Analisi delle produzioni in tipi genetici a limitata diffusione

Abstract

In this study we analysed some productions of limited size populations such as “Nero di Parma” pig, Reggiana and Bianca Val Padana cattle. The aim of this work was to better know the features of these breeds (or genetic types) so to protect these animals more easily. Concerning the “Nero di Parma” pig we studied the effects of genotype at wattle locus on productive and reproductive parameters. The results showed that wattled pigs (more similar to the ancient breed Nera Parmigiana) are lighter and smaller, but more precocious compared to non wattled pigs. Wattled sows have shown a significant lower number of teats than non wattled, as the reproductive parameters were not different. Moreover we studied the fatty acid content in subcutaneous fat depots and intramuscular adipose tissue of this genetic type to know possible implications on ripening, but also on consumer health (cardiovascular risk due to some fatty acids taken with the diet). We studied the correlations between body measures and morphologic evaluations of Reggiana cattle to better know the features of the breed and to offer the opportunity to provide an objective method of allocating an individual to a class of finale score supporting the experts of breed morphology in their evaluations. Finally we took into account the Bianca Val Padana cow. We made a comparison with the more productive Italian Friesian reared in the same herds for milk, protein, fat and lactose productions and somatic cell score in relation to the housing/feeding type. The results showed that the Bianca Val Padana is, of course, less productive, but also less penalized in a traditional (tie stalls and traditional feeding systems) way of rearing compared to the Italian Friesian. Moreover we studied the frequency of standard and atypical lactation curves in Bianca Val Padana cattle. We found a higher frequency of atypical curves in this breed and we can suggest the reduction of these curves as an objective of selection in this breed to support his safeguard. In conclusion we can say that these breeds are an important resource, these animals are adapted to low-input rearing, so they can be reared in marginal areas. Moreover the quality of their productions could be on the basis of the development of a niche market, that could guarantee an income to local breeders also in a low-input (and maybe more sustainable) rearing.