Massese sheep characteristics and demo-genetic trends in the province of Pisa (Italy)

Abstract

Preserving animal breeds is key to a country’s economy, environment and culture. The present study collects all the available information on the Massese sheep breed and analyzes their demo-genetic trends in Pisa since 1976. Data were provided by Asso.Na.Pa. Descriptive statistics were analysed using Jmp software. The pedigree parameters of a total of 10,393 animals (whole population-WP) were analyzed using CFC, ENDOG and Pedigree viewer software. Animals born in the last fifteen years represented the Reference Population (RP), while animals with one or two unknown parents constituted the Base Population (BP). Demographic results showed an inconstant trend of offspring registration in the Herd book with two periods of a dramatic decline in lamb registrations and a substantially short productivity with a mean number of registered newborns of 1.5 and 18.2 for ewes and rams, respectively. A total of 6456 animals represented the RP, of which only 1059 animals (16.4%) had both known parents. The BP consisted of 7156 animals, thus highlighting the lack of sire and dam registration which prevented an accurate evaluation of the genetic parameters. The average inbreeding coefficient in the WP was 0.78%, and 0.046% in the RP. The number of inbreds was 575 in the WP and 17 in the RP. The present study represents a tool for breeders and technicians aimed at conserving and exploiting the genetic resources of Massese sheep through efficient breeding plans.

Demography and Genealogical Analysis of Massese Sheep, a Native Breed of Tuscany

“…This particular trend was previously observed by our research group [26] in the province of Pisa and can be explained by several factors. These include the crisis due to generational changes, the increase in predator populations [13], difficulties in adapting to health and hygiene regulations that were economically challenging, and the lack of necessary infrastructure [36].…”

“…Subsequently, there was a decline, reaching only 403 registered newborns by 2021. This particular trend was previously observed by our research group [26] in the province of Pisa and can be explained by several factors. These include the crisis due to generational changes, the increase in predator populations [13], difficulties in adapting to health and hygiene regulations that were economically challenging, and the lack of The province with the highest number of animals enrolled in the Herd Book during the analyzed period was Lucca, followed by Pisa.…”

“…Figure 5 shows the mean registered offspring per ram in the provinces of Tuscany excluding the province of Arezzo, which registered only one ram. The represented data suggest the underutilization of rams, with a potentially negative impact in terms of genetic value assessment, as noted in our previous investigation conducted in the province of Pisa [26].…”

“…The Base Population (BP) represented animals with one or two unknown parents (absolute founders = ft). The demographic trend of Massese sheep was recently analyzed by Giuliotti et al (2023) [26], highlighting a dramatic decline in the number of heads enrolled in the Herd Book and a lack of complete genealogical data.…”

“…These include the crisis due to generational changes, the increase in predator populations [13], difficulties in adapting to health and hygiene regulations that were economically challenging, and the lack of necessary infrastructure [36]. Other contributing factors are attributed to the introduction of foreign breeds such as Lacaune [8] and changes in the legislative decree regarding animal reproduction, which may have resulted in difficulties in updating the database [26].…”