Animal Conservation Program in
Developed Countries
Presentation 1 - DR KEN RICHARDS, Manager of Canadian Animal Genetic Resources program at
Agriculture and agri-food canada
“Canadian Animal Genetic Resources Program (CAGR)”
(P. 12)
Presentation 2 - DR HARVEY BLACKBURN, National Centre for Genetic Resources Preservation coordinator
“US gene banking program and the Brazilian-Canadian and US database system”
(P. 19)
Presentation 3 - DR MONTSERRAT CASTELLANOS MONCHO, Chief on Zootechnics, Spanish Ministry of
Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs
“Spanish national plan for preservation, improvement and promotion of breeds”
(P. 26)
Presentation 4 - DR Elżbieta Martyniuk, National Focal Point for AnGR, National Research Institute of Animal
Production; Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Warsaw University of Life
Sciences
“Animal genetic resources programme in Poland: successes and obstacles”
(P. 29)
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Presentation 1
Canadian Animal Genetic Resources Program (CAGR)
KW Richards, C Lessard, Y Plante, M Anzar
Canadian Genetic Resources Program, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 0X2
An economically viable, environmentally sustainable, secure and safe agricultural system depends on the availability of a genetically diverse assemblage of plant, farm animal and microbial bioresources that is conserved, managed and utilized appropriately
in integrated agro ecosystems. Genetic diversity is the raw material for selection and
improvement in productivity and nutritional quality, resistance to pests and diseases,
adaptability to changing and adverse growing conditions, materials or feed-stocks for
bio-based products, and contributes to the creation of a safe and secure food supply
system. The genetic diversity of Canadian bioresources is threatened by the genetic
erosion of crop and livestock gene pools, habitat loss, and by shifting social and economic trends. Authoritative knowledge of Canadian bioresources, and the improvement and development of new techniques for conservation, management and utilization are ongoing challenges that must be addressed.
Canada recognizes that animal genetic resources for food and agriculture are an essential part of the biological basis for its food security and that of the world, and contribute to the wellness for many of its citizens. A diverse genetic resource base is critical for Canadian society’s well-being, and a contribution to the eradication of world
hunger (UN Millennium Goal No. 1). Diverse animal genetic resources are crucial in
adapting to changing socio-economic and environmental conditions, including mitigation strategies to climate change. They are essential for sustainable agricultural production in Canada and abroad.
The above reasons influenced the 2006 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Science
(AAFC) priorities, developed in response to consultations with industry and at the Minister of Agriculture of Canada’s request. One specifically identified and implemented
priority is related to Canadian bioresource conservation and understanding (Priority 6).
This priority includes animal genetic resources with science deliverables of: making
availability information on the classification / attributes of Canadian bioresources and
making availability science based tools and knowledge to predict the behavior of biological resources in response to environmental change.
In response to Priority 6, the Canadian Genetic Resources Program developed a plant
(crop and native species), farm animal, microbial and plant virus germplasm conservation initiative with long- and short-term objectives. The long-term objectives are, but
not limited to: 1. protecting and conserving the genetic diversity of Canadian bioresources; 2. contributing to the security, protection and safety of the food system; 3.
enhancing the environmental performance of the Canadian agricultural system; 4. contributing to the development of new opportunities for agriculture, thereby enhancing
food and feed quality, Canadian health and wellness, and economic benefits for the in“International Strategic Program for Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture”
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dustry, and 5. supporting bioresource-related regulatory requirements. The immediate
short-term objectives are to: 1. develop new techniques to conserve and regenerate
plant, animal and microbial germplasm to maintain genetic integrity and minimize genetic erosion; 2. create and document new phenotypic and genotypic information including identifying new sources of disease resistance, abiotic stress resistance, nutritional quality and bioactive compounds, through characterization and evaluation of
bioresource attributes; 3. assess genetic diversity changes in domesticated plant and
animal germplasm; 4. improve the structure of the Genetic Resource Information
Network-Canada (GRIN-CA) database for delivery of bioinformation; and 5. contribute
to access and benefit sharing regimens (acquire, distribute, maintain, regenerate valuable germplasm) consistent with Canada’s commitments to international treaties and
declarations, e.g. the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the FAO International Treaty on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITGRFA), the Interlaken
Declaration and the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources.
Brief history of Animal Genetic Resources in Canada
During the colonization of Canada, a rich assemblage of animal and poultry breeds
were introduced into Canada from elsewhere in the world (mainly the United Kingdom
and continental Europe). Several cattle, sheep and poultry were well adapted to the
variable environmental conditions across the country, and selective breeding produced
landraces such as the Canadian cow, the Canadian horse, the Lacombe pig, the Chanteclerc chicken, the Canadian Arcott, Rideau and Outaouais sheep. More farm animal
breeds were introduced; populations grew, improved and made Canada a leading
country in the production of quality food and of elite genetics for breed improvement.
However, no long-term organized conservation efforts related to farm animal genetic
resources for food and agriculture existed in the country. In the early 1990’s, specifically dedicated resources in a Green Plan were made available to initiate an ex situ
conservation program for livestock and poultry within AAFC, unfortunately little progress was made. In 1996 the Canadian Farm Animal Genetic Resources Foundation
(CFAGRF) was formed. The foundation consisted of academic, industry, government
and NGO members. In 2000 the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations requested member countries to generate country reports on animal genetic resources. Canada submitted to FAO a country report in 2003 which became part of the
first State of the World’s report on Animal Genetic Resources published in 2007. At the
same time Canada played a significant role in the development of the Global Plan of
Action for Animal Genetic Resources and the Interlaken Declaration. Soon after Canada submitted its country report, the Foundation intensified lobbying efforts to AAFC
for the creation of a formal animal genetic resources program. Their efforts were successful with the development of a business plan and selection of a site for the basic
infrastructure. Detailed planning of the program began in late 2004. AAFC located the
program within the University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture and Bioresources (Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences) and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Part of the rationale for choosing Saskatoon was proximity to Plant
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Gene Resources of Canada, Canada’s national seed gene bank and the development
of a critical mass of researchers with a common interest in genetic conservation.
