National Genetic Conservation Strategy
Ireland lists seven populations of livestock as endangered. These include three
populations of cattle, three populations of equines and one population of sheep
Through signed international and pan-European agreements, Ireland has
committed to providing resources to document and to protect our national
farm animal genetic resources
Pedigree analysis and key population statistics are limited for some
populations due to restricted access to their pedigree registers
To date, there has been little emphasis on marketing and promotion of
endangered populations in Ireland. This is an area which has been beneficial to
endangered populations in other countries
To ensure sustainable development of endangered populations, a scientifically
sound breeding programme which takes cognisance of the traits of importance
to the population while simultaneously minimising relatedness in the
population and the avoiding the mating of carriers of genetic defects is
required
The preferred method of genetic conservation is in-situ in-vivo conservation,
however cryopreservation of semen of selected animals will complement invivo
conservation and can be used to recreate genetic diversity in the event of
breed extinction
Incentives to promote the use of rare breeds in Ireland should be reviewed
It is recommended to establish a Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee
comprising representatives from all partners involved nationally in genetic
conservation
A national genetic conservation strategy could be put in place protecting all
endangered populations with a start-up cost of €55,100 and annual running
costs of €65,725
Project Coordinator: Dr Sinead McParland