Ex-situ conservaton of Holstein-Friesian cattle comparing the Dutch, French and USA germplasm collections

Authors: DANCHIN-BURGE, C - Institut National De La Recherche Agronomique (INRA); Blackburn, Harvey; HIEMSTRA, S - Institut National De La Recherche Agronomique (INRA)

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2010
Publication Date: 7/31/2010
Citation: Danchin-Burge, C., Blackburn, H.D., Hiemstra, S.J. 2010. Ex-situ conservaton of Holstein-Friesian cattle comparing the Dutch, French and USA germplasm collections. 9th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, August 1-6, 2010, Leipzig, Germany. Meeting Proceedings.

Interpretive Summary: Holstein-Friesian (HF) gene bank collections were established in France, the Netherlands and USA in order to conserve as much genetic diversity as possible for this breed. Genetic variability of HF collections within and between countries was assessed and compared with active male HF populations in each country by using pedigree data. Measures of genetic diversity such as probability of gene origin inbreeding and kinship were calculated. The data suggested that the cryobanks have captured substantial amounts of genetic diversity for the HF breed, when compared to the current active populations. A substantial part of the USA, French and Dutch collections seems to be genetically similar. On the other hand, in particular the USA collection represents an interesting reservoir of HF gene of the past.

Technical Abstract: Holstein-Friesian (HF) gene bank collections were established in France, the Netherlands and USA in order to conserve as much genetic diversity as possible for this breed. Genetic variability of HF collections within and between countries was assessed and compared with active male HF populations in each country by using pedigree data. Measures of genetic diversity such as probability of gene origin inbreeding and kinship were calculated. The data suggested that the cryobanks have captured substantial amounts of genetic diversity for the HF breed, when compared to the current active populations. A substantial part of the USA, French and Dutch collections seems to be genetically similar. On the other hand, in particular the USA collection represents an interesting reservoir of HF gene of the past.