A review on breeding and genetic strategies in Iranian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

The aim of current study was to review breeding progress and update information on genetic strategies in Iranian buffaloes. Iranian buffalo is one of the vital domestic animals throughout north, north-west, south and south-west of Iran with measurable characteristics both in milk and meat production. The species plays an important role in rural economy of the country due to its unique characteristics such as resistance to diseases and parasites, having long productive lifespan and showing higher capability of consuming low-quality forage. In Iran, total production of milk and meat devoted to buffaloes are 293,000 and 24,700 tons, respectively. Selection activities and milk yield recording are carrying out by the central government through the Animal Breeding Centre of Iran. The main breeding activities of Iranian buffaloes included the estimation of genetic parameters and genetic trends for performance traits using different models and methods, estimation of economic values and selection criteria and analysis of population structure. Incorporating different aspects of dairy buffalo management together with improved housing, nutrition, breeding and milking, is known to produce significant improvements in buffalo production. Therefore, identifying genetic potential of Iranian buffaloes, selection of superior breeds, improving nutritional management and reproduction and developing the education and increasing the skills of practical breeders can be useful in order to enhance the performance and profitability of Iranian buffaloes.

Genomic measures of inbreeding coefficients and genome-wide scan for runs of homozygosity islands in Iranian river buffalo, Bubalus bubalis

“…The AZ and KHZ are two major buffalo breeds adapted to distinct geographical areas in Iran [2,5] (Fig. 1).…”

“…There are two main species of buffalo: the Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and the African wild buffalo (Syncerus caffer), the second of which is also known as the cape buffalo [1,2]. Domestication of B. bubalis, including of the river (B. bubalis bubalis, 2n = 50) and swamp (B. bubalis carabanensis, 2n = 48) subspecies, occurred approximately 3000-6000 years ago [3].…”

“…In Iran and in other developing nations, river buffalo production is of great economic importance because of the ability of buffalo to make the best use of low-quality feed in the production of their valuable milk, which has a unique taste and curd properties, high resistance to local parasites, high adaptation to harsh climate conditions, and long productive lifespan. The three major Iranian river buffalo breeds are Azeri (AZ), Khuzestani (KHZ) and Mazandarani (MZ), and each of these breeds belongs to different geographical zone [2]. The AZ, KHZ and MZ are common in the north-west and north, west and south-west, and north of the country, respectively.…”

“…In Iran, the recording of milk and meat production, and the selective breeding of buffalo for better dairy performance (i.e. in milk production, and fat and protein percentage) and better meat production are performed by the Animal Breeding Centre of Iran (ABCI) [2]. Following performance and pedigree recording in some herds, and genetic analysis, candidate bulls are selected from rural herds based on their genetic merits, and the semen of these selected bulls is collected and distributed to all herds [2].…”

“…in milk production, and fat and protein percentage) and better meat production are performed by the Animal Breeding Centre of Iran (ABCI) [2]. Following performance and pedigree recording in some herds, and genetic analysis, candidate bulls are selected from rural herds based on their genetic merits, and the semen of these selected bulls is collected and distributed to all herds [2]. However, despite buffalo production being important in Iran, particularly in rural regions, controlling inbreeding and ensuring genetic improvement of desired traits through traditional breeding programmes are difficult because of a shortage of reliable pedigree and performance records for water buffalo in the country.…”