Basics for conservation

The basis for conservation of genetic variation is a living population with sufficient numbers of animals that can be managed in a way that considers relationships in matings and excludes single individuals from exercising too much influence. Conservation of genetic diversity can be achieved in many ways.

Methods

Additional support and security are often needed for breeds threatened by genetic erosion or extinction. There are three principal ways to conserve genetic resources:

In situ : Conservation of a breed in regular use in its original environment.

Ex situ in vivo : Conservation by maintaining an active living population outside the original environment.

Ex situ/in vitro (cryo) : Conservation of semen, oocytes, embryos or somatic cells in liquid nitrogen.

All Nordic countries have numerous additional developed genebank activities to guarantee that they can follow the The convention on biological diversity (CBD)   concerning farm animal genetic resources.

Genetic variation

The genetic variation that exists among farm animals is a basic requirement for efficient development and improvement of populations. It also indicates whether a population can withstand and live with changes in the environment, which can be unpredictable. The CBD aims at maintaining food security and by becoming a signatory a country commits itself to taking a national responsibility for conserving farm animal genetic resources. The CBD is the only international legal instrument that requires countries to maintain their farm animal genetic resources.

The demand for food products of more diversified types and origin is increasing globally and maintenance of sufficient genetic variation is a prerequisite for this.

Food security

Farm animals play a major role in global food supply. Calculations done by FAO indicate that 30 – 40% of the energy intake of all humans derives from farm animal products and this proportion is increasing gradually over time. In addition to food products, farm animals are the source of other products, such as wool and leather, and are used for power, sports and recreation. Farm animals are also important in national and regional politics through their contributions to trade and landscape maintenance and represent historical and cultural value.

Commercial breeding programmes

In modern breeding programmes for large commercial breeds very strong selection is practiced and populations are based on only a very limited number of individuals, especially on the paternal side. This reduces genetic variation and increases the likelihood of inbreeding. It is important in such breeding programmes that the relationships and selection intensity are optimized so that genetic variation in the population is maintained over time and the effective population size does not become too small.

Evaluation of threats

A large number of the minor farm animal populations around the world are threatened and globally at least a dozen go extinct annually as a result of genetic erosion. FAO has designed a standard for categorization of status to assist in evaluating threats to populations. This represents a valuable support to national measures that have to be introduced.

Changes in conditions

Conservation of genetic resources provides security against changes in conditions. Currently intensive farm and farm animal production are characterized by extensive use of fertilizers, feed concentrates and veterinary drugs. This, in conjunction with changes in climate, means that genetic variation will be essential to maintain production under new conditions and to fight against new and fast-evolving diseases.

The strategic value of genetic resources can be very high. The loss of genetic diversity following epizootic outbreaks over vast areas, even country-wide, represents a strong incentive to conserve adequate material in secure genebanks so that targeted breeding programmes can be initiated. Such "biobanks" of various kinds also provide excellent material for research at the molecular level.

Cultural and historical importance

Local or regional breeds are often of great cultural and socio-economic significance since they can provide the means of livelihoods based on niche production and use of marginal resources in areas where modern intensive farming is not possible.

Farm animals often represent important elements in historical and cultural development and highlight the importance of adaptation and co-existence between humans and animals. Breeds result from long-term regional adaptation processes. Native breeds are also important in the proprietary aspects of particular food production and sales.