Analysis of Endangered Andalusian Black Cattle (Negra Andaluza) Reveals Genetic Reservoir for Bovine Black Trunk

This comprehensive study on the Andalusian Black cattle breed reveals a substantial population decline, with the average herd size decreasing significantly from 305.54 to 88.28 animals per herd. This decline is primarily attributed to agricultural changes and the introduction of foreign meat-focused...

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Main Authors: Luis Favian Cartuche Macas, María Esperanza Camacho Vallejo, Antonio González Ariza, José Manuel León Jurado, Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo, Carmen Marín Navas, Francisco Javier Navas González
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-04-01
Series:Animals
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/7/1131
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author Luis Favian Cartuche Macas
María Esperanza Camacho Vallejo
Antonio González Ariza
José Manuel León Jurado
Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo
Carmen Marín Navas
Francisco Javier Navas González
author_facet Luis Favian Cartuche Macas
María Esperanza Camacho Vallejo
Antonio González Ariza
José Manuel León Jurado
Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo
Carmen Marín Navas
Francisco Javier Navas González
author_sort Luis Favian Cartuche Macas
collection DOAJ
description This comprehensive study on the Andalusian Black cattle breed reveals a substantial population decline, with the average herd size decreasing significantly from 305.54 to 88.28 animals per herd. This decline is primarily attributed to agricultural changes and the introduction of foreign meat-focused breeds. The male-to-female ratio shift is noteworthy, with more cows than bulls, impacting selection intensity for both genders. Inbreeding levels, though relatively low historically (5.94%) and currently (7.23%), raise concerns as 37.08% historically and 48.82% currently of the animals exhibit inbreeding. Positive assortative mating is evident, reflected by the increasing non-random mating coefficient (α). Key ancestors play a crucial role in shaping genetic diversity, with one ancestor significantly influencing the current genetic pool and the top 10 ancestors contributing substantially. Breed maintains a conservation index of 2.75, indicating relatively high genetic diversity. Recent conservation efforts have led to an increase in registered animals. The Cañadas Reales, historical transhumance routes, may have contributed to genetic connections among provinces. Challenges include the historical bottleneck, demographic changes, and potential impacts from reproductive practices. The Andalusian Black breed’s conservation necessitates ongoing efforts in genealogical registration, targeted breeding programs, and collaborative initiatives to address the observed demographic shifts and ensure sustainable genetic diversity.
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spelling doaj.art-4c36bf9f931342c5b9cf6d21530201812024-04-12T13:14:28ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152024-04-01147113110.3390/ani14071131Analysis of Endangered Andalusian Black Cattle (Negra Andaluza) Reveals Genetic Reservoir for Bovine Black TrunkLuis Favian Cartuche Macas0María Esperanza Camacho Vallejo1Antonio González Ariza2José Manuel León Jurado3Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo4Carmen Marín Navas5Francisco Javier Navas González6Faculty of Biology, Amazonian State University, Lago Agrio Headquarters, Nueva Loja 210203, EcuadorInstitute of Agricultural Research and Training (IFAPA), Alameda del Obispo, 14005 Córdoba, SpainCentro Agropecuario Provincial de Córdoba, Diputación Provincial de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, SpainCentro Agropecuario Provincial de Córdoba, Diputación Provincial de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, SpainDepartment of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, SpainDepartment of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, SpainDepartment of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, SpainThis comprehensive study on the Andalusian Black cattle breed reveals a substantial population decline, with the average herd size decreasing significantly from 305.54 to 88.28 animals per herd. This decline is primarily attributed to agricultural changes and the introduction of foreign meat-focused breeds. The male-to-female ratio shift is noteworthy, with more cows than bulls, impacting selection intensity for both genders. Inbreeding levels, though relatively low historically (5.94%) and currently (7.23%), raise concerns as 37.08% historically and 48.82% currently of the animals exhibit inbreeding. Positive assortative mating is evident, reflected by the increasing non-random mating coefficient (α). Key ancestors play a crucial role in shaping genetic diversity, with one ancestor significantly influencing the current genetic pool and the top 10 ancestors contributing substantially. Breed maintains a conservation index of 2.75, indicating relatively high genetic diversity. Recent conservation efforts have led to an increase in registered animals. The Cañadas Reales, historical transhumance routes, may have contributed to genetic connections among provinces. Challenges include the historical bottleneck, demographic changes, and potential impacts from reproductive practices. The Andalusian Black breed’s conservation necessitates ongoing efforts in genealogical registration, targeted breeding programs, and collaborative initiatives to address the observed demographic shifts and ensure sustainable genetic diversity.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/7/1131Andalusian Black cattle breedconservationdemographicsstudbookinbreedingGenetic Conservation Index
spellingShingle Luis Favian Cartuche Macas
María Esperanza Camacho Vallejo
Antonio González Ariza
José Manuel León Jurado
Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo
Carmen Marín Navas
Francisco Javier Navas González
Analysis of Endangered Andalusian Black Cattle (Negra Andaluza) Reveals Genetic Reservoir for Bovine Black Trunk
Animals
Andalusian Black cattle breed
conservation
demographics
studbook
inbreeding
Genetic Conservation Index
title Analysis of Endangered Andalusian Black Cattle (Negra Andaluza) Reveals Genetic Reservoir for Bovine Black Trunk
title_full Analysis of Endangered Andalusian Black Cattle (Negra Andaluza) Reveals Genetic Reservoir for Bovine Black Trunk
title_fullStr Analysis of Endangered Andalusian Black Cattle (Negra Andaluza) Reveals Genetic Reservoir for Bovine Black Trunk
title_full_unstemmed Analysis of Endangered Andalusian Black Cattle (Negra Andaluza) Reveals Genetic Reservoir for Bovine Black Trunk
title_short Analysis of Endangered Andalusian Black Cattle (Negra Andaluza) Reveals Genetic Reservoir for Bovine Black Trunk
title_sort analysis of endangered andalusian black cattle negra andaluza reveals genetic reservoir for bovine black trunk
topic Andalusian Black cattle breed
conservation
demographics
studbook
inbreeding
Genetic Conservation Index
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/7/1131
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