The risk status of Polish local breeds under conservation programmes – new approach

Inter and intra population genetic variability in ducks under conservation programs

This study focuses on estimation of the inter and intra population genetic variability of 6 duck populations. Microsatellite loci were used to assess the genetic variation and population structure of 6 duck populations under a conservation program in Poland. DNA polymorphism was assessed using 24 microsatellite markers and 50 individuals from each population. Polymorphism information content (PIC), heterozygosity with 2 estimators of genetic differentiation (FST and GST), and Nei's standard genetic distance were calculated. The results showed that these 6 endangered duck populations showed high genetic polymorphism. Observed heterozygosity within populations ranged from 0.14 to 0.83, with the average value of 0.58. PIC within populations ranged from 0.038 (P-8 and P-9 lines) to 0.89 (LsA line). Average number of alleles in the studied populations ranged from 4.5 (KhO-1 line) to 7.3 (LsA line). Based on the results, the pairs of lines LsA: P-33 and P-8: P-9 were found to be the most related; and the most genetically distant group was KhO-1 line, which originated as a cross between Khaki Campbell with Orpington duck.

Influence of Genotype on Productivity and Egg Quality of Three Hen Strains Included in a Biodiversity Program

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of genotype on the productivity and egg quality of three hen strains included in the genetic resource protection program in Poland. The study encompassed populations of laying hens, i.e., Rhode Island Red/RIR (R-11 and K-22) and Rhode Island White (A-33). The analysis over five generations included the basic production traits, i.e., the weight of the birds at 20 weeks (g), egg weights at 33 and 53 weeks, sexual maturity, the number of eggs laid up to 56 weeks of age, and hatchability parameters. In addition, the effective population size (Ne) and flock homozygosity coefficient (Fx) were calculated for each breed. Population health during the rearing and production periods was also recorded. The study also determined egg content and shell quality traits in relation to the age of the hens. The birds were kept on litter at a stocking rate of 5 hens/m2 and fed ad libitum with a standard feed mixture for hens. Based on the results, it was concluded that the evaluated hen populations (R-11, K-22, and A-33) are valuable strains, representing a reservoir of unique phenotypic and egg quality traits. It was shown that the random mating system used in the reproduction of flocks effectively protects the populations from an increase in the degree of inbreeding. An influence of hens' origin (genotype) and age on the performance results, as well as egg quality traits, was found. Over five generations, the evaluated hen strains were characterized by high survival rates (above 98%). The study also found a large variation between the R-11 and K-22 strains and the A-33 strain in terms of the evaluated performance traits, especially in the body and egg weights, sexual maturity age, and laying performance of hens. The earliest to start laying were hens from the K-22 strains, which also showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher laying performances compared to R-11 hens. The results also indicate that the quality of eggs from hens of the compared strains varied. This was particularly true for such traits as shell color; egg, shell, and yolk weight; and shell quality. It was also shown that many egg and shell quality traits change with the age of the hens. The analysis of the obtained data indicates that the adopted methods of conservative breeding for these populations have influenced the success of the conservation program.

Identification, Superantigen Toxin Gene Profile and Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococci Isolated from Polish Primitive Sheep Breeds

The study aimed to analyze staphylococcal microbiota of the nasal cavity of the primitive sheep breeds Polish Świniarka and Wrzosówka kept on the same ecological farm. The research included the identification of staphylococcal species, evaluation of the prevalence of genes encoding enterotoxins, staphylococcal enterotoxin-like proteins, exfoliative toxins, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, and detection of antimicrobial resistance. From 61 swab samples gathered from Świniarka (33) and Wrzosówka (28) healthy sheep, 127 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were isolated. Based on PCR-RFLP analysis of the gap gene using AluI and HpyCH4V enzymes, the isolates were identified as: Staphylococcus xylosus (33.9%), S. equorum (29.1%), S. arlettae (15%), S. warneri (9.4%), S. lentus (7.9%), S. succinus (3.9%) and S. sciuri (0.8%). Three of these species, S. lentus, S. succinus, and S. sciuri, were detected only from the Świniarka breed. It was found that 77.2% of isolates harbored from 1 to 7 out of 21 analyzed genes for superantigenic toxins. The greatest diversity of toxin genes was recorded for S. equorum (16 different genes). The most prevalent gene was ser (40.2%). The incidence and number of resistances to antimicrobials were found to be bacterial species but not sheep breed dependent. The highest percentage of resistance was found for S. sciuri. The most frequent resistance was observed to clindamycin (45.7%). The findings of this study prove that toxigenic and antimicrobial resistant CoNS can colonize the nasal cavity of healthy sheep.

