Milk Protein Polymorphism Characterization: a Modern Tool for Sustainable Conservation of Endangered Romanian Cattle Breeds in the Context of Traditional Breeding

Abstract

The paper aims to review literature data with respect to Romanian native cattle breeds which are considered at risk of extinction. In the last decades, the number of individuals of Romanian indigenous cows decreased significantly, as a consequence of the intensification and specialization of animal productions and agriculture modernization. Some of the native cattle breeds are already lost, due to their crossing with improved breeds. However, after the accession of Romania to the European Union, various preservation programs were initiated, and most of them included biochemical research and studies of molecular or quantitative genetics. All these, associated with the application of reproduction biotechnologies, give a chance to these animals, which are extremely valuable in terms of their genetic resistance to diseases and environmental factors. The reviewed literature on Romanian indigenous endangered cattle breeds confirms that these animals are carriers of a valuable gene pool, which can be kept and bred while applying different reproductive biotechnologies. Consequently, this paper raises awareness on two issues: the decrease of genetic diversity in two Romanian native cow breeds threatened with extinction (Grey Steppe and Romanian Pinzgauer); and the benefits of genetic diversity of the two breeds.

Polymorphism of the Prolactin (PRL) Gene and Its Effect on Milk Production Traits in Romanian Cattle Breeds

“…The polymorphism of various candidate genes has been investigated in the past years, especially in terms of the association of their allelic variants with certain milk production traits (milk yield, protein and fat yields, protein and fat percentages) [2][3][4]. A previous study of the bovine prolactin (PRL) gene was conducted [5] revealing its position on the 23rd chromosome, with a spanning of 9.4 kb, containing five exons and four introns.…”

“…The Romanian Spotted breed represents nearly 36% of the country's overall population of cattle and is a dual-purpose breed developed as a result of non-systematical crossings between native Romanian Grey cows with imported bulls of the Simmental breed. Similarly, the Romanian Brown is another dual-purpose breed, for which the milk production traits are currently a top priority [4].…”

Uso del polimorfismo del gen de la β-caseína en términos de preservación del ganado lechero marrón

“…Some scientists have linked beta-casein polymorphism with the ability to preserve local breeds. In the Romanian animal population, the A2 allele frequency was found to be 0.563 for gray cattle; 0.400 -for Pinzgauer, Romanian Red; 0.750 -for Black Romanian (Gradinaru et al, 2018). In Poland, the proportion of β-casein A2 in Polish red sires and cows was 0.58 and 0.37, respectively (Cieslinska et al, 2019).…”

Analysis of Environmental Factors’ Impact on Donkeys’ Colostrum Quality

“…In recent decades, a strong interest in the milk delivered by animals other than cows has been observed [1,2]. In the particular case of donkeys' milk, one may find that it has recently gained more interest from researchers because it is highly tolerated by infants with protein allergies [3].…”