On June 1st 2023. in the Institute for Animal Husbandry, a final meeting was held on the occasion of the project “Morphometric, metabolic and genetic profile of autochthonous populations of sheep and goats in Serbia, with the aim of their conservation”. The project team consisted of experts from the Institute of Animal Husbandry and the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Belgrade.
The main results of the one-year project, were presented to the public, experts in the field of agriculture, animal science, veterinary medicine, molecular biology, environment protection, but also to animal breeders/farmers:
- The body frame of the Pirot and Krivovir Pramenka did not change significantly (the least exposed to the influence of other breeds). Animals of the other populations were larger on average compared to literature data – larger animals are predominant, management has improved with the simultaneous influence of genes from other breeds.
- The Balkan goat is characterized by phenotypic features that are typical of more primitive breeds, coarser constitution, narrow body with better developed caudal in relation to the cranial part, and in Domestic White goat variability is evident in terms of morphological and production characteristics.
- Metabolic profile analysis – some strains are in a nutritional imbalance. Recommendation – improved nutrition, health care and diet rationing.
- A relatively high level of genetic diversity was found in all examined strains of Pramenka, as well as in the entire population of this autochthonous breed of sheep, but also the genetic affinity of Pirot and Sjenica Pramenka, as well as the genetic distinctness of the Liplje Pramenka strain.
- A relatively high level of genetic diversity was found in goats. The genetic structure was also observed, with 3 gene pools, which do not match the investigated breeds, but further analysis will resolve doubts related to the number of genetic groups.
- Preservation of the gene pool of sheep and goats in the Republic of Serbia is one of the strategically important goals of the state.
- The achieved results are a significant step forward in defining the standards of autochthonous breeds and strains of small ruminants, and will be used for formulating guidelines and strategies for the planned conservation of Pramenka and autochthonous breeds of goats in the Republic of Serbia.
In addition to the presentation of the results, numerous recommendations and advice related to the preservation of autochthonous populations of sheep and goats were presented, a very fruitful discussion was held, and the genetic resources and breeds of sheep that are currently bred at the Institute for Animal Husbandry were presented: Karakačan Pramenka, Pirot Pramenka and MIS .
The project was financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia (Decision No. 680-00-00086/2/2022-02).
You can view the brochure here.