Conservation of animal genetic resources in europe final report of an E.A.A.P. working party

The main activities and recommendations of a working party set up by the Genetics Commission of E.A.A.P. in 1980 are described. On the basis of three questionnaire forms, to which 22 countries replied, and of available literature, nearly 1300 “country populations” of cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and goats were found. Of these, 240 are considered to be endangered. Some of these breeds have counterparts elsewhere. Most of the countries have started conservation. In the majority the government has assumed responsibility, but there are many private organisations acting in the field. Frozen semen and conservation herds are commonly used, but also embryo freezing has been started in some cases. The main conservation techniques available are listed. It is recommended that the initial priority should be to store frozen semen from at least 25 unrelated sires. Where possible, purebreds for endangered breeds should be stored also as embryos, and the use of at least 25 different matings is proposed. Live animals should be maintained for proper breed evaluation and for maintaining interest in the breed. The main motives for conservation are given and the need for studying gene losses within breeds is pointed out. Criteria in choosing breeds for conservation, health aspects to be considered in conservation, and the utilization of other resources are discussed. A central data bank on endangered breeds in recommended and suggestions are made for the permanent organization of AGR conservation activities for E.A.A.P. member countries Les principales activités et recommendations d'un groupe de travail établi par la Commission génétique de la F.E.Z. en 1980 sont décrites. D'aprés trois questionnaires différents, auxquels 22 pays ont répondu, et d'après la littérature disponible, près de 1300 “populations” ou “races nationales” de bovins, che vaux, porcs, moutons et chèvres on été repertoirées. Parmi celles-ci 240 sont considérées comme en danger. Certaines de ces races ou populations existent dans plusieurs pays. La plupart des pays ont commencé la conservation. Dans la majorité des pays, le gouvernement est responsable de la conservation, mais de nombreuses organisation privées travaillent sur le terrain. La semence congelée et des troupeaux de conservation sont la forme la plus courante de la conservation, mais la congélation d'embryons a aussi commencé, dans quelques cas. Les principales techniques de conservation disponsibles sont énumérées. Le rapport recommande que la pr