Caracterización genética del ovino de las Islas Baleares

El Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica (CDB) de 1992 supone un punto de inflexión en la conservación de los recursos genéticos animales. El Convenio contiene tres objetivos básicos: la conservación de la diversidad biológica, la utilización sostenible de sus componentes y el reparto justo y equitativo de los beneficios que se deriven de su utilización mediante un uso sostenible de los recursos genéticos. Su desarrollo e implementación ha supuesto un aumento de actividades dirigidas a la aplicación de programas de conservación y mejora en las razas autóctonas ganaderas. El archipiélago balear, por su historia y geografía, es un territorio rico en patrimonio genético. Tiene su máximo exponente en el ovino con cuatro razas oficialmente reconocidas, todas ellas catalogadas en peligro de extinción: Oveja Ibicenca, Mallorquina, Menorquina y Roja Mallorquina. En la actualidad estas razas disponen del correspondiente Libro genealógico y de un programa de conservación y mejora, ambos aprobados y reconocidos oficialmente. Dada la situación del peligro de extinción en la que se encuentran, se considera necesario realizar un estudio de caracterización genética de las cuatro razas para mejorar su gestión y optimizar la eficiencia de los programas. En el presente trabajo se propone la utilización de técnicas de genética molecular para el estudio de las poblaciones ovinas de Baleares. Los objetivos son la caracterización genética y el análisis de la diversidad y estructura intrapoblacional de estas razas; el análisis de la diversidad interpoblacional entre los ovinos de Baleares y otras razas de diversas procedencias (españolas y de otros países y continentes); además del estudio de la viabilidad e idoneidad de la utilización de la genética molecular en los programas de conservación y mejora. Las razas de Baleares presentan una diversidad genética aceptable y una significativa diferenciación entre ellas y el resto de razas analizadas. En el cálculo de las distancias y en las...El Conveni sobre la Diversitat Biològica (CDB) de 1992 suposa un punt d’inflexió en la conservació dels recursos genètics animals. El Conveni conté tres objectius bàsics: la conservació de la diversitat biològica, la utilització sostenible dels seus components i el repartiment just i equitatiu dels beneficis que s’obtenen de la seva utilització mitjançant un ús sostenible dels recursos genètics. El seu desenvolupament i implementació ha suposat un augment de les activitats adreçades a l’aplicació de programes de conservació i millora de les races autòctones ramaderes. L’arxipèlag balear és un territori ric en patrimoni genètic com a conseqüència de la seva història i cultura; i té el seu màxim exponent amb l’espècie ovina amb quatre races oficialment reconegudes, totes catalogades en perill d’extinció: Ovella Eivissenca, Mallorquina, Menorquina i Roja Mallorquina. En l’actualitat, aquestes races disposen del corresponent Llibre genealògic i d’un programa de conservació i millora, tot dos aprovats i reconeguts oficialment. Per la situació de perill d’extinció en què es troben, es considera necessari fer un estudi de caracterització genètica de les quatre races, per millorar-ne la gestió i optimitzar l’eficiència dels programes establerts. En el treball es proposa emprar les tècniques de genètica molecular per a l’estudi de les poblacions ovines de Balears. Els objectius són la caracterització genètica i l’anàlisi de la diversitat i l’estructura intrapoblacional de les poblacions de Balears, l’anàlisi de la diversitat interpoblacional entre les poblacions ovines de Balears, d’aquestes amb altres races d’Espanya i de totes elles amb altres races de diferents països i continents, a la vegada que s’estudia la idoneïtat d’emprar l’analítica molecular en els programes de conservació i millora. Les races ovines de Balears presenten una diversitat genètica acceptable i una diferenciació entre elles i amb la resta de poblacions analitzades bastant definida. Amb el càlcul de les distàncies i en les representacions gràfiques, s’observa que la població d’Eivissa...The 1992 Biological Diversity Agreement (Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica, CBD) represents a true turning point as to animal genetic resources conservation. The Agreement includes three basic objectives: a biological diversity conservation, a sustainable component’s use and last a fair and equitable sharing of the benefits derived from its usage through the sustainable use of the genetic resources. Its development and implementation have led to increase the number of activities directed towards completing conservation and breeding programs of local livestock breeds. The Balearic Islands archipelago, in view of its unique history and geography, encompasses a territory rich in genetic heritage. Most meaningful is the case of ovine cattle with four officially recognized sheep breeds, all of which are listed as in danger of extinction: the ‘Ibicenca’, ‘Mallorquina’, ‘Menorquina’ and ‘Roja Mallorquina’ sheep breeds. Currently they dispose of their own corresponding herd books and of their respective conservation and breeding programs, both officially approved and recognized. Given their threatened extinction state, it was deemed necessary to conduct a genetic characterization study of the four breeds in order to improve their management while also to optimize the different program efficiencies. This study puts forward the use of molecular genetics techniques in order to study the sheep populations of the Balearic Islands. Objectives are the genetic characterization and a diversity analysis together with an intra-population breed structure assessment; an interpopulation diversity analysis among the Balearic sheep alongside to other breeds of different origin (Spanish together with other countries and continents); In addition to assessing the feasibility and suitability of molecular genetics methods concerning the conservation and improvement programs