The mandate for the Canadian Animal Genetic Resources (CAGR) program is to: promote sustainable livestock and poultry production in Canada; to ensure the future of
secure food supplies through the acquisition of animal germplasm and research activities in the characterization, conservation and distribution of Canadian farm animal and
poultry genetic resources for the benefit of Canadian society; to develop capacity and
optimal strategies for conservation of AGR; to enhance competitiveness of Canadian
livestock and poultry industry and to integrate Canadian activities with those at the
global level. The mandate is being fulfilled with a combination of research (baseknowledge in genetic diversity, cryobiology and reproductive physiology) and service
activities. Service activities include: acquiring and evaluating quality germplasm for
breeding and research; providing relevant information about the genetic resources; database development for Canadian animal genetic resources for food and agriculture;
supporting extension activities and education programs and promoting the conservation of animal genetic resources in Canada. As the professional staff is co-located
within the U of Saskatchewan, they also have responsibilities for extension activities,
education and training of highly qualified personnel from the undergraduate to graduate level students, technicians and visitors.
Current CAGR staff consist of: Dr. Ken Richards, Research Manager; Dr. Carl Lessard,
Gamete and Embryo Biology; Dr. Muhammad Anzar, Cryobiology; Dr. Yves Plante, Genetic Diversity; Mr. Wenkai Fu, Bioinformatics. The program has scientific advisors
from the University of Saskatchewan who are: Dr. Sheila Schmutz, Dept. Animal &
Poultry Science and Dr. Rueben Mapletoft, Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
The program also organized an advisory committee to provide critical and strategic advice. Current members are: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, University of Saskatchewan (College of Agriculture and Bioresources and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine), United States Department of Agriculture-National Animal Germplasm
Resource Program (program and database), Université de Laval (academia and nodes),
Canadian Farm Animal Genetic Resource Foundation (industry and academia), Rare
Breeds Canada (industry and public), Canadian Angus Association (industry).
Conservation of germplasm and DNA
The CAGR program acquires and ex situ conserves semen, oocytes, embryo, reproductive tissues and DNA samples for all domestic breeds of livestock and poultry and
some selected “farm raised” wild species like bison, elk and deer. The germplasm is of
Canadian origin with the intent to capture the genetic diversity currently existing within
breeds in Canada, including major and commercial breeds, and also minority or heritage breeds. Samples are donated from industry (insemination centers), individual
owners, breeders or producers, Breed Associations, diagnostic laboratories, universities and government agencies. CAGR staff also travel in the field and collect samples
on site. As samples frequently have a monetary value, the CAGR program offers an
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income tax receipt for the value of the donation. Current holdings of semen, embryo
and reproductive tissue (Table 1) indicate samples have been acquired, but samples for
many breeds and species have not yet been obtained.
Table 1. Current holding of semen, embryo by CAGR program (June 2010)
Species Breeds Sires # Units (semen / embryo)
Cattle
16
2963
249,044
Horse
1
2
120
Goat
4
19
247
Sheep
2
8
110
Chicken
2
16
481
Turkey
1
29
318
Swine
3
3
38
Bison
7
600
Elk
30
10,125
Deer
1,244
DNA samples for genetic diversity studies (total =4302) are also slowly being acquired
(Table 2) with most samples represented by livestock breeds (Table 3).
Table 2. DNA inventory by livestock and poultry species (June 2010)
Species number
Horse
979
Chicken
669
Goat
272
Pig
235
Turkey
115
Bison
7
Species
cattle
sheep
goose
duck
elk
number
1881
100
17
5
22
Table 3. DNA inventory by cattle breed (June 2010)
Breed
Angus
Belgian Blue
Brown Swiss
Canadian
Galloway
Gelbvieh
Holstein
Jersey
Salers
Simmental
Unidentified
number
421
21
50
20
30
53
100
50
50
100
334
Breed
number
Ayrshire
50
Blondes
50
Charolais
234
Dexter
9
Guernsey
11
Herford
100
Highland
33
Limousin
108
Shorthorn
53
Speckle Park 4
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Using Molecular Data in Breed Conservation Programs
Molecular data in animal genetic resource programs can be used to monitor genetic
diversity and possible genetic erosion leading to the development of effective strategies to capture genetic diversity and to maintain it within breeds. The implementation
of recognized and effective technologies to assess population dynamics and genetic
diversity of domesticated animal breeds is important to agriculture as well as to agroecosystem components. The base-line research activity is to: collect data for “at risk
and critical breeds”; use the standard international (FAO-International Society for Animal Science recommended) diversity panel of DNA markers (30-35 loci); estimate overall diversity within and among groups (breeds); estimate overall contribution of small
groups to a Core Set of breeds including those not at risk (using marker estimated kinship); infer genetic structure from the data regardless of group assignment (maximum
likelihood approaches); re-evaluate the validity of the initial breed assignments (Bayesian approaches); and select those groups and breeds that contribute the most information to the Core Set of breeds as target for conservation. A more difficult part is to:
reconcile “the base-line knowledge” with social and economic issues associated with
those interested in conservation issues.
Some of the commonly used basic population statistics employed to understand genetic diversity in animals are: expected heterozygosity (measures the amount of variance in allele frequency); probability of identity; allelic richness; private alleles; fixation
indices (FIT, FIS, FST); effective population size and the assessment of conservation indices for selected Canadian farm animal breeds.
