to analyse the data. The study identified traits preferred by the farmers based on their current low-input production circumstances. Using these traits, indigenous chicken can be selected for higher productivity and performance while retaining their diversity and adaptability. In general, the determination of the importance of various attributes elucidates to the stakeholders some valuable aspects that would assist them in overcoming some of the major constraints of indigenous chicken production in rural areas and at the same time provides vital information for selection, conservation and development of breeding programmes.

This study was conducted to characterize the morphological peculiarities and performance characteristics of Mursi cattle in its production environment managed by Bodi and Mursi pastoral communities in Southern Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire survey, group discussion, cattle morphological measurements and morphological descriptions were used to collect data. One hundred and two household heads were selected to administer the questionnaire and 201 adult cattle were selected for morphological description and body measurements. The Mursi cattle population was found to have variable coat colour type (85.9 percent) and coat colour pattern (51.3 percent). Body length, chest girth, withers height, rump width and rump length of Mursi cattle were 122.1 ± 0.9, 144.5 ± 0.9, 113 ± 0.1.1, 36.9 ± 0.3 and 20.4 ± 0.3 cm, respectively. Morphological measurements of most linear traits show no difference in the two locations but all measurements vary (P < 0.001) between males and females. Estimated age at first calving was 4.6 years and was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher in the Mursi area, while the calving interval (14.5 months) and cow reproductive life (14.2 years) were the same in both locations. Average daily milk yield (2.1 litres) and lactation length (7.8 months) of Mursi cattle in the two locations were similar. Cattle production was constrained by high disease prevalence, seasonal feed availability, and water shortage, with frequent drought. Trypanosomosis, black leg, anthrax and skin diseases are major cattle diseases reported in the two study areas. Because of its peculiar morphological characteristics, including large body frame, higher production performance, and survivability in the harsh environment, the Mursi cattle can be used as an alternative genetic resource for production improvement programs.

Pacomarca is an experimental ranch founded by the INCA group to act as a selection nucleus from which basic genetic improvement of alpaca fibre can spread throughout the rural communities in the Peruvian Altiplano. State-of-art techniques in animal science, such as performance recording or assisted reproduction including embryo transfer, are applied to demonstrate their usefulness in the Altiplano conditions. Pacomarca has developed useful software (Paco Pro) to carry out the integral processing of production and reproduction data. Mating is carried out individually, and gestation is diagnosed via ultrasound. Breeding values estimated from a modern genetic evaluation are used for selection, and embryo transfer is applied to increase the selection intensity. However, the objective of Pacomarca goes beyond, extending its advances to the small rural communities. Training courses for farmers are organised while searching for new ways of improving the performance of alpacas both technically and scientifically.

In the present paper the author submits a short outline of the history of the aurochs in Poland, the country in which that species survived the longest. The last specimen died in the royal forests of Jaktorôw in Masovia at the beginning of the XVIIth century. The sources of the present study are as follows: documents proclaimed by kings, old chronicles, descriptions found in literature, old illustrations, etc. Among the reasons why that species of the relic fauna of the Pleistocene epoch survived so long are those the author draws attention to: i) the special natural conditions, i.e. abundance of forests and climate, offered in Poland, especially in early times, ii) some cultural elements, the latter being of special interest to him. The legal protection extended to the aurochs by the State found its expression in the regale or the king s order concerning hunting of these animals; this was strictly observed, as is pronouncedly recorded in the historical sources which say that in the XIIIth century the aurochs were to be found only in the province of Masovia. The local princes of the Piast dynasty, and later on the kings of Poland, made no concessions of their exclusive right to hunt that animal, not even to the greatest magnates, both ecclesiastical and secular. They themselves never abused the hunting law as far as the aurochs was concerned. Considering the situation of the aurochs in the light of that regale and of the hunting law, the conclusion is offered that the fact of excluding the aurochs from the hunting law and extending to it “a sacred privilege of immunity” which, according to an old custom, only the king was not obliged to obey, was the major factor which contributed to such a long period of survival of that species. This exceptional and almost personal care of the Polish sovereigns for these animals and their intentional will to save them for posterity caused the prolongation of the period of survival of that magnificent species up to the year 1627, in which the last auroch cow died a natural death in her haunts, as is stated in the report of the royal inspection performed in the year 1630.

Inventory of species and breeds, their population sizes, geographic distribution and possibly their genetic diversity is generally undertaken as a first step in any national programme for the management of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture. The primary purpose of such an assessment is to document the current state of knowledge in terms of a population's ability to survive, reproduce, produce and provide services to farmers. Starting an inventory requires some knowledge of the inventory items and their characteristic attributes. Inventory and characterization are, therefore, complementary processes, in which the characterization step provides the baseline information as well as the criteria that will be used to establish and update the inventory. Characterization provides data on present and potential future uses of the animal genetic resources under consideration, and establishes their current state as distinct breed populations and their risk status. As use and management of animal genetic resources are dynamic processes, monitoring the status of a population has to be done on a regular basis. Thus, risk status indicators for use during the monitoring process need to be defined following the inventory and characterization steps.

