Change in genetic size of small-closed populations: Lessons from a domestic mammal population

The aim of this study was to monitor changes in genetic size of a small-closed population of Iranian Zandi sheep, by using pedigree information from animals born between 1991 and 2005. The genetic size was assessed by using measures based on the probability of identity-by-descend of genes (coancestry, f, and effective population size, Ne ), as well as measures based on probability of gene origin (effective number of founders, fe , effective number of founder genomes, fg , and effective number of non-founder genomes, fne ). Average coancestry, or the degree of genetic similarity of individuals, increased from 0.81% to 1.44% during the period 1993 to 2005, at the same time that Ne decreased from 263 to 93. The observed trend for fe was irregular throughout the experiment in a way that fe was 68, 87, 77, 92, and 80 in 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002, and 2005, respectively. Simultaneously, fg , the most informative effective number, decreased from 61 to 35. The index of genetic diversity (GD) which was obtained from estimates of fg , decreased about 2% throughout the period studied. In addition, a noticeable reduction was observed in the estimates of fne from 595 in 1993 to 61 in 2005. The higher than 1 ratio of fe to fg indicated the presence of bottlenecks and genetic drift in the development of this population of Zandi sheep. From 1993 to 1999, fne was much higher than fe , thereby indicating that with respect to loss of genetic diversity, the unequal contribution of founders was more important than the random genetic drift in non-founder generations. Subsequently, random genetic drift in non-founder generations was the major reason for fe > fne . The minimization of average coancestry in new reproductive individuals was recommended as a means of preserving the population against a further loss in genetic diversity

Genetic variability in the Skyros pony and its relationship with other Greek and foreign horse breeds

In Greece, seven native horse breeds have been identified so far. Among these, the Skyros pony is outstanding through having a distinct phenotype. In the present study, the aim was to assess genetic diversity in this breed, by using different types of genetic loci and available genealogical information. Its relationships with the other Greek, as well as foreign, domestic breeds were also investigated. Through microsatellite and pedigree analysis it appeared that the Skyros presented a similar level of genetic diversity to the other European breeds. Nevertheless, comparisons between DNA-based and pedigree-based results revealed that a loss of genetic diversity had probably already occurred before the beginning of breed registration. Tests indicated the possible existence of a recent bottleneck in two of the three main herds of Skyros pony. Nonetheless, relatively high levels of heterozygosity and Polymorphism Information Content indicated sufficient residual genetic variability, probably useful in planning future strategies for breed conservation. Three other Greek breeds were also analyzed. A comparison of these with domestic breeds elsewhere, revealed the closest relationships to be with the Middle Eastern types, whereas the Skyros itself remained isolated, without any close relationship, whatsoever

The value of using probabilities of gene origin to measure genetic variability in a population

International audienc

Analyse généalogique des races bovines laitières françaises

National audienceThis paper presents an overview of the genetic variability of the 8 main French dairy cattle breeds, estimated through pedigree information. The Normande and Tarentaise breeds are closed populations, the Montbeliarde and Abondance breeds recently introduced a limited amount of Red Holstein genes, whereas the Holstein, Brown Swiss, Pie Rouge des Plaines, and Simmental populations widely use foreign germplasm, sometimes until complete absorption. The estimation of inbreeding is strongly dependent on the population structure and on the quality of the pedigree information. When inbreeding can be correctly estimated, its level is found to increase by about 1 % per generation, and the realized effective size is close to or less than 50. The effective number of ancestors, derived from the probabilities of gene origins, varies from 17 to 64 according to the breed and is not related to the number of females in the population. Due to the efficiency of artificial insemination, the dairy cattle breeds are genetically small populations. Further investigations are needed to propose selection methods more favorable to the preservation of genetic diversity but still compatible with the selection programs. Two urgent proposals are to maintain all existing populations and to increase the number of bull sires in the breeds with the largest number of females.Cet article présente un bilan de la variabilité génétique dans les huit principales races bovines laitières françaises établi à partir de l’information généalogique. La stratégie d’ouverture diffère entre populations, les races Normande et Tarentaise étant fermées, les races Prim’Holstein, Pie Rouge des Plaines, Brune et Simmental Française faisant largement appel à des gènes extérieurs, tandis que les races Montbéliarde et Abondance ont procédé à une légère infusion de gènes Holstein rouge. Lorsque la qualité des généalogies et la structure de la population permet de le calculer correctement, le niveau de consanguinité est faible mais il s’accroît assez rapidement, de l’ordre de 1 % par génération, ce qui correspond à un effectif génétique réalisé de quelques dizaines de reproducteurs. Le nombre d’ancêtres efficace, dérivé des probabilités d’origine de gènes, est compris entre 17 et 64 et n’est pas corrélé avec le nombre de femelles dans la population. Les races bovines laitières, du fait de l’efficacité de l’insémination artificielle, sont donc des populations extrêmement réduites en terme d’origines génétiques. Des études plus approfondies devront rapidement proposer des solutions visant à préserver la variabilité génétique, mais restant compatibles avec les programmes de sélection actuels. Sans préjuger des réponses à apporter, il semble cependant nécessaire, d’une part, de maintenir toutes les populations existantes et, d’autre part, d’augmenter le nombre de pères à taureaux

Etude de modalités d'utilisation des stations publiques de contrôle de performances porcines en France

National audienc

Consommation résiduelle chez le porc en croissance alimenté à volonté. Méthode de calcul et variabilité génétique

National audienc