Genetic and Population Structure of Croatian Local Donkey Breeds

Ivanković, Ante; Bittante, Giovanni; Šubara, Gordan; Šuran, Edmondo; Ivkić, Zdenko; Pećina, Mateja; Konjačić, Miljenko; Kos, Ivica; Ugarković, Nikolina Kelava; Ramljak, Jelena

doi:10.3390/d14050322

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Currently, the Istrian donkey population with offspring is approximately 860 animals, while the Littoral Dinaric donkey population is around 3680 animals [ 6 ]. The Istrian donkey and the Littoral Dinaric donkey have been described in terms of conformation [ 7 ] and genetic structure [ 8 ]. However, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these local donkey breeds requires their economic repositioning, the creation and optimization of economic utilization programs, and improved collaboration among all stakeholders.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Potential of Endangered Local Donkey Breeds in Meat and Milk Production

Ivanković

Šubara²,

Bittante

et al. 2023

Animals

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The problem of the erosion of animal genetic resources is evident in certain local donkey breeds, and their long-term sustainability can be achieved by economically repositioning them. To develop alternative and sustainable commercial programs, the meat and milk production characteristics of Istrian donkey and Littoral Dinaric donkey breeds were investigated. The meat production characteristics were examined in mature males, whose carcasses were dissected, and meat composition was determined using NIT spectrophotometry and gas chromatography. Milk yield and milk composition were determined in jennies in second or subsequent lactations by measuring milk volume and using infrared spectrometry and gas chromatography. Compared to the Littoral Dinaric donkey, the Istrian donkey has a higher carcass weight and dressing percentage (p < 0.001). The share of boneless meat in relation to live weight was 28.27% in the Istrian donkey and 26.18% in the Littoral Dinaric donkey. The absolute masses of primal cuts of meat in E, I, and II classes were significantly greater in Istrian donkeys than in Littoral Dinaric donkeys (p < 0.01), although the differences in the proportions of primal cuts were not significant. The breed did not have a significant impact on the color, pH, or meat composition. A significant influence of breed on milk yield, lactose, protein, and the fat content of milk was observed (p < 0.01). A significant influence of breed on the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA fatty acids in donkey milk was observed (p = 0.002). The values of the atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes were favorable, considering potential beneficial effects of donkey milk and meat on consumer health. The findings of this research suggest that local donkey breeds hold significant potential for meat and milk production, focusing on the uniqueness and quality of their products rather than the quantity of meat and milk they can produce.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Potential of Endangered Local Donkey Breeds in Meat and Milk Production

Ivanković

Šubara²,

Bittante

et al. 2023

Animals

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“…Several prior studies demonstrated the advantages of employing mtDNA for population genetics research in donkeys [13,21,40]. The origin of domestic donkeys can be traced back to African wild asses through an analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA [41]. Mitochondrial DNA studies have identified two distinct lineages in domestic donkeys: clade I, also known as the Nubian lineage, which includes domestic donkeys and the Nubian wild ass (Equus africanus africanus); and clade II, believed to have originated from an extinct African wild ass population, possibly similar to the Somali wild ass (Equus africanus somaliensis) [2,4].…”

Section: Mitochondrial Dna As a Tool For Assessing Donkey Biodiversitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Croatian donkeys (Istrian, North Adriatic, and Littoral-Dinaric) [41] MGAT4C, NTS, POLR3B, TCP11L2, and TMEM263, KITLG…”

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confidence: 99%

Exploring Genetic Markers: Mitochondrial DNA and Genomic Screening for Biodiversity and Production Traits in Donkeys

Huang,

Khan,

Chai

et al. 2023

Animals

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Donkeys (Equus asinus) play a pivotal role as essential livestock in arid and semi-arid regions, serving various purposes such as transportation, agriculture, and milk production. Despite their significance, donkey breeding has often been overlooked in comparison to other livestock species, resulting in limited genetic improvement programs. Preserving donkey genetic resources within each country necessitates the establishment of breed conservation programs, focusing on managing genetic diversity among populations. In recent years, significant strides have been made in sequencing and analyzing complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecules in donkeys. Notably, numerous studies have honed in on the mitochondrial D-loop region, renowned for its remarkable variability and higher substitution rate within the mtDNA genome, rendering it an effective genetic marker for assessing genetic diversity in donkeys. Furthermore, genetic markers at the RNA/DNA level have emerged as indispensable tools for enhancing production and reproduction traits in donkeys. Traditional animal breeding approaches based solely on phenotypic traits, such as milk yields, weight, and height, are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. To overcome these challenges, genetic markers, such as polymorphisms, InDel, or entire gene sequences associated with desirable traits in animals, have achieved widespread usage in animal breeding practices. These markers have proven increasingly valuable for facilitating the selection of productive and reproductive traits in donkeys. This comprehensive review examines the cutting-edge research on mitochondrial DNA as a tool for assessing donkey biodiversity. Additionally, it highlights the role of genetic markers at the DNA/RNA level, enabling the informed selection of optimal production and reproductive traits in donkeys, thereby driving advancements in donkey genetic conservation and breeding programs.

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Genetic and Population Structure of Croatian Local Donkey Breeds

Cited by 2 publications

References 54 publications

Potential of Endangered Local Donkey Breeds in Meat and Milk Production

Potential of Endangered Local Donkey Breeds in Meat and Milk Production

Exploring Genetic Markers: Mitochondrial DNA and Genomic Screening for Biodiversity and Production Traits in Donkeys

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