Danubian Animal Genetic Resources

Indigenous cattle breeds of the Carpathians – the basis of scientific and transboundary aspects of the implementation of the „Carpathian Convention”

2026-10-20T19:15:30+02:00

In the author’s opinion, indigenous cattle breeds of the Carpathians are the basis of scientific and transboundary aspects of the implementation of the “Carpathian Convention” and protocols thereto. These indigenous cattle breeds are as well the national heritage of the country in which these breeds are bred. The publication provides data on the distribution of 19 local breeds in the Carpathian region, the possibility of restoring officially extinct ones. Based on the results of the study and analysis of scientific works, their list was compiled, the number of breeding stock and the average number in one farm are given. A number of differences in territorial distribution and their different genesis have been established; this is due to the long history of development. A limited number of breeding stock has been identified, a clear trend towards decline is observed, which indicates the threat of extinction. The succession of breed composition that is currently taking place in the region is indicated.

The results obtained are important for continuing further research based on cooperation between various institutions of the united countries in the Carpathian Euroregion, studying the features of cattle breeding and the impact of the industry on the functioning of landscapes, preserving biodiversity, restoring the transformed meadow ecosystem and sustainable development of communities in the Carpathians.

They indicate the expanded functions of aboriginal cattle breeds. It is emphasized that one of the forms of wildlife protection is the organization of the preservation of indigenous breeds of cattle, which act as a matrix of farm animal populations and is based not only on ecological and biological principles, but also covers the entire spectrum of ideological, economic, socio-cultural, ethical and ethnic problems.

New aspects of the history and current status of the Milking Tsigai sheep breed in Hungary

2026-10-20T09:19:07+02:00

The dairy-type Tsigai represents a breed variant of the Tsigai sheep indigenous to Hungary and Serbia. The origins of the Milking Tsigai can be traced back to the 19th century, when selection for milk yield was emphasized in certain flocks of the historical Vojvodina region (primarily in southern Bácska and Sirmium). Breeding efforts aimed to improve dairy performance while maintaining adaptation to local environmental conditions. In Hungary, the contemporary Milking Tsigai population emerged during the final decades of the 20th century through modern breeding programs and the importation of Serbian animals.

Compared to the native Tsigai, this breed is larger in body size and demonstrates a typical dairy phenotype characterized by well-developed udders and an average milk yield of 150–200 litres per lactation under semi-intensive conditions. In terms of reproductive performance, the breed is characterized by relatively late sexual maturity and seasonal polyoestrous activity, while traits such as twinning ability and longevity contribute to efficient lamb production.

With a breeding population of fewer than 300 ewes, the Milking Tsigai is regarded as critically endangered in Hungary. Ongoing conservation and genetic management initiatives aim to preserve the breed, while future opportunities may include applications in organic dairy farming and landscape management, thereby supporting its long-term survival and sustainable utilization. Current conservation strategies emphasize genetic surveillance and planned mating schemes. Prospective applications also involve exploiting the breed’s favourable milk quality for niche dairy products and its suitability for sustainable, low-input agricultural systems.

Earlier assessments of genetic diversity were based on analyses of blood groups and protein polymorphisms, which indicated moderate variability within the population; however, the restricted genetic background of the breed remains a significant issue. Subsequent molecular investigations have incorporated the analysis of STR polymorphisms. At present, research efforts are focused on characterizing the maternal lineage through the analysis of mtDNA.

Exterior and production characteristics of brač sheep

2026-09-09T18:39:50+02:00

The Brač sheep is a locally adapted strain within the Dalmatian Pramenka breed, shaped by the specific environmental conditions of the Croatian island of Brač. Despite its cultural and agricultural significance, this sheep strain has not yet been fully described in scientific literature. This study aimed to record the exterior and productive traits of the Brač sheep to support its recognition and conservation as an autochthonous genetic resource.

