Can de Chira Operational Group: Proposal for the recovery of the Can de Chira ethnic group for the efficient management of the natural resources of the Aragonese Pyrenees and improvement of the health of this population

For its development, the project is structured around 6 objectives. These general objectives and their corresponding specific objectives are detailed below:

• Objective 1. Identification of the base population of the Can de Chira . This objective aims to draft the standard prototype of the Can de Chira and define a representative base population that will allow for subsequent genetic characterization studies.
  • Specific objectives: 1.1. To accurately determine the ethnic characteristics of the animals under study in order to establish the standard prototype of the Can de Chira population. 1.2. To select a representative sample of animals that meet the defined characteristics, balanced by sex and originating from different locations in Aragon. 1.3. To collect and send, by the association and the veterinarians involved, blood samples to the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory (LAGENBIO) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zaragoza for analysis.
• Objective 2. Genetic characterization of the Can de Chira dog population . This objective aims to understand the genetic structure of this breed. It is essential for the Can de Chira Association, as it is the necessary first step to request its recognition as a native dog breed in Aragon.
  • Specific objectives: 2.1. To create a DNA bank to store blood and DNA samples, thus ensuring the possibility of conducting subsequent studies. 2.2. To analyze 30 microsatellite markers recommended for the canine species by the FAO and ISAG (International Society of Animal Genetics) in the selected sample. 2.3. To determine the genetic structure of the population and the possible existence of subpopulations. Parameters such as the total number of alleles, number of effective alleles, observed, expected, and expected unbiased heterozygosity, fixation index, kin relationships, F-statistics (FIS, FIT, FST), average allele richness, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) will be evaluated. The possible presence of genetic substructure will also be studied.
• Objective 3. Genetic differentiation of the Can de Chira and analysis of its relationship with other dog breeds. In addition to internal genetic characterization, this objective aims to evaluate whether the Can de Chira presents significant genetic differences compared to other closely related breeds, a fundamental requirement for its recognition as an indigenous breed.
  • Specific objectives: 3.1. To collect blood samples from genetically related dog breeds, in collaboration with the Can de Chira Association and participating veterinarians. Reference breeds include: Border Collie, Basque Shepherd, Spanish Water Dog, Carea Leonés, Canine, Catalan Sheepdog, and Australian Shepherd. 3.2. To create a DNA bank with the collected samples, allowing for their preservation for future studies. 3.3. To analyze the same 30 microsatellite markers used in the Can de Chira in the different selected breeds. 3.4. To determine the genetic structure of each of the analyzed breeds and their genetic relationships with the Can de Chira by calculating genetic distances and constructing phylogenetic trees. 3.5. To evaluate the overall genetic structure of the analyzed populations and the differences between breeds using Bayesian models.
• Objective 4. Genomic studies . This objective focuses on identifying possible genetic alterations associated with recurrent diseases in Can de Chira specimens, in order to improve the health and functionality of the population.
  • Specific objectives: 4.1. Identify specimens with pathologies, perform clinical diagnosis, and collect family information. 4.2. Select samples for the study, including animals with hereditary pathologies such as PHA and healthy controls from various breeds. 4.3. Perform SNP analysis using high-density array genotyping. 4.4. Identify chromosomal regions associated with the presence of PHA or other pathologies. 4.5. Evaluate the allele frequencies in the Can de Chira of mutations previously associated with diseases. 4.6. Validate the results obtained through individual SNP analysis in different animals. 4.7. Establish recommendations to improve the genetic quality of the population, with special attention to its functionality and health.
• Objective 5. Workshops to promote the Can de Chira : Genetics, tradition, and the future of extensive livestock farming. Informative workshops will be organized for livestock farmers, veterinary and agronomy students, shepherds' associations, and the general public. These workshops will include informative talks, practical demonstrations of working with flocks, presentations of genetic studies on the Can de Chira, and testimonials from farmers who work with this breed.
  • Specific objectives: 5.1. To raise awareness of the genetic value of the Can de Chira as a native population adapted to the environment and extensive management, highlighting its unique characteristics compared to other herding breeds. 5.2. To demonstrate its functionality in extensive livestock farming through demonstrations and real-world experiences, promoting its use as a tool for efficient and sustainable livestock management. 5.3. To encourage the active conservation of the population by raising awareness among the livestock sector and the general public, integrating scientific knowledge, traditional wisdom, and practical experience.
• Objective 6. Official recognition of the Can de Chira as a breed in Spain and as a native breed in Aragon . The knowledge generated within the framework of the project will allow the Government of Aragon to be presented with the necessary evidence to promote the recognition of the Can de Chira as a native breed.
  • Specific objectives: 6.1. To prepare a technical report to serve as the basis for requesting the Government of Aragon to officially recognize the Can de Chira as an indigenous breed. 6.2. To initiate the procedures for creating the Can de Chira Stud Book. 6.3. To design and implement a conservation plan for the breed to prevent its extinction. 6.4. To promote the Can de Chira, encouraging its use as a companion animal and as a guard dog on extensive livestock farms.