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Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Endangered Transylvanian Pinzgau Cattle: A Key Resource for Biodiversity Conservation and the Sustainability of Livestock Production

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  • Mădălina-Alexandra Davidescu

    (Department of Control, Expertise and Services, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Claudia Pânzaru

    (Department of Animal Resources and Technologies, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Bianca-Maria Mădescu

    (Department of Control, Expertise and Services, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Răzvan-Mihail Radu-Rusu

    (Department of Animal Resources and Technologies, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Marius Gheorghe Doliș

    (Department of Animal Resources and Technologies, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Cristina Simeanu

    (Department of Animal Resources and Technologies, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Alexandru Usturoi

    (Department of Control, Expertise and Services, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Andrei Ciobanu

    (Department of Animal Resources and Technologies, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Șteofil Creangă

    (Department of Control, Expertise and Services, Faculty of Food and Animal Sciences, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

Abstract

Animal biodiversity is essential for maintaining the functionality of local food systems and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Starting in 2000, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (F.A.O.) has drawn attention to the decline in cattle populations, including the Transylvanian Pinzgau breed from Romania. Renowned for its hardiness, adaptability, and enhanced resistance to diseases and climate change, the Transylvanian Pinzgau is regarded as an important genetic asset for advancing livestock production. As a result, tracking genetic diversity has become a key focus in breeding programs, particularly for small, endangered local populations that play a vital role in regional agro-ecological systems. This research paper sought to assess the genetic diversity of a group of 24 head of cattle from the Transylvania region by analyzing two mtDNA markers, cytochrome b and D-loop sequences, both widely recognized for their relevance and importance in the analysis of genetic diversity of cattle and phylogenetic studies. The findings, derived through statistical analysis of nucleotide sequences using specialized software, indicated that the analyzed cattle are part of the ancestral T haplogroup, with a direct lineage tracing back to Bos taurus. This information can aid in developing crossbreeding programs focused on conserving essential genetic resources, improving other cattle breeds, and protecting biodiversity.

Suggested Citation

  • Mădălina-Alexandra Davidescu & Claudia Pânzaru & Bianca-Maria Mădescu & Răzvan-Mihail Radu-Rusu & Marius Gheorghe Doliș & Cristina Simeanu & Alexandru Usturoi & Andrei Ciobanu & Șteofil Creangă, 2024. "Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Endangered Transylvanian Pinzgau Cattle: A Key Resource for Biodiversity Conservation and the Sustainability of Livestock Production," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:12:p:2234-:d:1538341
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Radovan Kasarda & Luboš Vostrý & Hana Vostrá-Vydrová & Kristína Candráková & Nina Moravčíková, 2021. "Food Resources Biodiversity: The Case of Local Cattle in Slovakia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Vasile Maciuc & Claudia Pânzaru & Maria Ciocan-Alupii & Cristina-Gabriela Radu-Rusu & Răzvan-Mihail Radu-Rusu, 2024. "Comparative Assessment of the Nutritional and Sanogenic Features of Certain Cheese Sorts Originating in Conventional Dairy Farms and in “Mountainous” Quality System Farms," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-18, January.
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