The genetic structure of the population of the black pied lowland breed

The endangered population of German original Black Pieds in the western federal countries of Germany consisting of 423 cows possessing not more than 30% Holstein blood and 140 sires partly covering bulls and partly semen storage has been analysed concerning the degree of relationship and inbreeding with regard of five generations of ancestors. The mean relationship in the total population has been found out with 4,6%. Accordingly a rather high coefficient of inbreeding of 2,5% has been estimated. 44,4% of all animals are not inbred. The bull Atlas-G. (born in 1955) has been found as the most important ancestor and the main contributor of inbreeding in the actual population. With 1,4% the increase of inbreeding since the last generation is of precarious proportions; that's why counter-measures are necessary in order to keep alive the breed. The co-operation with original Black Pieds breeds in the Netherlands and in Brandenburg as well as the increasing number of breeders let hope that the present situation will get an easing.