Animal genetic resources - conservation and management

Animal genetic resources - conservation and management

Year of publication 1981

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 397

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 9251011184

Series title FAO Animal Production and Health Paper

Series number 0254-6019

Edition 1

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) The term "animal genetic resources" In used to include all broods, types, varieties and populations of animals that inhabit the earth under both improved and unimproved conditions. TLe conservation and management of these resources is a subject of great concern 'to both FAO and UNEP. Dr. Ralph W. Fbillips, Doputy Director-General of FAO has given an excellent summary of FAO activities In this area In the inaugural address which is Included in these proceedings. In the developed temperate zones of the world, the centuries of slow but effective selection by breeders, followed by the application of scientific brooding programmes during the present century have resulted in high levels of performance being achieved in a small number of breeds of each species. Thin eventually led to the replacement of many local low-producing broods in Europe and elsewhere by the high-producing "improver" breeds. The growing demand for animal products in warmer countries has led to this policy being follow ed world wide. Because of the case of replacing a population by artificial insemination (AI) there is a danger of genetic attrition m the scale that has already occured in Europe. Furthermore, this policy of massive grading-up in being applied in climates in which it may not be the most desirable. The genes can easily be imported (e.g. as semen), but the environment to which they are adapted in less easy to reproduce. In many cases a systematic crossbreeding programme In more appropriate than gr ading up to a temperate breed. Such a programme requires the retention of the local adapted breeds.

Language English

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The livestock sector faces a range of challenges, including climate change, emerging diseases, competition for natural resources and evolving demand for animal-source foods, which is increasing globally, especially in developing countries. Genetic diversity of livestock is a key resource for allowing livestock keepers to address these challenges, but this diversity has been in a state of decline. The diminishing genetic diversity thus represents yet another obstacle for sustainable livestock production. Cryoconservation (i.e. ex situ – in vitro conservation) of genetic resources through gene banking provides one of the most powerful tools governments and other stakeholders have to manage genetic diversity in both the short and long term and thereby provide future generations with the tools to meet the challenges ahead. Gene banking genetic resources fits within the context of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, which was developed and adopted by FAO Member Nations. Specifically, Strategic Priority 9 of the Global Plan of Action is “Establish or strengthen ex situ conservation programmes” and Strategic Priority 11 urges countries to “Develop approaches and technical standards for conservation. To assist countries in the implementation the Global Plan of Action, FAO worked with experts from around the world to prepare technical guidelines. In 2012 FAO published FAO Guidelines on Cryoconservation of animal genetic resources. Gene banking is a long-term effort that needs to be viewed in terms of decades rather than years, as demonstrated by similar systems for agricultural crops. The responsibility for establishing such resources lies squarely within governments’ roles of providing public goods and food security. Gene banking of animal genetic resources is a technology-intense undertaking and the associated technologies are in a continual state of research and development. The livestock sector also continues to evolve rapidly. Since the development and release of the previous guidelines, numerous changes have taken place. Critical among these is a greater appreciation of the opportunities for actively utilizing cryopreserved material to enhance management of in vivo populations, rather than as simply an “insurance policy” to protect breeds against extinction. This key development has led to further changes in gene bank management. First, interaction with users of the stored material has increased. This in turn has created a need to involve stakeholders more closely in the management of genetic collections and to better monitor and document the processes of gene banking to ensure quality management.
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Cattle breeding in Eastern Europe and Central Asia has a rich history, with indigenous breeds that have adapted to local conditions, enabling farmers to thrive in remote areas. However, the region's traditional cattle breeding practices are often inefficient and rely on outdated techniques. Small- and medium-scale producers dominate the industry, resulting in low production and poor animal health compared to more advanced countries. Challenges faced by the cattle breeding sector include outdated technologies and competition from neighboring countries with superior infrastructure. The need for modernization is evident to improve efficiency and competitiveness for farmers in the region. In response, the Animal Health and Production Strategy for the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia 2020–2025 was developed, emphasizing three pillars: animal health, animal production, and antimicrobial resistance. The strategy highlighted climate change, gender, and environmental sustainability as crucial factors in achieving sustainability. Cattle breeding emerged as a major concern in non-EU countries of Europe and Central Asia, where centralized breeding strategies and state support programs are inadequate. Farmers struggle to compete with EU-subsidized production. The absence of critical tools such as animal identification and traceability systems, performance recording, and artificial insemination or genetic conservation programs further hinder progress. To enhance the effectiveness of cattle breeding, governments should prioritize these essential tools and modernize the industry to meet the challenges posed by external competition and outdated practices.
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The subject of this publication is the global management of animal genetic resources, namely of the domesticated livestock and poultry species and breeds. Attention is focussed upon the genetic resources themselves, upon the need to identify and to give priority to those which are threatened and to regular monitoring mechanisms for discerning changes in the status of animal populations. Practical issues of conservation are evaluated and the need to combine both preservation and improved use is e mphasized. Biotechnology prospects for use with animal genetic resources are described. Attention is given to the institutional, financial and administrative structures needed for a global programme and for its regional and national components. The papers presented in this publication were prepared and studied at the Expert Consultation by the authors and others. Participants attended in their personal capacities and covered all areas of the world and all the domestic species. The recommendation s are given in full and are directed towards Institutional Infrastructures, Monitoring Practices, Breed Development and Conservation Programmes, Biotechnology and Legal Aspects.