Danubian Animal Genetic Resources

Studies of colostrum and milk composition and quality of Gidran mares

2023-09-25T07:20:40+00:00

Foals are born with intact but weakly functioning immune systems. Colostrum provides special immunoglobulins, which are essential for the development of passive immunity. The newborn foal is entirely dependent on antibodies from colostrum for protection against infection during the early neonatal period, meaning that after foaling, in a short time, they need to pick up a sufficient amount of colostrum in proper quality. The quantity and quality of colostrum cannot be influenced although it is well known that well-fed mares in good health typically produce enough antibody-rich colostrum for their newborn foals, the quality of colostrum can be determined by several methods. In 2022, I examined the gestation and lactation of 9 Gidran mares at Kismacs Experimental Station of Animal Husbandry of the University of Debrecen. I used a BRIX refractometer for measuring the colostrum IgG level, and a Lactoscan MCC Combo milk analyser for testing colostrum and milk.

Current status and future strategy for Istrian goat protection, conservation, and promotion

2023-09-25T07:20:40+00:00

The Istrian goat is one of three Croatian autochthonous national breeds. It is white in color, with typically long horns and beards, and a large body frame. Due to the small number of living individuals, it is considered a critically endangered breed. It was reaffirmed and protected in 2013. Since then, several necessary steps for its revival have been taken, including gathering information on all existing animals and breeders, taking body measurements and genotypization of goats, and founding the breeding organization. In late 2022, a plan was started to revive, promote and commercialize the breed.

Sperm quality of Zemplin Rabbit and Liptov Bold-Spotted Rabbit breeds

2023-09-25T07:20:40+00:00

Zemplin Rabbit and Liptov Bold-Spotted Rabbit are Slovak national breeds. Our aim was to characterize the sperm quality of these two breeds, as these characteristics are important for artificial insemination and cryopreservation as biodiversity conservation tools. For this evaluation, sperm samples of sexually mature Zemplin Rabbit (ZR) males (n = 6) and Liptov Bold-Spotted Rabbits (LR) (n = 4) were used. According to progressive motility (PM) data (CASA), samples were divided into two groups: A (>30% PM) and B (<30% PM). In addition to PM (ZR-A: 48.6±3.8%, ZR-B: 16±3.2%, LR-A: 35.38±2.6%, LR-B: 4±2.2%), total motility (TM) (ZR-A: 69.1±4.1%, ZR-B: 35.5±4.1%, LR-A: 59.1±3%, LR-B: 26.9±4.1%) and morphological abnormalities (ZR-A: 29.7±1.2%, ZR-B: 40±4%, LR-A: 34.3±4.3%, LR-B: 48.3±4.7%) were also assessed using the CASA system. The proportion of dead/live, apoptotic and oxidative damaged spermatozoa (Spz) was assessed by flow cytometry using fluorescent dyes: SYBR-14, Sytox Green, Yo-Pro-1 and CellROX Green, respectively. The results of flow cytometry correspond to the values of motility and morphometry. Sperm with PM less than 30% does not show proper quality values, while the sperm with PM higher than 30% is suitable for further analysis and use.

Estradiol and testosterone hormones as a method for sex determination of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) from Zhrebchevo Dam Lake, Bulgaria

2023-09-25T07:20:40+00:00

Determination of the gender in sturgeon is very important in fish farmers, as sex is one of the main factors that determine aim of cultivating them. One of the method for maturation monitoring of sturgeons is steroid hormone analysis. On this base the current study used estradiol and testosterone hormones to determine the gender of 2-3-year-old Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) cultivated in sturgeon broodstock farm located in the Zhrebchevo Dam lake, Bulgaria. The serum concentrations of circulating reproductive hormones found in the both sex were similar to the hormonal profiles in previously reports. The results were confirmed also by histological examination, which showed pre-vitellogenic stage (Stage I) in female and maturity (Stage V) at the male individuals. The findings indicate the force of current steroid hormones as a method for sex determination. In conclusion, analysis of circulating reproductive hormones may be a useful method in early determining the sex of Siberian sturgeon.

Testing of microsatellite markers for individual identification of fallow deer

2023-09-25T07:20:40+00:00

The fallow deer (Dama dama) of Hungary has excellent value to our country due to its game meat and antler trophies. As an attempt to aid law enforcement against illegal activities, such as poaching, illegal trading, and in other cases like traffic accidents, we aimed to develop a genetic marker set suitable for individual identification. During our research, 28 microsatellite markers on 15 fallow deer samples from two different populations were tested. Four microsatellites were found to be polymorphic, each with two or three alleles. Based on our current results, Hungarian fallow deer populations show low genetic diversity. This is in agreement with previous studies conducted on the species and is probably a direct result of the species’ past extinction from the most of Europe during the Pleistocene and later its human-mediated reintroduction to most of its current range. The low number of polymorphic markers presents the need to include additional markers.fallow deer

Slovenian Learners` Knowledge about Slovenian Native Livestock Breeds

2023-09-25T07:20:40+00:00

In this paper, we present the results of the study on Slovenian learners` knowledge of native livestock breeds in Slovenia. We surveyed a total of 164 young learners, aged 12 to 15, from three elementary schools in rural areas using a questionnaire. They were asked if they had ever heard the term native breed and what the term Slovenian native breed meant. On the list of 23 livestock breeds, they had to tick the Slovenian native breeds. Finally, learners were asked to list their most common sources of information about Slovenian native breeds. The results of the study show that most learners had already heard the term native breed. Moreover, the learners know best that the Lipizza horse and the Carniolan bee are Slovenian native breeds. However, they do not know that the Bosnian mountain horse is also a native breed on Slovenian territory. Few learners recognised the Drežnica goat and the Cika cattle as Slovenian native breeds. Television and Internet are the most important sources of information about native breeds, while school education obviously does not play a role.

Gene bank for Animal Genetic Resources in the Republic of Croatia

2023-09-25T07:20:39+00:00

The Gene bank for domestic animals in the Republic of Croatia is provided by the National Program for the conservation of local and endangered breeds of domestic animals from 2010. For this purpose, the National Gene bank Network was established, which consists of (i) the Gene bank for domestic animals as a central point under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture, and (ii) Recognized Gene banks (authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture and operated by organizations, associations and/or authorized institutions). Until 2023, more than 32,000 samples from six types of domestic animals are stored in the Gene bank as follows: cattle (57.7%), horses (13.2%), sheep (12.1%), pigs (10%), donkeys (5%), and goats (1.9%). Tissue samples (29.2%), hair (28%), semen (42.2%) and blood (0.6%) are mainly stored in the Gene bank. The implementation of the National Program is supported by the Reference Expert Network for the Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources, which promotes greater collaboration with stakeholders. Future plans include further characterization of breeds with emphasis on adaptive traits, and the necessary monitoring and implementation of new and improved procedures in the conservation of local breeds.