Preservation of Genetic Resources in Small Populations

C.A.P. Matos; L.L.T. Gama

Preservation of Genetic Resources in Small Populations

In: Animal production and rural tourism in Mediterranean regions

Authors:

C.A.P. Matos

C.A.P. Matos Centro de Experimentação do Baixo Alentejo Herdade da Abóbada PORTUGAL

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L.L.T. Gama

L.L.T. Gama Institute de Estruturas Agrárias e Desenvolvimento Rural Lisboa Portugal

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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 35–41

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004684362_008

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Abstract

Conservation of animal genetic resources means, in the broad sense, preservation of actual livestock populations in danger of extinction, to be used in the future. This issue has received increased attention in the last two decades and has been the subject of a wide discussion among animal breeders and population geneticists throughout the world. There are cultural, scientific and economic arguments that justify the conservation of animal genetic resources. From the cultural point of view, the different animal populations constitute a natural patrimony to be transmitted to future generations. There are some breeds possessing traits of potentially valuable interest in harsh environments, tourism, extensive agriculture or environmental protection, which can prove very useful to future economic and social conditions. With respect to scientific reasons, it is necessary to assure the survival of the actual genetic material to meet future developments, namely the identification of gene sequences related to specific biological traits. Economically, preservation of breed diversity is essential to cover the array of possible options in future animal production systems. The main objectives of conservation of genetic resources are to maintain genetic diversity among breeds and genetic variability within breeds. Genetic diversity among breeds can be exploited using appropriate crossbreeding strategies, whereas within breed genetic variability is the main ingredient for genetic improvement through selection. The higher the genetic diversity and variability, the higher the probability of meeting unpredictable demands in animal products by future generations.

Preservation of animal genetic resources can be accomplished in two ways, i.e., maintaining live animals or through cryopreservation (semen, oocytes, embryos, genes). However, no matter which method is adopted, when dealing with individual breeds one is concerned with maintaining genetic variability in populations of reduced size. Population size is closely related with two genetic phenomena, namely, random genetic drift and inbreeding. This paper summarizes the genetic basis to be considered for preservation of genetic resources in small populations. In addition, the endangerment status of Portuguese livestock of breeds is assessed and the main recommendations from international organizations involved in conservation of animal genetic resources are outlined.

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Animal production and rural tourism in Mediterranean regions

Proceedings of the international symposium on animal production and rural tourism in Mediterranean regions

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004684362

Publisher:: Wageningen Academic

Print Publication Date:: 01 Jan 1995

Subjects
- Life Sciences
  - General
  - Animal & Veterinary

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Preservation of Genetic Resources in Small Populations

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Animal production and rural tourism in Mediterranean regions

Proceedings of the international symposium on animal production and rural tourism in Mediterranean regions

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