Assessing the utility value of Hucul horses using classification models, based on artificial neural networks

The aim of this study was to evaluate factors influencing the performance of Hucul horses and to develop a prediction model, based on artificial neural (AI) networks for predict horses’ classification, relying on their performance value assessment during the annual Hucul championships. The Feedforward multilayer artificial neural networks, learned using supervised methods and implemented in Matlab programming environment were applied. Artificial neural networks with one and two hidden layers with different numbers of neurons equipped with a tangensoidal transition function, learned using the Levenberg-Marqiuardt method, were applied for the analysis. Although results showed that 7-year-old horses had the highest number of wins, the 11-year-old horses were observed to have had the best results when accessed relative to the total number of horses for a given year. Although horses from the Hroby line had the most starts in 2009–2019, those of the Goral line had the most wins. While predicting the horses’ efficiency for the first 6 positions during the utility championship, the neural network consisting of 12 neurons in hidden layer performed the best, obtaining 69,65% efficiency. The highest horse efficiency classification was obtained for the four-layered network with 12 and 8 neurons in the hidden layers. An 81.3% efficiency was obtained while evaluating the correctness of the prediction for horses occupying positions 1 to 3. The use of AI seems to be indispensable in assessing the performance value of Hucul horses. It is necessary to determine the relation between horses’ traits and their utility value by means of trait selection methods, accompanied with expert advice. It is also advisable to conduct research using deep neural networks.

Mitochondrial Whole D-Loop Variability in Polish Draft Horses of Sztumski Subtype

The Polish draft horse (PDH) breed is a result of crossing local mares with imported cold-blooded stallions, such as Belgians, Ardennes, Fjords, and others. A part of the broodmare stock investigated in this study was also imported from various countries, such as Denmark. In this study, we investigate the genetic composition of the PDH by analyzing the whole mitochondrial d-loop variability and comparing it to previously demonstrated whole d-loop sequences of other cold-blooded breeds: Ardennais, Belgian, Breton, Clydesdale, Noriker, Norwegian Fjord, Percheron, and Suffolk. Our results show high nucleotide diversity within the PDH population (π = 0.011), and the existence of two main haplogroups: one of relatively concise origin, with strong kinship to the Belgian breed, and the second showing close relation to the majority of other analyzed cold-blooded breeds. Some of the PDH maternal strains clustered separately, which can be a result of the influence of other unidentified breeds that served as a foundation stock for the present population. This present study explains the genetic relationship of the PDH to other cold-blooded breeds and indicates the high genetic diversity of the breed.

Native Sheep Breeds in Poland—Importance and Outcomes of Genetic Resources Protection Programmes

Simple Summary

The aim of this paper was to present the current situation of native sheep breeding in Poland, in terms of the significance and the effects of genetic resources protection programmes. The sheep farming tradition in Poland is deeply rooted in culture, particularly in the mountain and foothill regions. Sheep are permanently linked to many areas of country, not only playing an indispensable part in shaping the landscape, but also providing unique products. The most effective method of conserving native breeds is their sustainable management. It is important to maintain and develop the promotion and certification of high-quality products from native breeds and to control the endangered status of local breeds, which must be monitored and updated on an ongoing basis.

Abstract

The sheep population of native breeds, despite their unique features and the ability to adapt to harsh environmental conditions, has significantly decreased in recent years. Due to the low profitability of breeding, many local breeds of sheep in Poland were exposed to the risk of extinction. Many years of crisis in sheep farming have exacerbated this situation. The aim of this paper was to present the current situation of native sheep breeding in Poland, in terms of significance and effects of genetic resources protection programmes. The conservation of genetic resources of sheep aims to maintain and increase the population size while striving to maintain the greatest possible genetic variability. There are 17 native breeds included in the Polish sheep genetic resources conservation programme. A positive element of the implementation of the conservation of genetic resources programme for sheep is the accompanying measures which are based on the use of the non-productive role of the species. Extensive sheep grazing, as a form of nature conservation, serves to preserve valuable natural landscapes and the culture of local communities associated with sheep farming. Production and promotion of quality products, especially using niche markets and short production chains, are essential to ensure the economic viability of farms. These activities must be accompanied by raising public awareness of indigenous breeds and their alternative use in environmental activities, as well as their role in preserving the cultural heritage of local communities, for example through mountain grazing and the production of traditional products.

Present Conservation Status and Carcass and Meat Characteristics of Lithuanian Vištinės Goose Breed

