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FIQIRI TAHIRI*, GANI DOÇI, RREZARTA MARIKA Livestock technology directorateagricultural technology transfer centre fushe kruje, albania *Corresponding author e-mail: fiqiritahiri@yahoo.com Abstract An In situ conservation program, oriented to sustainable economic use for buffalo’s population, started at the begining of 2012 years. A buffalo’s herd of 113 heads composed of animals originated from two ex nucleus farms were included in the program. This species, based on the number of breeding animals is categorized at risk of extintion, The short term objectives of the program are: (i) stoping the reduction of population size and enlargement of real (census) and effective population size, (ii) maintenance of the genetic variability by a breeding and mating scheme to decrease inbreeding and genetic drift within buffalo’s nucleus herd and two other small herds (26 buffalo cows and 3 buffalo bulls), that are going to be invloved in 2015 (an “open” nucleus design); (iii) improving the management of the animals at farm level and (iv) estimation of productive and reproductive performance of nucleus herd; (v) access to local market. Long term objectives: (i) Optimizing genetic improvement program and production system; (ii) development of high-quality products for niche markets; (iii) promoting private incentives to support and provide the sustainability of in situ conservation program and economic use of this species. (iv) establishing buffalo breeders association. The estimation of the population size, structure and trend were based on the analysis of the data collected to nucleus farm. All animals remained in the active breeding nucleus herd, as the extent of genetic drift depends on the number of individuals available. All young females are kept for replacement stock. As pedigree data were not available, a mating and within family selection scheme is being applied for balancing the contribution of each individual, controlling inbreeding and maintaining a larger effective size of population. Each sire was mated to a fixed number of dams. F:M ratio ( r=10). Selection, according to principle, one male from each sire family and one female from each dam family (each sire is replaced by one of his sons and each dam by one of her daughters) in next generation have been planned. The yield of the complete lactations was estimated according to the method of Test Interval. Milk sampling was carried out according to ICAR guidelines. Milk samples were analyzed by Gerber Laktostar. Live weights of buffalo calves at birth, 3 months, 6 months were estimated. Results: the reduction of population size was stopped. Two new male lines were established and other one will be added in coming year. Five other lines will be added in 2015(nucleus + two other small herds). If compared to 2012, number of breeding animals in nucleus herd was increased by 11.3 % for 2013, and it will be increased by 30.5 % and 67.8 % for 2014 and 2015 years respectively. Effective size (Ne) of nucleus herd population from 18.3 was reached to 21.8 for 2013and it will be reached to 25.4 for 2014. In 2015 years, Ne will be reached to 43.5(nucleus + two other herds), while Δ F per generation will be equal to 0.8 %. Phenotypic indicators achieved for 2013 year: Fertility 83 %; average milk yield (kg, milked) according to the lactations: I, 540 ± 73; II, 610 ± 74; III, 680±87, IV, 704 ± 93. Lactation length (days): I, 253± 14; II, 258± 15; III, 263±11, IV, 262±13. Body weight of buffalo calves (kg): at birth (F, 22± 2.84; M, 24 ± 2.76); at 3 months (F, 50.8±7.6; M, 55.6±8.9); at 6 months (F, 92.6 ±8.04; M, 102.6±11.3). Average daily gain (g) from birth to 6 months old: F, 392± 47; M, 434± 62. The content in fat, protein and lactose of whole milk analyzed: Fat %, 7.86±1.2; protein %, 4.6 ±0.62; lactose %, 5.2 ±0.67; Conclusion: (i) Buffalo population is characterized by a considerable variation of its own phenotypic traits. Optimal management by implementing in situconservation and genetic improvement program that support the sustainable economic use is the main way for maintenance and sustainable development of autochthonous species and breeds that are threatened by the risk of dilution or extinction; (ii) while buffalo population is situated on touristic area and part of an ecosystem characterized by a high biodiversity, it could be seen as integral part, which positively affects on this ecosystem and also contributes to agro-tourism development offering high quality products to local market and larger. Keywords: autochthonous species, maintenance, breeding, performance |
Preliminary results of in situ conservation of buffalo’s nucleus herd in Divjake area
Post Author: MVhDC39RHa