FAO has a recommended list of genetic markers for the Measurement of Domestic
Animal Diversity (MoDAD) which the Canadian program tends to use. These markers
are in the public domain, relatively inexpensive, highly informative, easy to score and
standardize, and widely accepted by the conservation community.
Cryobiology research
New and improved techniques are required to better conserve germplasm including the
development of reliable techniques to monitor and minimize genetic erosion in domestic species, breeds and to rescue valuable animal embryos. In this regard, development of cryopreservation protocols for animal/poultry germplasm (all species except
cattle) is a priority along with improved post-thaw survival of mammalian sperm, oocytes and embryos by studying the death mechanisms (apoptosis) involved.
Success has been obtained in developing an efficient protocol for vitrification of testicular tissue. Vitrification of bovine oocytes for conservation of female genetics is underway. The vitrified oocytes can undergo maturation and fertilization processes, but
their embryonic development is challenging.
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Example of protocols /techniques used to preservation threatened Canadian species or breed: Bison
Assisted reproductive technology is a realistic solution to reducing the impact of endemic disease (tuberculosis, brucellosis, anthrax) in Alberta’s Wood Bison. A group of
10 scientists from Universities of Saskatchewan (WCVM), Calgary, Parks Canada,
Northwest Territories, Toronto Zoo, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (CAGR program) are collaborating on a project to develop genetic banking technologies for wood
bison to reduce risk of loss of the species / subspecies. Bison numbers estimated to
occur in public/conservation herds (sensu Boyd, 2003) are about 20,000 compared to
over 100,000 individuals in private/commercial herds. The populations have significantly increased in private herds from 1883, whereas public herds have remained stable during the same period.
The specific objectives of the collaborative effort are to: develop a suitable buffering
system and cryoprotectant for the cryopreservation of bison semen (ejaculate and epidydimis); develop optimum cooling, freezing and thawing rates for bison spermatozoa;
determine and monitor cryopreservation-associated membrane changes in bison
sperm; cryopreserve bison oocytes (vitrification and slow freezing methods); and develop protocols for in vitro fertilization and cryopreservation of bison embryos. An important industry deliverable is making available the reproductive technologies and protocols to the AI industry for bison herd improvement.
So far, research has determined the quality of bison sperm during the breeding season
which begins in late June and ends in late September. Comparisons in quality are being made between the sperm of wood and plains bison and so far, no differences have
been observed on the quality of sperm during the breeding season. IVF techniques
used on oocytes and epididymal semen obtained from slaughtered bison produced a
cleavage rate around 80%, but embryo development stopped at the morula stage.
And preliminary results suggest it may be possible to preserve bison semen in an egg
yolk-based extender.
Documentation - Genetic Resource Information Network-CA (GRIN-CA)
Making knowledge available about the CAGR program is an important activity. Globally, agricultural biodiversity information is made more and more widely available
through the internet, facilitating a greater understanding of the role Canadian bioresource plays in the world stage. GRIN-CA has been created to manage all the information generated in the Canadian Genetic Resources Program in a standard manner. For
the CAGR program a new database is being developed in cooperation with the USDA –
Ft. Collins, CO and Brazil, EMBRAPA. This new database will place all of North America on a common database management system which will significantly facilitate sharing of information and programming needs. The system is intended to contain information on: accession holdings; passport information, characterization and evaluation
data, Canadian / USA / Brazilian breed organizations, breed pedigree information,
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CAGR activities in Canada, and linkages to other world animal genetic resource programs.
For Canada the intended WEB accessible will be at:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pgrc-rpc .
Conclusions
Canada manages a national genetic resource program encompassing plant, animal,
microbe, and virus genetic resources. The program contributes to the security, protection and safety of the Canadian food supply. The animal genetic resources program is
relatively young with an active research and conservation element. The program has a
number of collaborative efforts with industry and academia. The CAGR program is actively acquiring germplasm of domestic livestock and poultry breeds and more donations are actively being sought. The research program requires the development of
new technique to better conserve the germplasm and also the use of recent analytical
technologies to understand the genetic diversity existing within Canadian farm animals
used for food and agriculture. The Canadian Animal Genetic Resources program is
Canada’s primary response to international commitments like the FAO Global Plan of
Action in this the International Year of Biodiversity.
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Presentation-2
The United States Gene Banking Program and the Development of an Information
System by Brazil, Canada, and the United States.
H. D. Blackburn
Coordinator NAGP, ARS-USDA
1111 S. Mason Street, Ft. Collins, CO 80521
Introduction
For approximately one decade the US has been engaged in developing a gene bank
for the purpose of conserving livestock genetic resources. The effort was the outcome
of public and private sector concerns over a perceived reduction in livestock genetic
diversity. A strategic decision was made early in the program’s development to focus
upon the development of ex-situ cryopreserved germplasm and not to concentrate
heavily upon maintenance of in-situ populations. The view was commonly held that actual maintenance of live populations was the responsibility of the livestock owner,
whether they are part of the public or private sector. With this major decision made it
became evident that three disciplinary elements are necessary to effectively develop
ex-situ collections of germplasm. These are: genetics, reproductive physiology/
cryobiology, and information systems. Without all three of these elements, development of ex-situ collections and securing a diverse collection of germplasm becomes
problematic. In this paper an overview will be given of the US collection status, how the
collection has been used to date and the development of a second generation information system by Brazil-Canada-US.
Collection Status and Development
Taxonomically the collection consists of 31 species of aquatic species, mammals,
birds, and insects (Table 1). Across life forms 133 breeds of livestock and poultry are
represented and there are 170 specialized industry and research populations. In terms
of germplasm (semen and embryos) and tissue there are 572,988 units from 13,039
animals. This collection has been derived from more than 400 livestock producers,
breeding companies and public sector entities.
