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Jutland Cattle (Heidekoe) of the Stroomdal Herd

Evaluation of Pedigree Information and Genetic Comparison with the Dutch Native Dual-purpose Cattle Breeds

by Mira Schoon · 2023

ISBN:  Unavailable

Category: Unavailable

Page count: 23

The population Jutland or Heath cattle (‘Heidekoe’ in Dutch) in the Netherlands contains less than 100 breeding females (status 2021). Complete and reliable pedigree information is essential in order to minimize inbreeding rates in this small population. Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN) of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) performed several analyses of the Jutland cattle populations in 2021/2022 for ‘Stichting Schaapskudde Het Stroomdal’. The results showed higher mean kinships for the younger generations than for the older animals. The Jutland cattle can be genetically distinguished from the Dutch native (dual purpose) cattle breeds. Though with just hundred breeding females registered in the Netherlands, it is a challenge to maintain the Jutland cattle as a separate population on its own. The advice is therefore to set up a sustainable breeding programme for the long term, working together with all Dutch Jutland cattle farmers or shepherds and explore possible collaborations and exchange of genetic material with Danish organisations involved with the conservation and breeding programme for Jutland cattle in Denmark.