The problem of conservation of gene pools of domesticated animals

Abstract

In the paper the principles and methods of gene pools preservation of domestic animals breeds are explored. Currently 17 % of world species are under threat of extinction. The arguments in favor of preserving local breeds are: 1) economic factors, such as moderation of quality requirements for food products, moderation of hygienic and climatic conditions (new types of diseases, vaccines, changes in the external environment), necessity to keep a reserve for successful breeding, opportunity to use local breeds in harsh environmental conditions; 2) scientific factors, in particular, possibility of studying the gene pool of local breeds in order to reconstruct the evolution of domesticated species (exploring local breeds can reveal the mechanisms of the evolutionary processes, ontogeny, behavior patterns, natural and artificial selection); 3) cultural and historical factors related to the fact that native breeds represent living monuments of traditional culture of the population. Breeding is only possible while main-taining its inter- and interbreed genetic diversity, which can be identified through using various molecular genetic techniques. The examples of using new genetic technologies while preserving local breeds of two domesticated species are provided: sheep (Ovis aries) and cattle (Bos taurus). Using ISSR-fingerprinting (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) some data were obtained, allowing us to determine the coefficient of genetic originality, to analyze population structure, to uncover similarities and differences, to identify and evaluate consolidation, breed purity and genealogical relationships of gene pools in a number of species (inbreeding). Within breeds of the same species or within one species it is possible to spot the ancient or the most estranged from the “protogene pool” groups of animals and, thus, to use these data in the breeding strategy aimed at the preservation of animal forms close to the ancestral form. Using various DNA markers, methods of genomic and genetic breeding in nature conservation and genetic selection of domesticated species provides an opportunity to obtain data on the genetic potential (value, originality) of the breed, which is important for scientific justification of its preservation.

Keywords

• gene pool
• breed
• inbreeding depression
• effective population size
• genetic diversity
• dna analysis
• sheep
• cattle