Given the size of the collection two primary questions are: in terms of germplasm
quantity, how secure are the breeds and populations in the collection and how much
diversity has been captured. The NAGP has established collection goals in terms of
amount of germplasm and a target number of animals to have in the collection to meet
Core Collection requirements (described below). In terms of germplasm quantity 90
populations in the collection have been secured so that the entire population can be
reconstituted. In addition to the Core Collection requirements (Table 2) we have established other collection categories to broaden the potential utilization of the gene bank.
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Table 1. Summary of cryopreserved germplasm and tissues in the US collection.
Common Name
Number of Individuals Units of Germplasm
Aquatic Freshwater Fish
690
20,444
Aquatic Invertebrates
213
7,198
Aquatic Marine Fish
15
823
Beef Cattle
2,867
123,265
Bison
73
1,565
Chicken
1,411
6,502
Dairy Cattle
4,472
142,240
Elk
4
340
Goat
347
9,461
Pig
1,209
192,021
Screwworm
10
19,350
Sheep
1,728
49,779
Table 2. Within breed components of the U. S. National Animal Germplasm Program
germplasm collection.
Category
Function
Accessing Germplasm
Core
Provide sufficient quantities and diversity of National, industry or breed
germplasm for 150% of breed regeneration* emergency
Evaluation Sufficient material to evaluate germplasm
As needed by NAGP
quality over time, genetic diversity
Working
Germplasm for industry and research utiliza- Requestor submits a proposal
tion for new or experimental line developto NAGP
ment or DNA studies
Restricted
Provides a security backup for private sector Permission from germplasm
germplasm
owner
*150% regeneration is the amount of germplasm necessary to regenerate a breed 1.5 times from cryopreservation using semen, embryos, or a combination of both. From Blackburn, 2004.
Acquiring sufficient germplasm for the various purposes detailed is but one element of
collection development. From a genetics perspective FAO (1998) has recommended
that gene bank collection capture enough genetic variability to insure that a reconstituted population has an effective population size of 50 animals. However, there is a
second consideration gene bank managers need to be aware of, and that is the capturing of rare alleles a breed or population of interest may have. To estimate the probability of capturing a rare allele Smith’s (1984) equation can be used (probability of capturing a rare allele = 1 – (1 – p)2n where p is the allele frequency and n equals the number
of animals; see Blackburn, 2009 for further details). This equation shows that with 100
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animals sampled there is a probability of 85% that an allele with a frequency of 0.01
will be contained in the collection. In addition to identifying the number of animals to
collect the question of which animals becomes relevant. Where pedigree files are available we use them to compute genetic relationships and then cluster available animals
into groups of more closely related animals (Figure 1). By doing this we can then select
animals from within various clusters for collection and be assured we are sampling
across the diversity of a breed.
With the above mentioned approaches developed collection activities can proceed.
Principally, animals can be identified and germplasm collection arranged.
Figure 1. Clusters of Brangus cattle using genetic relationships computed from pedigrees.
Collection Utilization
It became evident in the initiation of collection development that the collection could
have a multi-purpose function, in addition to providing genetic security for the country’s livestock sector. For example, the collection has been used to reconstitute discontinued research lines, broadening the genetic variability of rare breeds and for use in
DNA studies. To date 9,362 samples from 2,402 animals representing 61 different
populations across all species groups have been distributed from the repository.
We believe that as more work on the genetic structure of livestock populations is conducted that the repository collection will be one of the basic resources for researchers
to turn to for samples and information (pedigree, phenotypic, production system and
genomic).
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Information System
Information concerning the collection and its accessibility to curators and potential users is needed to increase collection use, understand the diversity acquired, and monitor the quality of the germplasm samples. In addition, there are a series of management functions that the database should be capable of handling. For example, documenting when and where samples were acquired, if there are any restrictions on sample use, and to whom samples have been released. With these considerations the US
program embarked upon the development of a database that would serve as a comprehensive information system for curators, managers and potential users to use. In the
first version several key objectives were clear:
•
•
•
•
the database had to be web accessible;
when viewed over the web it should offer real time information on the status of the
collection;
it should provide a set of tools that can assist users in understanding the collection;
for routine uses of the database users should be query the database through pointand-click versus writing computer code to perform the needed query.
In Version 1 (V1) of the database we were able to build in many of these features. However, as with all databases, V1 was short lived as the users develop a better appreciation of the tasks to accomplish and how to execute those tasks.
When the US reviewed the functionality of V1 in 2006, Brazil and Canada were invited
to participate in the review. During this time it became apparent that all three countries
shared a common need for information support for their genetic resource programs. As
a result all three countries agreed to jointly develop Version 2 (V2) of the Animal-GRIN
system. By 2008 all three countries had programmers in place and the redesign was
initiated. In this process the database was totally reconstructed instead of making adjustments to the existing database. By doing this programmers were able to resolve a
major problem concerning the taxonomy structure of V1 and this advancement will be
further detailed in this paper.
The AnimalGRIN application becoming a multinational endeavor raises several issues
with regard to how data is stored. For example, the addition of a broader array of species being included in the US repository has also raised some issues with regard to
storing the taxonomy. One of the main concerns has to do with how to store the taxonomy in a way to accommodate the diversity of species as well as the needs of multiple countries. In order to do this, the database was designed to enable each country
to store its own set of taxonomy records. This is necessary because each country has
varying purposes and common names for the taxonomy structures.