A total of 65 adult ewes, 13 adult rams, 12 male lambs and nine female lambs from nine flocks were included in the study. The animals were kept primarily on pasture and used either for meat production or as dual-purpose, milk-meat animals. Body weight and seven morphometric traits were recorded. Measurements were conducted using a scale, Lydtin stick, measuring tape, and callipers. Lactation yield was assessed in five ewes after weaning of lambs. Milk was measured every 30 days until drying-off, and total yield was calculated using the Fleischmann formula.

The average body weight of ewes was 41.08 kg, and that of rams was 54.55 kg. Rams were larger than ewes in all measured exterior traits. Withers height averaged 61.94 cm in ewes and 68.04 cm in rams, while pelvic height was 62.85 cm and 68.00 cm, respectively. The most notable variation was observed in pelvic width, with a coefficient of variation of 15.71% in rams and 8.11% in ewes. Average milk production during the lactation period was 68.7 litres per ewe. Average litter size was one lamb, with all ewes delivering singletons.

The Brač sheep is characterized by a small body frame and modest productive performance, which are comparable to those of other Croatian Pramenka-type breeds.

Genetic variability of canine NR3C1 gene and its role in glucocorticoid signaling

2026-10-20T19:01:09+02:00

The glucocorticoid receptor is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the actions of glucocorticoids and regulates genes involved in metabolism, development, inflammation, and the immune response. Glucocorticoids are lipophilic, allowing them to freely cross cell membranes and bind to glucocorticoid receptors, which, upon translocation to the nucleus, enhance or suppress transcription of target genes. The glucocorticoid receptor is encoded by the NR3C1 gene, which has been identified in both humans and dogs. This gene is located on canine chromosome 2 and contains nine exons. The NR3C1 gene encodes multiple glucocorticoid receptor isoforms via alternative splicing and alternative translation initiation, leading to diverse cellular and physiological responses. Previous studies of NR3C1 gene polymorphisms have been conducted in the context of various human diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and an increased risk of major depression. In dogs, identified polymorphisms have been investigated in relation to immune thrombocytopenia and in clinical studies evaluating dogs’ responses to steroid medications. Since glucocorticoids such as cortisol are key mediators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and play a central role in the physiological adaptation to stress, variations in the NR3C1 gene may influence receptor sensitivity, feedback regulation, and overall stress reactivity in dogs. Investigating the occurrence of genetic variants and the relationship between NR3C1 polymorphisms, cortisol levels, and behavioural indicators of stress may provide valuable insights into canine stress physiology and support the development of more individualized approaches to animal welfare assessment and veterinary treatment. Particular attention should be given to indigenous dog breeds, which represent unique genetic resources shaped by long-term adaptation to specific environmental conditions and management practices, and may therefore harbour distinct genetic variants associated with stress resilience and adaptive capacity.

Study of sericin added to semen extender in sperm cryopreservation of Hungarian Giant Rabbit

2026-10-20T12:37:46+02:00

Because of the dramatic decline of Hungarian Giant rabbit we aim to create an in vitro sperm bank for safe gene preservation purposes. During testing different freezing protocols we developed an effective extender for the cryopreservation of Hungarian Giant sperm. The present study investigated the effect of sericin as antioxidants on sperm freezability using the modified Lake’s extender. Collected sperm from 10 bucks was diluted 1:4 with modified Lake’s extender with 1% glycerol and 4% DMF (control group), containing sericin 0.1 and 0.3 w/v% (treated groups). Samples filled into 0.25 ml straws, and after equilibration at 5°C for 60 min static freezing (5 cm above liquid nitrogen for 15 minutes) was applied. The thawing was carried out at 40ºC for 30 sec. In the fresh and frozen/thawed sperm samples motility (CASA) and ratio of live/dead cells, sperm abnormalities (aniline blue-eosin staining) were checked. In testing two different sericin concentrations no significant difference was observed in the proportion of live, intact cells or in total and progressive motility, none of the tested concentrations of sericin supplementation improved sperm viability. Further studies are required to determine whether the concentrations were suboptimal or this rabbit breed responds poorly to these treatments.