Partner: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management

Period: 2024-2025.

Project leader: Dr. Dragana Ružić-Muslić, Institute for animal husbandry, Beograd

Team members from IBISS:
Dr. Slobodan Davidović, Department of Population Genetics and Ecogenotoxicology
Dr. Marija Tanasković, Department of Population Genetics and Ecogenotoxicology

External advisors:
Dr. Nevena Maksimović, Institute of Animal Husbandry, Belgrade
Dr. Nikola Delić, Institute of Animal Husbandry, Belgrade
Dr. Bogdan Cekić, Institute of Animal Husbandry, Belgrade
Ivan Ćosić, Institute of Animal Husbandry, Belgrade

Abstract

Indigenous populations have been less studied in our country in recent decades. The existing literature contains outdated data, which is mostly no longer accurate. Since the preservation and protection of these endangered populations is imperative, the first step is their morphological, followed by metabolic and genetic characterization.

The morphometric characterization of the Pirot Pramenka, based on the results of measuring 14 characteristics, will answer the question of whether this population has remained authentic. This will serve to define the standard of the Pirot Pramenka.

Determining the genetic profiles of individuals using nuclear microsatellites will be conducted to assess the level of genetic diversity in the flocks, determine the degree of genetic differentiation between the flocks, as well as the degree of inbreeding.

Formulation and appropriate preservation of the Pirot Pramenka as a qualitative improvement of the breeding program, as fundamental guidelines for its breeding.

The proposed project involves the introduction of a new and unique methodology into the existing system for the preservation of indigenous populations in the Republic of Serbia. This methodology, in addition to morphological characterization, includes molecular-genetic characterization of breeds/strains and population-genetic analysis of the obtained molecular data. Based on precisely quantified population-genetic parameters, it is possible to assess the genetic status of the examined breed/strain and provide clear guidelines for their preservation, as well as guidelines for the improvement of breeding programs. In this way, the entire system for the preservation of indigenous populations in the Republic of Serbia can be qualitatively enhanced, because it will transition to scientifically based, sustainable breeding, which will contribute to the efficient preservation, development, and utilization of these populations in Serbia