Conservation and analysis of Lithuanian indigenous cattle

• Main Authors: Tusas, S, Miceikiene, I. (Lithuanian Veterinary Acad., Kaunas (Lithuania). Lab. of Animal Genetics), Juskiene, V
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Jelgava (Latvia) Latvia University of Agriculture 2000
• Subjects: AMELIORATION DES ANIMAUX; ANIMAL BREEDING; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; BOVIN; BREEDS (ANIMALS); CATTLE; COW MILK; ELEVAGE; GANADERIA; GANADO BOVINO; LAIT DE VACHE; LAND RACES; LATVIA; LECHE DE VACA; LETONIA; LETTONIE; LITHUANIA; LITUANIA; LITUANIE; MEJORAMIENTO ANIMAL; MILK YIELD; RACE (ANIMAL); RACE INDIGENE; RAZAS (ANIMALES); RAZAS INDIGENAS; RENDEMENT LAITIER; RENDIMIENTO LECHERO

The present population of cattle and the most popular breeds in Lithguania are described. The characteristic traits of indigenous cattle breeds highly valued by cattlebreeders are explained. The work on conservation of indigenous cattle breeds the cryopreservation of semen started in 1995 is reviewed. The body measurements and conformation indices of indigenous cattle in preservation herds have been determined. Heifers' maturation rapidity of three cattle breeds (ash-grey, white-black, black-and-white) as well as bulls' slaughter data have been compare. In 1999 in the Laboratory of Animal Genetics of LVA "Domestic Animal DNA Bank" was established. There are more than 600 DNA samples from different domestic breeds including indigenous breeds. Guidelines and reglamentations have been prepared for the usage of DNA from the DNA Bank.