Introduction to ethnology

What is animal ethnology or animal breeding ?

The study and comparison of the different breeds of animals, their characteristics, their classification and their regulation

What is zootechnics ?

The study of specific characteristics, production parameters, husbandry and classification of the ( domestic ) animal breeds in order to obtain the best performance while taking into account animal welfare

What are the characteristics to define a breed ?

A breed needs to fulfill an homogeneity of characters genetically determined

What are the genetic characters that characterize a breed ?

Physiological-productive

Morphological

what is the definition of a breed according to Sierra ?

A breed is a technic-scientific concept that identifies and differentiates a group of animals depending on certain characteristics that are inherited to the offspring but, also maintain certain variability and dynamic evolution

What is the sceptic concept ?

Group of animals determined to be a breed by some individuals at particular positions on Administration : ex : when two breeds couple to form a new breed

What are the different zootechnical classification of breeds ?

origin : geographical distribution

Physical characteristics : general features or morphology

Production or functional characteristics : aptitude and farming system

What does it mean zootechnical classification of breeds ?

It means that the species must have the same characteristics to be part of the same breed : ex : these two cows are from the same specie ( Bos Taurus ) but not the same breed because they have different morphologies

What is breed genesis ?

The formation of a new breed

What are the breed genesis ?

Geographical breeds : isolation

Zootechnical breeds : inherited characteristics ( utility selection, selection of the best, uniformity )

Example of geographical breeds : isolation

Ouessant and Breton dwarf sheep were isolated on an island and evolved to become a new breed due to changes

Exemple of zootechnical breeds : inherited characteristics

Cattle used in dairy production were bred according to desired characteristics ( big milk yield, calm ) creating a desirable breed for production

Why is it important to form breeds ?

Generates uniformity : for similar looking / behaving animals

Allows us to control productivity : allows us to make predictions in production

Makes possible hybridation : cross-breeding can allow us to get the best characteristics of 2 different breeds + hybrid vigour = mixed breeds are stronger

Creates associations : farmers interested in productivity + breeders interested in beauty

Exemple for uniformity as an importance to form breeds

All are similar size, so fit into standard cages

Exemple for control productivity as an importance to form breeds

We can predict the amount of milk produced by breed

Exemple for hybridation as an importance to form breeds

Labradoodle : mix between a Labrador ( friendly ) and a Poodle ( curly hair )

Exemple for association as an importance to form breeds

La asociación criadores de caballos del sur ( ACCSUR )

What does breed variations mean ( variety ) ?

Animals within a breed can differentiate on some characteristics : ex : one breed ( Poodle ) but with different colors

What does breed ecotype mean ?

Variants inside a breed due to geographical variations

What does breed group mean ?

Group of animals with a visual characteristic uniformity but not demonstrated homogeneity ( look the same but aren’t )

What is a breed standard ?

A guideline that describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance

How do we establish a breed standard ?

A complete study of the breed with the aim to describe

A breed pattern must be established

A serie of general and specific parameters

What are the main parts of a breed standard ?

Origin : historic / genetic background

Area of origin : ecologic characteristics of the area

Dispersion area : current location

Morphological description : general morphology ( weight, height… ) + regional morphology ( head, neck, trunk, limbs… ) + special features ( ears, eyes, tail, sexual organs… ) + phaneroptic ( skin and related structures : coat, fur, horns, hair… ) + color ( coat, skin, mucous… )

Productive description : aptitude

Improvement programs

Breed studies

What is the pedigree ?

Record of the genealogy of purebred animals : provides animal’s purity, traceability and authenticity

What is an animal’s purity ?

Ancestry

What is an animal’s traceability ?

Name or unique ID number