Genetic Diversity of Five Galician (Northwestern Spain) Local Primitive Bovine Breeds Using Pedigree Records

Characterization, inventory and monitoring trends of animal genetic resources of local breeds are crucial factors for the development of conservation strategies. Using genealogical information, the genetic diversity of five Spanish local bovine breeds located in the northwest of Spain in the region of Galicia, and called in the past Morenas Gallegas (Cachena, Caldelá, Frieiresa, Limiá and Vianesa), has been analysed. The results achieved a good quality of pedigree records in terms of integrity and deepness. In spite of the low census of the five breeds, (no more or even less than one thousand animals), the strategies developed for genetic diversity conservation since the end of the last century revealed positive results. An increase of generation intervals, the use of reproductive technologies and a higher animal exchange between herds are some strategies suggested to preserve the genetic diversity of the five Galician bovine breeds analysed

Detección de introgresión en la perdiz roja (Alactoris rufa), mediante marcadores moleculares de tipo RAPD

In recent years, the use of the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) for cynegenetic purposes has increased dramatically, and captive-bred individuals are released to reinforce wild populations. A problem appears at the farm level where partridges can be crossed with non-native species that are better adapted to captivity, like Alectoris chukar. In this study we use a set of eight RAPD markers to identify a possible hybridization of A.rufa with A.chukar partridges. A total of 1510 individuals were analysed, grouped into pools of five birds each. We obtained a frequency of genetic introgression in red-legged partridge near to 50%. These results show that a high percentage of hybridization in captive populations of Spanish partridges is present, and that more thorough control systems should be established in breeding farms for re-stocking purposes

Distribución de la variabilidad genética en poblaciones de Ponis españoles: resultados preliminares

Para el estudio de la variabilidad genética de tres poblaciones diferentes de caballos, Asturcón, Pottoka y Pura Sangre Inglés (PSI), habiéndose constituido esta última como población de referencia, se ha analizado la distribución de las frecuencias alélicas de 10 STR (Short Tandem Repeat) loci equinos. La variabilidad genética encontrada en las razas de ponis es superior a la del PSI y solo uno de los loci analizados se desvía significativamente del equilibrio Hardy- Weinberg (a =0,01) en las poblaciones de Asturcón y Pottoka. El valor FST estimado (0,054) muestra una divergencia significativa entre Asturcón y Pottoka, asimismo la distancia genética calculada entre ambas poblaciones es inferior comparada a la que tienen ambas con respecto al PSI

Distribución de la variabilidad genética en poblaciones de Ponis españoles: resultados preliminares

Para el estudio de la variabilidad genética de tres poblaciones diferentes de caballos, Asturcón, Pottoka y Pura Sangre Inglés (PSI), habiéndose constituido esta última como población de referencia, se ha analizado la distribución de las frecuencias alélicas de 10 STR (Short Tandem Repeat) loci equinos. La variabilidad genética encontrada en las razas de ponis es superior a la del PSI y solo uno de los loci analizados se desvía significativamente del equilibrio Hardy- Weinberg (a =0,01) en las poblaciones de Asturcón y Pottoka. El valor FST estimado (0,054) muestra una divergencia significativa entre Asturcón y Pottoka, asimismo la distancia genética calculada entre ambas poblaciones es inferior comparada a la que tienen ambas con respecto al PSI

Genomic Characterization of a Set of Iberian Peninsula Bovine Local Breeds at Risk of Extinction: Morenas Gallegas

A set of five local bovine breeds in danger of extinction named Cachena, Caldelá, Limiá, Frieiresa, and Vianesa and included in the group of Morenas Gallegas are located in the Autonomous Community of Galicia at the Northwest of Spain. Local authorities launched a conservation plan at the end of the 21th century in order to preserve this important genetic reservoir. However, Morenas Gallegas bovine breeds never have been analyzed with genomic tools and this information may be crucial to develop conservation plans. The aim of the study was to analyze their genetic diversity and genetic relationships with a set of local and cosmopolitan European bovine breeds using single nucleotide polymorphisms. Our results show own genetic signatures for the Morenas Gallegas breeds which form a separate cluster when compared to the Spanish breeds analyzed, with the exception of the Cachena breed. The genetic diversity levels of the Morenas Gallegas were intermediate or high, and low inbreeding coefficients can be found except for the Frieiresa breed (11%). Vianesa breed evidenced two lineages depending on the Frieiresa component influence. The Morenas Gallegas bovine breeds group represent an important Spanish bovine genetic reservoir and despite their classification within a single generic group, the five breeds show their own genetic uniqueness