In order to provide the flexibility required to accurately store species as diverse as cutthroat trout and Hereford cattle, a configurable mechanism has been included which
allows users to define taxonomy categories to be specified as needed for each level of
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the taxonomy structure, and also, to allow for a different number of levels to the structures. A unary relationship is used on the taxonomy table in order to provide this configurability. For example, the taxonomy structure for a chicken may have six levels
(Family, Genus, Species, Breed, Variety, Line) whereas fish may have only four (Family,
Genus, Species, Strain). Each record in the table will have the category specified, for
example “Species”, as well as the name of that taxonomy, for example “gallus”. The
parent taxonomy is then referenced in order to create a complete taxonomy structure.
In V2 the taxonomy structure for the “Low 8 Week Body Weight” line of chickens as
shown in Table 3. The way these records are stored results in the following taxonomy
structure and is comprised of six distinct taxonomy records in the database:
Family: Phasianidae
Genus: Gallus
Species: gallus
Breed: Plymouth Rock
Variety: White
Line: Low 8 Week Body Weight
Table 3. AnimalGRIN taxonomy instance diagram.
This configurability allows any number of levels in a taxonomy structure as well as enhances data accuracy by allowing the user to specify the appropriate category name
for that level.
The other issue which arises when moving to a global scale is that across countries,
various taxonomies have different purposes and names for what is genetically the
same taxonomy. For example, in the US Bos taurus Angus is considered a different
breed than Bos taurus Red Angus. In Canada, there is only one breed for both and it is
simply Bos taurus Angus. This illustrates a common problem, globally, in defining animal taxonomy. To address this issue V2 allows each country included in the database
to have its own set of taxonomy records because each country has varying purposes
and common names for the taxonomy structures.
Another issue which arises with each country having its own taxonomy records is, how
can comparisons be made on a more global level? Because breed in one country may
or may not directly match a breed in another country, V2 contains the ability to cross
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reference taxonomy structures in order to map one country’s to another’s. This cross
referencing enables global comparisons to be made regarding the genetic diversity of
breeds or populations, which will, in turn, assist in global decision making regarding the
global conservation of agricultural livestock.
Another consideration with system users being distributed throughout the country as
well as in additional countries is how to make the system secure and accessible to all
of the users. In order to accomplish this, the user interface is a web-based application
so that it is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Table 5 is an example of the information that an internet user would see on a specific animal in the collection. In this table genetic, phenotypic, production system and quantity of germplasm
stored in the repository is given.
Table 5. Example of individual animal information stored in the Animal-GRIN database.
Individual Details - NAGP 357
Taxonomy
Pig - Sus scrofa – Yorkshire
Identifiers
NAGP ID
357
Germplasm Source Number
8222
Name Terminator
Name MSU0 HITMAN 45-10
Registration Number
385962010
Description
Gender M
Purpose Meat
Birth Date
2000-09-07
Origin United States, Michigan
Breeder Michigan State University
Other Observations
Descriptor Name Value Date
Age at Sampling 1.6 yrs
Cluster Number 1
12-2004
Halothane Gene NN
Inbreeding Coefficient
.02
Why Collected Industry Standard for Year
Why Collected Baseline Collection
Phenotypic Observations
Descriptor Name Value Date
21-Day Litter Weight
73.9 kg
Backfat 10.16 mm
Days to Market 173 days
Loin Eye Area 53.61 cm^2
Market Weight 113.4 kg
Number Born Alive 12
Number of Teats 16
Percent Lean
61.2 %
Genotypic Observations
Descriptor Name Value (Accuracy)
Date
21-Day Litter Weight EPD +.05
07-2005
Backfat EPD
-.04
07-2005
Days to 113 kg EPD
+2.28 07-2005
Number Born Alive EPD +.04
07-2005
Germplasm Counts
Semen 321
Total: 321
Source: NAGP website; www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=16979
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Conclusions
Significant progress has been made in securing US livestock populations. Assessments made at the breed and within breed level would suggest that the program is
capturing the genetic diversity of interest, and in some instance the germplasm collection may be more diverse that the in-situ population (Danchin-Burge et al., 2010). As
the collection grows by all metrics (number of animals, genetic diversity, germplasm
quantity) the importance of a comprehensive database increases. To address this need
Canada, Brazil and the US have teamed up for the purpose of developing a shared database. Not only will the database address the needs of the individual countries but it
will also allow the member countries to combine data so that a western hemisphere
assessment of animal genetic resources can be made. As the database enters into
production (estimated to be in the fall of 2010) opportunities for other countries to join
the group and use the database will exist.
Literature Cited
Blackburn, H. D. 2004. Development of national animal genetic resource programs.
Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 16:27-32.
Blackburn, H. D. 2009. Genebank development for the conservation of livestock genetic resources in the United States of America. Livestock Science, 120:196-203.
Danchin-Burge, C., H. Blackburn, and S. J. Hiemstra. 2010. Ex situ conservation of
Holstein-Fresian cattle – Comparing Dutch, French and USA germplasm collections.
World Congress on Genetics and Livestock Production, Leipzig, Germany (in press).
Smith, C. 1984. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper, 44:31-41.
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Presentation-3
SPANISH NATIONAL PLAN FOR PRESERVATION, IMPROVEMENT
AND PROMOTION OF BREEDS
Dra. Castellanos M, Chief on Zootechnics,
Spanish Ministry of Environment, Rural and Marine affairs
Due to its particular climate, geographical and cultural attributes, Spain possesses a
large diversity of valuable farm animal breeds. Spanish farm animal genetic resources
are of significant importance to develop sustainable animal production systems, and
are vital from socio-economic, food industry, cultural and environmental sustainability
perspectives. Therefore, the conservation of animal genetic resources is linked to the
conservation of landscapes, culture, traditions and the history of Spain.