Does Functionality Condition the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Endangered Dog Breeds under Island Territorial Isolation?

Despite the undefinition of the origins of Ca de Rater (CR) and Ca de Bestiar (CB) dogs, references to these endangered autochthonous breeds highlighted their ratting/pet and shepherding/guard skills for centuries. Genealogical historical records were traced back to founders. Founder number in the reference population (146 and 53 for CR and CB, respectively), historical and reference maximum generations traced (eight and seven for CR and CB, respectively), and historical average number of complete generations (1.04 for both breeds) were determined. Structure assessment revealed the existence of subpopulations regarding criteria such as breeders (75 and 17), breeder location (32 and eight), owners (368 and 198), and owner location (73 and 51) for CR and CB, respectively. Average inbreeding (F) within breed subpopulations ranged from 0.27–1.20% for CB breeders and the rest of subpopulation criteria for both breeds, respectively, except for CB owners and owner location. F ranged from 0.27–1.41% for CB historical population and CR current population, respectively. The study of genetic diversity revealed a relatively similar genetic background between subpopulations. Average coancestry between and within breeds suggested a similar evolutionary process. However, Mann–Whitney U test determined significant differences for diversity parameters (F, ΔR, coancestry, nonrandom mating degree, maximum, complete, and equivalent generations, ΔF, and genetic conservation index) between breeds and their functionalities. Conclusively, functionality in dog breeds may determine the genetic diversity evolution of endangered breeds, even when these share the same geographic isolation conditions

Integrated discriminant evaluation of molecular genetic markers and genetic diversity parameters of endangered balearic dog breeds

The genetic diversity analysis of six dog breeds, including Ca de Bestiar (CB), Ca de Bou (CBOU), Podenco Ibicenco (PI), Ca Rater (CR), Ca Mè (CM), and Ca de Conills (CC), reveals insightful findings. CB showcases the highest mean number of alleles (6.17) and heterozygosity values, with significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) observed in five markers, indicating high intra-racial genetic diversity (average observed heterozygosity (Ho) = 0.754, expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.761). In contrast, CBOU presents the lowest mean number of alleles (5.05) and heterozygosity values, coupled with moderate polymorphic information content (PIC) values and a moderate level of intra-racial genetic diversity (average Ho = 0.313, He = 0.394). PI demonstrates moderate genetic diversity with an average of 5.75 alleles and highly informative PIC values, while CR displays robust genetic diversity with an average of 6.61 alleles and deviations from equilibrium, indicating potential risks of inbreeding (average Ho = 0.563, He = 0.658). CM exhibits moderate genetic diversity and deviations from equilibrium, similar to CBOU, with an average of 6.5 alleles and moderate PIC values (average Ho = 0.598, He = 0.676). Conversely, CC shows a wider range of allelic diversity and deviations from equilibrium (average Ho = 0.611, He = 0.706), suggesting a more diverse genetic background. Inter-racial analysis underscores distinct genetic differentiation between breeds, emphasizing the importance of informed breeding decisions and proactive genetic management strategies to preserve diversity, promote breed health, and ensure long-term sustainability across all breeds studied

The crucial role of breeder and dog owners associations in safeguarding genetic heritage of endangered Balearic dog breeds: gender preference and registry adscription

