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

Mădălina-Alexandra Davidescu, Claudia Pânzaru, Bianca-Maria Mădescu, Răzvan-Mihail Radu-Rusu, Marius Gheorghe Doliș, Cristina Simeanu, Alexandru Usturoi (), Andrei Ciobanu and Șteofil Creangă
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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

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-17

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.

Keywords: animal production; biodiversity; genetic diversity; phylogeny; Pinzgau; mitochondrial DNA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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