Naslov
Conservation priorities of genetic diversity in domesticated metapopulations: a study in taurine cattle breeds

Autori
Međugorac, Ivica ; Veit-Kensch, Claudia ; Ramljak, Jelena ; Brka, Muhamed ; Marković, Božidarka ; Stojanović, Srđan ; Bytyqi, Hysen ; Kochoski, Ljupche ; Kume, Kristaq ; Grünenfelder, Hans-Peter ; Bennewitz, Jörn ; Förster, Martin

Izvornik
Ecology and evolution (2045-7758) 1 (2011), 3; 408-420

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
cattle ; conservation genetics ; genetic diversity ; inbreeding ; metapopulation ; sustainable breeding

Sažetak
We estimated neutral diversity of 21 European cattle breeds with 105 microsatellites. Nine of them resembled unselected Balkan Buˇsa strains with diffuse breeding barriers and the 12 others were strongly differentiated, isolated breeds. Because of the impact of neutral genetic diversity on long-term population adaptive capacity, we discuss the long-term outcome of different conservation priorities in a subdivided metapopulation of the investigated cattle breeds. The optimal contribution to a pool of total genetic diversity allocated more than 95% of long- term relevant neutral diversity to virtually unselected strains of the Balkan Buša, while the maximization of total variance preferred inbred breeds. Current artificial selection methods, such as genomic selection sped up and a recovery of underestimated traits becomes quickly impossible. We emphasize that currently neutral and even deleterious alleles might be required for future genotypes in sustainable and efficient livestock breeding and production systems of a 21st century. We provide cumulative evidences that longterm survival relies on genetic complexity and complexity relies on allelic diversity. Our results suggest that virtually unselected, nonuniform strains harbor a crucial proportion of neutral diversity and should be conserved with high global priority. As one example, we suggest a cooperative maintenance of the nondifferentiated, highly fragmented, and fast vanishing metapopulation of Balkan Buša.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Poljoprivreda (agronomija)

POVEZANOST RADA