engleski

Autochthonous cattle breeds in Croatia, trends and challenges

in increased number of individuals and balanced population structure. These positive trends are encouraged with subsidies aimed for autochthonous breeds, also with their affirmation in public. Cattle breeds are phenotypically and genetically characterised what encouraged breeding consolidation. The knowledge of the genetic structure based on proteins polymorphism, microsatellites, mtDNA and SNP can help to maintain genetic variability and control level of inbreeding. The most important challenge to the sustainability of cattle breeds is their affirmation in programs of economic utilisation because program confirms the high sustainability risk level of economically inferior breeds. The aim of the paper was to analyse population trends, to utilize of all available indicators of genetic structure and phenotypic characteristics, and to estimate the importance of establishing a program for economic use of indigenous breeds. According to the size of the population during the last decade the average growth ranged from 9.4 to 20.3%, as well as the number of breeders actively involved in breeding. During that time number of herds per years increased from 5.7 to 13.2% as well as the average size of the herd per breeder. The average ratios of bulls vs. cows ranged from 9.4 to 16.9 indicating more uniform distribution in Busha population. Average number of calves per breeding cow in 10 years period (2005-2014) was 0.29 (Istrian cattle) to 0.44 (Slavonian Syrmian Podolian cattle) indicating insufficient reproductive efficiency. According to the parameters of the population genetic structure based on proteins polymorphisms, microsatellites, mtDNA and SNP chip, departure from observed (HO) and expected heterozygosity (HE) are indicated. The most vulnerable population of Slavonian Syrmian Podolian cattle experienced genetic bottleneck reflected with high inbreeding level. Due to the utilization of genetic markers, SNP chips are the most informative, but in terms of ratio between price and usefulness in the implementation of breeding consolidation, microsatellites as genetic markers of choice are still very usable. Effectiveness of existing programs on breeds’ economic affirmation is very important for their sustainability. Economic vital programs can support more expensive methods of population control and their sustainability. Also, local community is very important in conducting the program of breed affirmation and promotion, and good example is revitalization of the Istrian cattle.

Cattle breeds; autochthonous; population trends; sustainability

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