The Spanish Official Catalogue of Livestock Breeds lists 181 breeds and varieties, including 153 native breeds, of which 126 are classified as endangered or facing extinction. Being conscious of the responsibility that we have in the maintenance and legacy
of this genetic heritage, we are working in balancing diverging farming interests: conservation and the improvement of different breeds and economic profitability and viability from their use.
We have established the basis of a joint effort with Breeder Associations, academic circles and the collaboration of government agencies, to design and implement the necessary conservation programs for farm animal breeds of interest, taking into account
the current status of each breed within the unique situation of each production area or
for each farm in Spain.
In the recent past, we have witnessed numerous changes in farm animal production
systems to meet new and shifting market demands. In order to meet unknown future
market expectations, we must maintain diverse animal populations, because these
animals are the source of specific genes that may be the key to meet future demands.
Hence, the loss of farm animal genetic diversity could result in limited future opportunities to genetic progress or new functionalities.
There are current national and international commitments for the maintenance and sustainable use of natural resources which resulted from the agreement on Biological Diversity and the general framework of FAO Global Plan of Action for Farm Animal Genetic Resources. Additionally, the European Union, within the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), already requests that special attention be given to native breeds of
livestock. These unique breeds represent a source of cultural richness and contribute
to rural development and income stability.
For these reasons, Spain has approved, through a Royal Decree, a specific National
Program with 8 strategic priorities:
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1. To prepare and maintain a complete and up-to-date inventory of Spanish animal
genetic resources, population trends and associated risks.
2. To promote the breeding of pure stocks and their inclusion into national herd
books, perform genetic evaluation within the framework of the improvement
programmes , along with promoting the breeds.
3. To articulate and consolidate technical support for centres specialized in reproductive technologies and genetic improvement, and to establish standards for
the organization and storage of farm animal germplasm.
4. To promote improvements, technological advances and scientific progress in all
areas of zootechnology.
5. To guarantee coordination between all bodies and entities involved in the conservation and use of animal genetic resources, within a broad process of participation and of collective network.
6. To improve acquisition and accessibility of animal genetic resource information
using a national database, the National System of Information (ARCA), and a
web portal, as a tool for management, consultation and reference of accumulated animal genetic resources information.
7. To adapt regulations and funding streams to the needs of the breed and of the
livestock keepers, taking into consideration their evolution, technological advances, new conditioning aspects, as well as the need to support native breeds
and breeds at risk of extinction.
8. To promote the sustainable use of Spanish breeds and livestock production systems based on best practices and on extensive farming systems, optimizing
their environmental roles, their capability for adaptation and best use of natural
resources, to maintain agro-ecosystems and to provide consumers with quality
and safe products.
I would like to emphasize our confidence in the fact that Spain action plan is focused
not only on the preservation of native breeds but also to take advantage of their characteristics. With this goal in mind, we have designed an ambitious work plan, and
launched a complete and integrated system which considers breeds, husbandry systems and branding of the final products.
Recently, the European Union has designed and implemented a standard for food production known as the “European Model of Production”. This model implies higher
costs than those currently existing in other regions. Within the confine of world market
liberalization, we need to design strategies aimed at maintaining Spanish competitiveness in both internal and external markets. To that end we believe that the promotion,
whenever possible, of a global model, based on breeds, husbandry and production
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systems and marketable products, can become the standard of cutting edge for commercial policies regarding farm animal-derived products. Therefore, advancements in
the areas of breed selection and improvement, and production systems, have become
part of the basic working plans of the Spanish livestock policy.
Given this new European agricultural model, native breeds are clear examples of multifunctionality, with direct benefits in three outstanding frameworks: financial, social and
environmental. Likewise, the current European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP),
based on decoupled payments, could well represent an important opportunity to make
progress in the re-conversion of extensive livestock production and the economic viability of farms. Profitability is vital to economic sustainability. To reach this potential,
valued animal genetic resources, high animal health standards, excellent production
systems, and fair market access will lend value to the European production model.
It is not our desire to initiate a debate about intensive versus extensive animal production systems, nor about native versus foreign breeds. We believe that both production
systems have merits that informed producers must evaluate for profitability and sustainability. We think that a viable production model must reconcile the economic expectations of producers along with conservation and production sustainability dealing
with open world markets, including European markets, as well as with the need for
production differentiation. Therefore it is not about a utopian and melancholic policy, it
is a serious and viable production strategy.
In order to achieve these goals, the cooperation of every concerned stakeholders, policies and entities throughout the word are essential along with the incorporation of
modern technology, research and academic inputs, to serve the breeds and the animal
production systems.
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Presentation-4
Animal genetic resources programme in Poland: successes and obstacles
Elżbieta Martyniuk
National Focal Point for AnGR, National Research Institute of Animal Production
Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Warsaw University of Life Sciences
The activities to conserve endangered wildlife species as well as native rare breeds
have been undertaken in Poland for over a century. The best examples in wildlife area
are provided by the conservation programme to restore the European bison population,
and a programme to re-establish Polish Koniks to their natural habitats in the wild. In
the livestock sector, although a number of breeds have become extinct in the 1960s
and 1970s, restitution programmes undertaken since the mid 1970s reduced erosion of
populations and resulted in the restoration of a number of native breeds.
The efforts to conserve endangered native breeds in Poland can be divided into three
main phases. The first one covers a period from initiation of conservation activities undertaken mainly by the scientific community with gradual support provided by the government until the official establishment of the National Focal Point for Animal Genetic
Resources (NFP-AnGR) in August 1996. In the second phase, conservation activities
became coordinated at the national level; this phase continues till 2004, when Poland
became a member of the European Community. The last and current phase is marked
by the implementation of European Union rural development policy and agrienvironmental measures at the national level.