This paper discusses methods and criteria currently available, from research and past experience, for inventory, characterization and monitoring of animal genetic resources, with the view to assist in the development of a more comprehensive framework. Particular consideration is given to emerging tools and technologies. The scope of the review includes all livestock species and their wild ancestors and wild related species. Examples focus on cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens.

Genetic improvement of farm animals encompasses both mating and selection for desired traits and indigenous chicken genetic resources are no exception. In Kenya, previous attempts to genetically improve indigenous chicken involved cross-breeding scheme by utilizing cockerels and pullets of exotic breeds with the local indigenous chicken. This scheme was complimented with farmer training on good management practices and vaccination for disease control. The scheme was partially successful with improved performance in the crossbreds that declined with subsequent generations. Failure of the programme to meet stakeholder's expectation led to its’ termination. The current attempt through the Smallholder Indigenous Chicken Improvement Programme has initiated an holistic and comprehensive approach to analysing the entire indigenous chicken actors and avert the causes of previous failures. The programme has genetically and phenotypically characterized the chicken; established reference/base population collected from different ecotypes/counties, established the breeding goals and designed breeding programmes that best suit the Kenyan stakeholders. The on-station research has reported variation on production traits, determined heritability estimate on growth. Current and ongoing research is focused on molecular characterization, selection for improved immune response, carcass quality, eggs production, growth and adaptation traits. The research is also concerned with conservation of these genetic resources.

A field survey was carried out between January and June 2002 in order to describe and evaluate two local cattle breeds, Abergelle and Irob, found in the Tigray region of North Ethiopia with little previous description available. Information from structured questionnaire of 175 farmers, twenty-one focused group discussions, field measurements of hearth girth and height at withers of 25 males and 25 females of each breed, and secondary information were utilised to carry out an on-farm characterisation and description of these breeds. The two breeds are found to be the smallest breeds in the region with an average body weight of 234 ± 13 and 153 ± 15 kg and average height at withers of 109 ± 3 and 97 ± 5 cm for males and females of the Abergelle breed. For the Irob breed the corresponding figures were 245 ± 36 and 200 ± 36 kg body weight and 106 ± 3 and 105 ± 5 cm height at withers. The Abergelle breed is recognized by farmers to have adaptive advantages to the hotter and drier low lands. Its tolerance to diseases and parasites and ability to cope with feed shortages during the long dry periods are favourably rated by the majority of farmers. The Irob cattle breed is adapted to a mountainous production environment and is highly rated by farmers for its capacity to thrive on the difficult terrain and its utilization of cactus (Opantia ficus indica) as a major source of nutrition.

On-farm surveys were conducted to investigate the biodiversity of local chickens and their performance potential. The study was carried out in rural areas of northern Jordan. A sample of 846 adult local chickens was phenotypically characterized based on morphology, feather colors, comb shape and performance. Body measurements for cluster analyses were recorded on 460 adult females. The most predominant chicken type was the Jordan Baladi (67.3%) followed by the Pakistani (27.7%) and the Brahma (5%). Cluster analyses showed that the three populations are distinct. The Jordan Baladi and the Pakistani were closer to each other than the Brahma. Plumage colors were observed either as single color or mottled (a mix of many colors). The latter was the most predominant (23.1 %) followed by black (19.5%) and light brownish (19.1%). The single comb type was the most predominant (80.3%). Hens of the local chicken reached sexual maturity at about 22-30 weeks of age. The average clutch number was 1-5 per year, with 18-30 eggs per clutch. Each hen laid on average 68.9±3.3 eggs per year. The body size of adult females and males was about 1 240±10g and 1 890±30g, respectively. Indiscriminate crossbreeding was taking place frequently. Genetic characterization would complement the phenotypic characterization and should be conducted. This would help to initiate a program for the preservation of genetic diversity in local chickens in Jordan.

This paper analyzes the articles published in this special issue and also some material presented at the Session “Strategies to add value to local breeds” of the 61st Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP) (August, 2010, Crete, Greece)1 or at other workshops dealing with the issue of adding value to local breeds. The analysis refers to the challenges facing local breeds and the different strategies that can be used to increase their value and thereby enhance their sustainability. These strategies can be categorized, inter alia, according to the species, the specific characteristics of the targeted breeds or production systems, the existence or absence of markets and the characteristics and dynamics of the breeders and other stakeholders. The paper is structured as follows: presentation of an overview of the challenges involved; this is followed by a discussion of strategies for adding value to breeds, which is illustrated with examples; an analysis of the key factors affecting such strategies and ends with some conclusions. Questions remain regarding the society's responsibility for providing support to farmers that keep local breeds that are at risk of extinction and regarding what actions are appropriate when such a breed that was once at risk becomes self-sustainable or, in contrast, when a breed ceases to be self-sustained.