This study delves into the complex relationships between indigenous dog breeds in the Balearic Isles and their human counterparts, specifically breeders and owners. Using Canonical Correlation Analysis, the research examines variables such as breed registries and the number of breeders/owners, uncovering significant correlations within registries. For example, an increase in female auxiliary registrations corresponds to a decline in foundational registrations, indicating shifts in breed documentation dynamics. Similarly, a rise in definitive female registrations coincides with a decrease in foundational female registrations, suggesting increased pedigree awareness across generations. Beyond registries, the study explores the correlation between breeders/owners and various initial records, highlighting that a notable increase in breeders positively influences initial registrations, definitive totals, and overall counts, underscoring their crucial role in early breed stages. Gender preferences in registrations are noted, with a historical bias towards female entries during foundational stages gradually shifting in favor of males in definitive registrations. In conclusion, the research underscores the interconnected roles of breeders, owners, and comprehensive registries in preserving genetic diversity among Balearic dog breeds, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to address gaps in genealogical data for a more accurate understanding of breed dynamics

Genetic Structure of the Ca Rater Mallorquí Dog Breed Inferred by Microsatellite Markers

Ca Rater Mallorquí is a dog breed from the Island of Mallorca (Spain) traditionally used as a hunting and ratting dog to prevent disease spread and economic losses related to rodent activities on farms. However, the census data shows a population decline that should be addressed by implementing a conservation program. The first step to implementing a conservation plan is knowing the genetic situation of the Ca Rater Mallorquí population. Therefore, we aimed to genetically characterise the breed in our study. We analysed 33 microsatellites recommended by the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) in 77 samples. Data were obtained from 13 samples of Balearic, Spanish, and international dog breeds to study the genetic diversity among breeds. The population did not significantly deviate from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium with heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.655 and expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.685. The Wright’s fixation indices, the Factorial Correspondence Analysis (FCA), a dendrogram representing Reynolds genetic distance between populations, and the pairwise FST values establish the Ca Rater Mallorquí as an independent breed distinct from the Balearic, Spanish, and international breeds

The Crucial Role of Breeder and Dog Owners Associations in Safeguarding Genetic Heritage of Endangered Balearic Dog Breeds: Gender Preference and Registry Adscription

This study delves into the complex relationships between indigenous dog breeds in the Balearic Isles and their human counterparts, specifically breeders and owners. Using Canonical Correlation Analysis, the research examines variables such as breed registries and the number of breeders/owners, uncovering significant correlations within registries. For example, an increase in female auxiliary registrations corresponds to a decline in foundational registrations, indicating shifts in breed documentation dynamics. Similarly, a rise in definitive female registrations coincides with a decrease in foundational female registrations, suggesting increased pedigree awareness across generations. Beyond registries, the study explores the correlation between breeders/owners and various initial records, highlighting that a notable increase in breeders positively influences initial registrations, definitive totals, and overall counts, underscoring their crucial role in early breed stages. Gender preferences in registrations are noted, with a historical bias towards female entries during foundational stages gradually shifting in favor of males in definitive registrations. In conclusion, the research underscores the interconnected roles of breeders, owners, and comprehensive registries in preserving genetic diversity among Balearic dog breeds, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to address gaps in genealogical data for a more accurate understanding of breed dynamics

Integrated Discriminant Evaluation of Molecular Genetic Markers and Genetic Diversity Parameters of Endangered Balearic Dog Breeds

The genetic diversity analysis of six dog breeds, including Ca de Bestiar (CB), Ca de Bou (CBOU), Podenco Ibicenco (PI), Ca Rater (CR), Ca Mè (CM), and Ca de Conills (CC), reveals insightful findings. CB showcases the highest mean number of alleles (6.17) and heterozygosity values, with significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) observed in five markers, indicating high intra-racial genetic diversity (average observed heterozygosity (Ho) = 0.754, expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.761). In contrast, CBOU presents the lowest mean number of alleles (5.05) and heterozygosity values, coupled with moderate polymorphic information content (PIC) values and a moderate level of intra-racial genetic diversity (average Ho = 0.313, He = 0.394). PI demonstrates moderate genetic diversity with an average of 5.75 alleles and highly informative PIC values, while CR displays robust genetic diversity with an average of 6.61 alleles and deviations from equilibrium, indicating potential risks of inbreeding (average Ho = 0.563, He = 0.658). CM exhibits moderate genetic diversity and deviations from equilibrium, similar to CBOU, with an average of 6.5 alleles and moderate PIC values (average Ho = 0.598, He = 0.676). Conversely, CC shows a wider range of allelic diversity and deviations from equilibrium (average Ho = 0.611, He = 0.706), suggesting a more diverse genetic background. Inter-racial analysis underscores distinct genetic differentiation between breeds, emphasizing the importance of informed breeding decisions and proactive genetic management strategies to preserve diversity, promote breed health, and ensure long-term sustainability across all breeds studied