Danubian Animal Genetic Resources

Pedigree based analysis of population structure in Hungarian sheep (Racka sheep)

András Lévai, András Gáspárdy — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:12:32 +0000

The Hungarian sheep (also known as Racka sheep) is the best known and most characteristic native sheep breed of Hungary, which has been bred in the Carpathian Basin for centuries. Regular pedigree data collection has been ongoing since 1994. The black and white colour variants are bred separately and registered in closed studbooks, and although they are similar in appearance, they are genetically distinct. Thanks to subsidies, the breed is currently flourishing, but the processing of studbook data and population genetic analysis are essential for its long-term, secure maintenance. The white Racka herd numbers 4,314 living animals currently, while the black Racka herd numbers 3,905 animals. The white Racka variant is kept by 48 breeders and the black one by 43 breeders, with an average number of 90 and 91 individuals per farm, respectively, with a very large variation. There are few large flocks (with more than 200 ewes), six for each colour. Therefore, it can be said that the stock is fragmented, which is favourable for preserving the genetic diversity of the breed, as more rams are used than in the case of modern breeds at large operations. The sex ratio is advantageous, 1:24 for white and 1:21 for black variant. The current breeding situation therefore appears favourable. However, we have found that despite the seemingly favourable data, genetic narrowing is occurring in both colours. In the white colour, this process is particularly noticeable in the male sex. Here, the number of lines has decreased from 103 to 42 in 30 years. In the black colour, this process is visible in both sexes. The number of lines has decreased from 88 to 41, and the number of families from 3,163 to 1,128. These data show that the long-term sustainability of the breed is at risk. The effective population size exceeds 2,200 individuals for both colour variants, but this seemingly favourable data alone is not sufficient for a correct assessment of the situation. Taking into account external factors (the high selection pressure applied to rams, the strong dependence of breeders on subsidies, the fragmentation of breeding farms, and the low willingness of breeders to cooperate), it can be said that new methods need to be developed to ensure the sustainability of the breed. Our main goal is to preserve the original characteristics of the Hungarian sheep, a breed that has defined Hungarian shepherding for centuries, and to maintain its original genetic diversity. To this end, we have processed the pedigree data of 110,000 individuals recorded over the past 30 years. As part of this, the ram lines and maternal families have been identified and coded. Going forward, we aim to use this knowledge to propose a breed maintenance program based on the within-family selection.

The Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) as an Autochthonous Genetic and Dairy Resource in Republic of Serbia

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:14:57 +0000

Autochthonous breedsare considered as valuable reservoirs of genetic diversity owing to their capacity to adapt under specific ecological and economic conditions. Among these, the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) holds particular importance in European agriculture, especially in Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, and parts of the Balkans. In Serbia, buffalo populations have traditionally been concentrated along major river basins.Most herds are found in central and southern Serbia, restricted to areas where traditional buffalo husbandry has been maintained due to geographic factors and cultural practices.However, according to FAO data, their numbers have markedly declined over the past decades, with some local populations approachingextinction.Over the past five years, the Serbian water buffalo population has ranged between approximately 1,100 and 1,600 head, having a peak in 2022. According to the most recent records, the population now numbers just under 1,500 animals.In general, water buffalo are classified into Swamp and River subspecies, each with unique production traits and geographic distribution. Swamp buffalo are primarily kept in South and Southeast Asia, where they serve as draught animals and produce modest quantities of milk and meat. In contrast, River buffalo, which predominate in Europe, have been selectively bred for high milk yields and are the foundation of traditional dairy industries that produce specialty cheeses highly valued by consumers. Buffalo milk is characterized by its rich composition, containing 6–8% fat, elevated protein levels, and a high proportion of total solids, making it particularly suitable for processing into mozzarella and various traditional cheeses.In addition to their valuable milk traits, buffaloes are recognized for their ability to thrive under suboptimal conditions, their effective feed utilization, and their resilience to various infectious diseases. Conservation of this genetic resource is fundamental for maintaining adaptive capacityand supporting the socio-economic sustainability of rural production systems.It is essential to implement selection and conservation programsand promote the valorization of buffalo-derived products in order to preserve this culturally valuable species in Europe.

Morphometric Analysis and Sex Dimorphism of the Autochthonous Lipe Sheep

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Lipe sheep is an autochthonous and endangered sheep endemic to a limited area in Serbia, representing an important element of national livestock biodiversity. As a locally adapted genetic resource, belonging to the Pramenka group of sheep, it holds ecological, cultural, and production-related value. However, population decline and exclusion from intensive breeding programs have made the population vulnerable to genetic erosion. This study evaluated sex dimorphism of the Lipe sheep through body measurements, craniometric, and pelvimetric morphometry. A total of 19 adults (10 ewes and 9 rams, aged 2.5 to 3.5 years) were analyzed. Results showed highly significant differences between sexes for body traits (p < 0.001), with rams consistently exhibiting greater values. Significant dimorphism was observed in cranial traits, with rams displaying more pronounced characteristics. Rams also had yellowish to dark, large, triangularly shaped, and spirally twisted horns, a key feature of sexual dimorphism. In contrast, no significant differences were found for pelvic traits, suggesting well-developed pelvis in ewes, ensuring easy lambing and uniform pelvic conformation. These findings indicate that the Lipe sheep exhibits stronger sex dimorphism in body and cranial morphology while maintaining functional uniformity in pelvic structure. The study contributes to a broader characterization of the Lipe sheep and provides a foundation for targeted conservation and breeding strategies. Preserving this sheep helps maintain agrobiodiversity and strengthens its role as a valuable genetic resource.

Financial support measures for endangered local (autochthonous) livestock breeds in Slovenia

Metka ŽAN, Danijela BOJKOVSKI, Tina FLISAR — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In Slovenia, 14 local, 14 traditional and 27 foreign breeds are monitored, with particular emphasis placed on the preservation of local (autochthonous) Slovenian breeds. Local (autochthonous) breeds are breeds that originated in the territory of the Republic of Slovenia, whereas traditional breeds are those that have adapted to the climatic and other conditions of a specific geographical area and have been subject to continuous breeding for at least 30 years, or at least 50 years in the case of horses and cattle. All other breeds are referred to as foreign breeds.

Around the turn of the millennium, several populations of local (autochthonous) breeds in Slovenia faced the threat of extinction. Through targeted professional measures and financial support from the national government, not only has genetic heritage been preserved, but many breeds have shown substantial recovery in population size.

Breeders who raise endangered local (autochthonous) breeds receive financial support under the EU Common Agricultural Policy and the national long-term programme for the conservation of livestock diversity. The support is based on data regarding the number of purebred female and male breeding animals and the overall population size, which serves as the basis for assessing each breed’s risk status. This article presents an overview on the scope and amount of financial support allocated to breeders for the conservation of endangered local (autochthonous) Slovenian breeds in the period 2007–2024.

Initiative for genebanking of European endangered animal breeds

András Gáspárdy — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In Erinnerung an Prof. Dr. Dr. Hans Hinrich (Hinnerk) Sambraus 1935-2025

András Gáspárdy — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000