The guinea pig is a rodent mammal native to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia in the Andes, where it has always had a close relationship with the pre-Inca people, either as a food source, high in protein and low in fat or as an animal associated with traditions maintained to the present day. Since ancient times, guinea pig breeding has traditionally been carried out in small spaces inside the kitchens of rural farming families, near the stove. To meet rural households' need for income, a commercial production system has been established and has introduced improved strains/breeds which have spread throughout the Andean region, almost completely absorbing the native guinea pig. On the other hand, since the sixteenth century the guinea pig has gained in popularity around the world as a pet, for exhibition purposes, or as a laboratory animal. In this paper, a literature review has been undertaken to compile and disclose the main issues concerning the guinea pig and the Andean population, with the aim of creating awareness of the importance of conserving local genetic resources and providing a starting point for future research.

Blood samples for blood protein analysis were collected from three strains of the Nigerian local chicken (normal feathered, frizzle feathered and naked neck) and one exotic strain (Anak Titan). Each of these populations represents a genotype. Blood samples from 50 birds per genotype were used to assess genetic diversity of the Nigerian local chickens. A total of 18 bands were observed from the four strains during resolution of the proteins using sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). Dendrogram developed from the different bands observed revealed that the strains were clearly separated from one another and mean genetic similarity among the four strains was 55 percent with naked neck strain being the most diverged.

Indigenous livestock resources are strategic in the socio-economics of rural agricultural systems to ensure food security in resource-poor countries. Therefore, better understanding of genetic variation holds the key to future utilization through conservation. We report the first analysis of genetic diversity of Nigerian sheep based on the D-loop region of the Ovis aries mitochondrial genome using 1 179 bases between sites 15 437 and 16 616 base pairs. A sample of 290 animals made up of Balami, West African Dwarf (WAD), Uda and Yankasa breeds were randomly collected from across Nigeria. Ninety-six haplotypes were observed with a high mean haplotype diversity of 0.899 ± 0.148. Gene diversity was highest in Uda (0.921 ± 0.021) and lowest in WAD (0.852 ± 0.061). Population specific FST indices varied from 0.00133 in Uda to 0.00335 in WAD. Yankasa had the highest number of polymorphic sites (201), while the least was in Uda (96). Analysis of molecular variance revealed that 0.23 percent of the variation is found among populations compared with 99.77 percent variation found within populations. The phylogenetic tree indicates that the mitochondrial lineages of these sheep breeds originated from a common source consistent with first divergence of Yankasa followed by WAD, while Balami and Uda remain more closely related. These results suggest that evolutionary divergence of Nigerian sheep breeds based on mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequence may be coincident with geographical distribution in Nigeria and suggest significant interbreeding. This could have implications for managing improvement and conservation strategies and long-term conservation of Nigerian indigenous sheep.

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

Native chicken lines in South Africa are associated primarily with rural households. A programme was established only as recently as 1994 to conserve the different lines found in South Africa. As no scientific data was available on the production traits of these lines, a research trial was conducted to describe them phenotypically in terms of their growth, carcass traits and egg production. Four different native lines, the Koekoek, Naked Neck, Lebowa-Venda and Ovambo chicken were included in the study. Significant differences were observed among the lines, which means that the lines could be described as different native lines in terms of their phenotypic traits. The Ovambo chicken had the best growth performance, while the Koekoek showed the highest performance for egg production. Although production is poor in comparison with commercial lines, the contribution of these birds to household food security and application in low-input systems should be recognized and further investigated.

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

A household survey and measurements of different body traits from 120 households and from 1 009 goats were collected to characterize the production system and morphological features of Western lowland and Abergelle goat breeds of Ethiopia. Goats were kept for multifunctional roles in both areas, but mainly to generate cash. The average ± SD of flock sizes per household were 10.8 ± 7.25 and 48.56 ± 52.21 for Western lowland and Abergelle, respectively. Production characters such as body conformation, multiple births and milk yield were reported as major selection criteria of breeding goats. The majority of Abergelle goats have red brown (23.8 percent) and brown (19.7 percent) coat colours with short and smooth hair. All Abergelle goats have horns, 11.1 percent have wattles, 8.0 percent of males have ruff. White (20.4 percent) and a mixture of white with other colours were the predominant coat colours of Western lowland goats. A total of 42.3 percent males and 5.1 percent females of the Western lowland population have ruff. The least square means of body weight, chest girth, body length and height at withers of Western lowland female goats were 24.00 ± 0.19 kg, 65.27 ± 0.23 cm, 54.8 ± 0.21 cm and 62.60 ± 0.22 cm, respectively. The corresponding values for Abergelle female goats were 18.34 ± 0.22 kg, 61.03 ± 0.27 cm, 51.00 ± 0.24 cm and 58.99 ± 0.25 cm, respectively. Breed improvement programmes in these areas should take into account the multifunctional roles of goats, goat breeding practices and traits preference of the farmers.