Conservation of cattle genetic resources: the role of breeds

Abstract

SUMMARYFocusing on cattle (Bos taurus, Bos indicus), the present paper discusses the concept of the breed in the context of the dynamic history of livestock domestication. A breed categorization is proposed on the basis of how the breeds came into existence. The online Appendix (available at http://journals.cambridge.org/AGS) presents a survey of the cattle breeds of the world consisting of: (1) a list of breeds per country and then subdivided according to the proposed categories; (2) a list of breed names, including synonyms and translations, ordered according to a comprehensive breed classification; and (3) an alphabetical list of these names. The commonly accepted perceptions of breeds and how these are influenced by the nomenclature are described. Considering the history of breeds, it is argued that conservation of genetic diversity does not necessarily imply conservation of breeds. However, breeds are instrumental for the conservation of genetic diversity as independent genetic management units. These considerations may very well be extrapolated to other domestic species.

On the History of Cattle Genetic Resources

“…An encyclopedia [7], a dictionary [144], a list of breed names [9] and the DAD-IS database [145] mention more than 1000 breeds worldwide.…”

“…At the same time, breed also became a social concept. Through breeding societies and cattle exhibitions breeds grew into club icons with inherent, if unrealistic, perceptions of their history and conservation value [9]. However, cattle breeds were from the outset never static, but new phenotypes were developed that improved productivity [7]: several landraces were upgraded by crossbreeding with breeds from the same country or with foreign imports and other breeds were split or amalgamated (Table S1).…”

“…Since the 19th century the breeds that were developed in Europe, Asia and Africa were not only exported to the New World, but also to many other countries [7,9,193]. Table S2 shows that a fair part of the diversity of European cattle dispersed to other continents, although Iberian and Nordic breeds are underrepresented.…”

“…Previously, we have described the bovine breeds and their nomenclature, classification and relevance for conservation [7][8][9]. To contribute to a rational evaluation of conservation values of existing breeds and populations, we here consider the diversity of cattle in a historical context.…”

On-farm phenotypic characterization of indigenous sheep population and its cross with awassi in selected Districts of South Wollo, Amhara, Ethiopia

“…Information on the origin and history of animal genetic resources (AnGR) is essential to the design of strategies for their sustainable management (AjmoneMarsan et al 2010;Felius et al 2015). The top five countries by sheep population from the world are China, Australia, India, Iran and Nigeria by 202 million, 72.6 million, 63 million, 50.2 million and 40.6 million sheep population, respectively (FAOSTAT 2014).…”