An Observatory of the Genetic Variability of Ruminants and Equids breeds

Abstract Text:

The monitoring livestock breed genetic variability is a major concern for sustainable agriculture. In this study, indicators of the within-population genetic variability - based on pedigree information - were computed for 79 ruminant and equid breeds. The feasibility of using SNP data to build a robust genetic variability indicator was tested in the Normande cattle breed and compared with the same indicator calculated by using pedigrees. The basic characteristics of the breeds are not the main factors of the evolution of the within-population genetic variability. Preliminary studies also demonstrate that pedigree and molecular data provide complementary information. Therefore, the French project to build a national observatory on genetic variability of all ruminant and equid breeds will be a useful tool for the managers of all breed.

Keywords:

Ruminants

Equids

Genetic Variability

Pedigree

SNP