Management of genetic variation in very small cattle populations. Practical aspects [Italy]
1993
Gandini, G. | Bagnato, A. | Pagnacco, G. | Cerutti, F. (Milan Univ. (Italy). Istituto di Zootecnica) | Leonarduzzi, R. (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan (Italy). Istituto per la Difesa e la Valorizzazione del Germoplasma Animale)
The maintenance of small cattle populations contributes to the conservation of animal genetic resources of zooeconomic importance. Small populations undergo to demographic and genetic stochastic phenomena and loose genetic variation in time. The aim is to maintain a population structure that can prevent demographic extinction and that allows genetic drift and inbreeding to be controlled. The application of theoretical models of genetic management to the different breeding situations presents some difficulties. Methods and experiences in the genetic management of small cattle populations in Italy are discussed. As management criteria we consider the optimisation of the effective population number, the control in the short term of inbreeding and the equalisation of genetic contribution of founders to the living population. Several aspects of the application of these criteria are discussed, such as bull production, utilisation of sires of bulls and cows, and mating planning through monitoring genetic correlations in the populations or subdivisions of the population
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