Simple Summary

Goose meat is known as a meat with specific aroma and flavour traits compared to other meats from poultry and other animal species. Despite a low goose meat share in meat production and consumption, a large number of different goose breeds and varieties are known. However, most of them are rare and endangered. As goose breeding is not profitable, the specificity of goose products should be evaluated and highlighted. The aim of this study was to identify the status of the conserved Lithuanian Vištinės goose breed and evaluate goose carcass and meat characteristics in the breast and thigh depending on the sex. Monitoring of geese included in the breeding system has enabled us to evaluate the changes in population size and conservation status, which remains critical maintained. The sex appeared to affect the carcass composition but did not show the effect on meat properties, whereas the muscle type had an effect on the parameters of meat and lipid quality. Thigh muscles showed more favourable lipid indices in relation to healthy nutrition of consumers in comparison to the breast.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to identify the conservation status of Lithuanian local Vištinės goose breed and evaluate the carcass and meat quality characteristics in the breast and thigh depending on the sex. The status of the Lithuanian Vištinės goose breed was evaluated by monitoring of the birds, which are included in the breeding system. Twenty geese from the nucleus flock at the age of 10 weeks and reared using a commercial concentrate diet ad libitum were used for the carcass and meat quality evaluation. Due to fluctuations in the numbers of geese and reproduction of purebred birds on a largest scale from the nucleus flock, the status of Vištinės goose population remains critical-maintained. The difference in the live body weight between males and females was insignificant, whereas males showed higher carcass weight (p < 0.05), including the weight of breast, wings, thighs and neck. The sex did not affect the meat quality parameters, but the anatomical location of muscles has appeared to show a high effect. Thigh muscles had lower (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) protein and cholesterol, and higher (p < 0.001) intramuscular fat contents compared with the breast. Thigh muscles also showed higher (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) pH and EZ drip loss, but lower (p < 0.001) cooking loss compared with the breast. The breast was characterized by a higher (p < 0.001) shear of force and toughness with Warner–Bratzler test and higher (p < 0.001) hardness detected by texture profile analysis (TPA) compared with the thigh. Breast lipids had higher (p < 0.001) proportion of total saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas the thigh was characterized by a higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids. Atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI) indexes were higher (p < 0.001) and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (h/H) ratio was lower (p < 0.001) and less favourable in the breast compared with the thigh. Despite the muscle type differences, goose meat of the local conserved breed exhibited good quality and expected enhancing impact on consumer health.

Ex Situ Conservation and Genetic Rescue of Endangered Polish Cattle and Pig Breeds with the Aid of Modern Reproductive Biotechnology – A Review

The development and optimization of reproductive biotechnology – specifically semen cryopreservation, spermatological diagnostics, and intraspecies cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) – have become essential techniques to conserve the genetic resources and establish genetic reserves of endangered or vanishing native Polish livestock breeds. Moreover, this biotechnology is necessary for perpetuating biological diversity and enhancing genetic variability as well as for restoring and reintroducing breeds into anthropogenic agricultural ecosystems. On the one hand, the purpose of our paper is to interpret recent efforts aimed at the ex situ conservation of native cattle and pig breeds. On the other, it emphasizes the prominent role played by the National Research Institute of Animal Production (NRIAP) in maintaining biodiversity in agricultural environmental niches. Furthermore, our paper provides an overview of the conventional and modern strategies of the banking and cryopreservation of germplasm-carrier biological materials and somatic cell lines, spermatological diagnostics, and semen-based and SCNT-mediated assisted reproductive technologies (ART s). These are the most reliable and powerful tools for ex situ protection of the genetic resources of endangered breeds of livestock, especially cattle and pigs.

Temporal Trends in Performance and Hatchability Traits of Eight Strains of Hens Covered by the Gene Pool Protection Programme in Poland

The aim of the study was to determine trends in performance and hatchability traits of eight strains of hens that have been covered by the gene pool protection programme in Poland over ten years/generations. The study involved conservation populations of laying hens: Greenleg Partridge (Z-11), Yellowleg Partridge (Ż-33), Sussex (S-66), Leghorn (H-22, G99), Rhode Island Red (R-11, K-22) and Rhode Island White (A-33), which were maintained at the Experimental Station of the National Research Institute of Animal Production in Chorzelów. The following productive traits were analysed for each population: body weight at 20 wk (g), egg weight at 33 and 53 wk, sexual maturity and number of eggs laid per hen up to 56 wk of age. Mortality and culling were also recorded during rearing and production periods. Furthermore, effective population size (Ne) and inbreeding coefficient in the population (Fx) were calculated for each strain. The analysis of the performance results of the eight strains of hens and their trends indicate that the methods of conservation breeding adopted for these populations enable effective implementation of the conservation programme. The strains were found to differ in all the performance traits subjected to evaluation. Over the 10 generations, the strains examined showed high survival and hatchability parameters during both rearing and production periods. The currently used random mating system proved effective to prevent the populations from an increase of inbreeding. However, a worrying downward trend in body weight was observed in some strains.

Sustainable Local Exploitation and Innovation on Meat Products Based on the Autochthonous Bovine Breed Jarmelista

The Jarmelista autochthonous bovine breed has a sustainable production and is part of the culture of the Portuguese territory, representing a touristic attraction and originating a differentiated beef product that can only be found in a particular region of the country. However rural and livestock population evolution in Portugal’s inland has demonstrated a great regression with consequences for environment and nature conservation. In this context and considering that silvopastoral activity has shaped the natural areas of mountain territories since its beginning, rethinking the importance of such activity has become vital for the territory sustainability. In this perspective, this work presents an analysis of the adaptation and evolution of Jarmelista bovine breed production to current times, perceiving its limitations, challenges, and success potential, supported by a data collection of secondary and primary sources. Despite the natural, healthy, and sustainable value of this particular bovine meat, we observed that is still not recognised by the market or even by the producers. The inability of proving the Jarmelista beef added value within the value chain is the main cause of businesses and consumers sceptic and disbelief in the potential of its economic and tourism contribution. Several possibilities and actions were identified to contradict this path.