The first phase began in the early 1970s largely as projects and programmes undertaken by agricultural universities and research institutes to establish flocks and herds of
endangered native breeds in order to characterise and conserve these resources.
Some examples include: establishment of collection of regional waterfall varieties, and
restoration of the Polish Heath sheep, Swiniarka sheep, and Olkuska sheep. This phase
also involved ex-situ storage of genetic material, mainly semen of Polish Red cattle, as
well as semen and embryos of sheep breeds that were mentioned above. The conservation efforts were valuable and timely, however, they were not coordinated at the national level and were mainly supported by research grants.
In the early 1980s, the Ministry of Agriculture initiated financial support for breeders
that were keeping either endangered native breeds or breeds of small population that
were considered as the most important to conduct genetic improvement programmes.
They often included imported breeds. This support was available within the scope of
the so called “Biological improvement fund” and amounted to around 1.5% of the total
financial support provided to the livestock sector.
The introduction of the market economy in 1989 resulted in the breakdown of the public sector in agriculture and dramatic decreases in the profitability of animal production.
It was accompanied by further expansion of the use of high performance imported
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breeds, and financial constrains for conservation activities. However, with continuous
public support, even at low levels, the long-term involvement of breeders and scientific
community counteracted the unfavorable economical conditions, and no breeds were
lost in these difficult years extending into the mid1990s.
The beginning of the second phase was started with the establishment of the National
Focal Point for AnGR following the global developments led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Global Strategy for the Management
of Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAO, 1999) provided a framework for regional and
national activities, and enhanced the profile of animal genetic resources and the need
for their conservation at the national level. This phase was characterised by development of a formal national network for AnGR, including the Advisory Board and the eight
Working Groups that oversee the conservation of horse, cattle, sheep and goat, pig,
poultry, fur animals, fish and bees genetic resources. The scope of Polish programme
is broader than the focus of the FAO programme, to meet the country needs. The participation in the work of national network was voluntary, involving representatives from
breeders’ organizations, universities and research institutions.
The second key achievement during this period was development of conservation programmes for populations that were covered by the state support measures. In May
2000, the Minister accepted for implementation, 32 conservation programmes to be
implemented for 75 breeds, varieties and lines of farm animals. These programmes
covered all major livestock species that are kept in Poland, included all native breeds
and also a small number of imported populations (mainly poultry) that were bred in Poland for more than 30-40 generations.
In August 1996, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Economy established the NFPAnGR. In doing so, he nominated a National Coordinator and appointed the Central
Animal Breeding Office as host institution. At the time, the Central Animal Breeding Office was responsible for performance recording, breeding value evaluation and artificial
insemination in most of farm animal species.
The transformation process in livestock sector towards entrusting responsibilities to
conduct breeding activities to breeders’ organizations and envisaged privatisation of
Artificial Insemination services led to the reorganization of the Central Animal Breeding
Office and the establishment of the National Animal Breeding Centre (NABC). In 2000,
the NFP-AnGR was transferred to the NABC as host institution. Further progress in
transformation of animal breeding and reproduction services resulted in changing the
role of the NACB, that has gradually become responsible for inspection of breeding
work and auditing of state financial support to the livestock sector. That resulted in the
final movement of the NFP-AnGR. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
decided that from January 1, 2002, the National Research Institute of Animal Production would be responsible for coordinating AnGR conservation activities in Poland.
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The preparation of the Country Report in 2002 (Country Report…, 2002) helped to build
awareness of the importance of animal genetic resources at higher political levels, and
provided additional stimulus to enhance conservation activities. This change was reflected in the Animal Breeding Law of 1997, amended in 2004 through introduction of a
specific article dealing with the conservation of genetic resources. In the current “Law
on organization of animal breeding and reproduction” of 29 June 2007, Article 28 of
Chapter 3 provides institutional basis and guidance for conducting AnGR conservation
activities. Securing legal provision for animal genetic resources conservation activities
proved to be extremely important, and also helped in further awareness raising. The
setting-up of the institutional framework for the coordination of AnGR conservation activities led to an increase in the number of populations included in conservation activities, and an increase in the number of females in certain populations.
The financial support over provided to breeders exclusively from the state budget was
limited, and far below their needs. In 1999, as conservation programmes were prepared, limitations were imposed by the fixed budget leading to a decision regarding the
maximum number of females that could be eligible for support within each breed. In
setting the numbers, a certain compromise was necessary, and payments did not fully
reflect needs, but were based on the current profitability of given species. Horse
breeds for example, were provided with lower support than cattle breeds, as profitability of horse breeding at the time was higher than cattle.
The third and the last phase started in 2005, when Poland became a member of the
European Union and accordingly eligible for incentive measures available to EU farmers
already since 1992, within the rural development programme (EC 1978/92, 1257/1999
1698/2005). Both political awareness and well documented needs for conservation led
to inclusion of the Package G01 within the 2005-2006 agri-environmental scheme to
support breeders maintaining local endangered breeds of horse, cattle and sheep. In
the Rural Development Programme for 2007-2013, measures for in-situ conservation of
genetic resources for food and agriculture were broadened, with Package 6 supporting
crop conservation activities, and Package 7 extended to cover also native pig breeds.
In the post 2005 period, a rapid increase of the number of females in most of breeds
has been observed. Breeders are very interested in joining the scheme and the number
of farms participating in the conservation programme was growing rapidly. The current
scope of Polish conservation programmes is presented in Table 1 and Table 2.
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Table 1. The scope of the conservation programme for key livestock species in 19992013 (adapted from Krupinski i Martyniuk 2009).
Item
Ca'le
Horses
Sheep
Pigs
TOTAL
1999
1
2
10
3
16
2009
4
7
13
3
27
1999
16
8
168
no data
260
2009
851
1053
762
110
2776
1999
150
400
3 645
575
4770
2009
5 813
4 375
30 383
1 979
42 494
2009 as % of 2013
56.2
40.5
75.4
43.9
54%
Predic:on for 2013
10 350
10 800
40 300
4 500
65 950
68 625 000
63 775 800
11 485 500
192 082 800
Number of breeds
Number of herds
Number of females
Total financial support in 2007-­‐2013 in PLN
48 196 500
Figure 1. The national network on animal genetic resources in Poland
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The scope of work and responsibilities entrusted to the National Research Institute of
Animal Production related to the implementation of the Package 7 of the agrienvironmental scheme resulted in amending the existing institutional set up and establishing a special Animal Genetic Resources Unit within the organizational structure of
the Institute (Figure 1). Coordinators for respective species/group of species were
nominated to interact with breeders and evaluate their submissions to participate in the
programme. Coordinators oversee compliance with requirements set out in breed conservation programme e.g. on pedigree, performance evaluation, reproduction etc. of
their animals; and provide breeders with the necessary documentation, which enables
breeders to apply for financial support. This task proved to be very demanding and
time consuming, taking into account the number of animals and herds/flocks participating in the programme. Moreover, such work was far beyond the scope of research
activities, and till now had no specific budget allocation provided by the Ministry.
The progress for the enhancement of conserved populations of poultry, fur animals and
bee populations was not as rapid as in the case of species included in the agrienvironmental scheme. A number of reasons contributed to this situation, such as the
location of genetic resources in public sector institutions in the case of the poultry and
bees, lack of profitability and interest to keep carnivore fur animals, as well as more
difficult procedures and a lover level of support provided from the state budget.
Table 2. The development of conservation programme for livestock remaining species
(NRIAP, 2010)
Species
Number of genotypes
Number of females
2000
2009
2000
2009
Fur animals
5
12
207
1363
Predicted for 2013
1750
Chicken
10
10
5550
8968
8250
Geese
14
14
2385
4208
3950
Ducks
10
10
3162
3945
3500
Bee lines
4
4
337
620
695
Since its establishment, the NFP-AnGR has been engaged in cooperation with nongovernment organizations (NGOs) interested in projects that included the promotion
and utilization of native breeds. Such projects had social or ecological goals or were
focused on the promotion of organic agriculture and agro-tourism. The involvement of
NGOs and their contribution to conservation efforts is extremely important; they not
only help to enhance the utilization of local breeds, but also create awareness among
consumers of products obtained from native breeds. Most of the projects carried out
by NGOs have proven to be sustainable over the long-term and important at the local
level.
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Over many years, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, the NFP-AnGR has been involved in agro-biodiversity related initiatives, including work under the Convention of
Biological Diversity and the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The NFP-AnGR contributes to work on the implementation of the Convention
at the national level as well as in the work of Convention bodies. This involvement has
forged a close working relationship with the Ministry of Environment.
The key successes that were achieved during the last 15 years include:
• Wide participation of breeders in conservation programmes;
• A strong and effective country network on AnGR;
• Establishing legal basis for conducting conservation activities at the national
level;
• Development of conservation programmes for all native breeds that required intervention;
• Enhancement of number of females within the majority of conserved breeds;
• Establishing collaboration between the government and a number of NGOs;
• Direct and frequent interactions with breeders;
• Organization of special exhibitions of native breeds at the National Animal Show;
• Translation and wide distribution of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic
Resources and State of the World`s Animal Genetic Resources in brief;
• Enhancing public awareness of values of local breeds and their products.
The key gaps and obstacles that have to be addressed include:
• Establishing a National Gene Bank for AnGR;
• Enhancing development, marketing and promotion of products and services
provided by native breeds;
• Inadequate human and financial resources within the Institute to carry out necessary work related to the implementation of the Package 7 of agrienvironmental scheme;
• Monitoring implementation of the breeding requirements of conservation programmes at the farm level;
• Broadening the scope of national conservation programmes that so far address
only native endangered breeds, to include commercial breeds;
• Increase the number of females included in the conservation programmes within
some breeds of the remaining species as shown in Table 2;
• Some breeders are attracted to conservation programmes because of the availability of financial resources, therefore a better communication is required to
convince them of the need for long-term commitment and participation;
• Strengthening cooperation with agencies responsible for agri-environmental
payments, especially in regard to data transfer;
• Strengthening research activities aimed at characterization and enhanced utilization of native breeds.
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The key task for the NFP-AnGR over the next couple of years is preparation of the National Strategy and Action Plan for AnGR. The National Strategy will cover all AnGR,
both native and commercial breeds, and be prepared with wide participation of stakeholders. It will address key gaps that were described above. A plan to develop the National Strategy has been submitted to the Ministry as one of the key tasks within the
Multi Year Work Programme of the Institute for 2011-2015.
References
Country Report on Animal Genetic Resources, 2002: Minister of Agriculture and Rural
Development, Warsaw, October 2002
http://dad.fao.org/cgi-bin/getblob.cgi?sid=0dcfc76fd8a74b3c57c8e2c6fe786002,5000
5622
FAO, 1999: The Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources. Executive Brief. FAO, Rome, Italy.
Krupinski J., MartyniukE., 2009: Ochrona zasobów genetycznych zwierząt. I Kongres Nauk
Rolniczych „Nauka – Praktyce”, Puławy, 14-16 maja 2009 ( Conservation of Animal Genetic
Resources, First Congress of Agricultural Sciences: Science for Practice, Puławy, 14-16th May,
2009 (in Polish) http://kongres.cdr.gov.pl/files/4.2.2.pps
National Research Institute of Animal Production, 2010:
http://www.bioroznorodnosc.izoo.krakow.pl/
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