Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » Fort Collins, Colorado » Center for Agricultural Resources Research » Agricultural Genetic Resources Preservation Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #411872
Research Project: National Animal Germplasm Program

Location: Agricultural Genetic Resources Preservation Research

Title: Germplasm preservation for rare domestic animal breeds

Author
item Purdy, Phil

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Reproduction
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/29/2024
Publication Date: 3/11/2024
Citation: Purdy, P.H. 2024. Germplasm preservation for rare domestic animal breeds. In: Skinner, M.K. editor. Encyclopedia of Reproduction. 3rd edition. New York, NY: Elsevier Inc. p. 1-8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-21477-6.00024-9

Interpretive Summary: Regardless of species, many forms of germplasm (e.g., semen, eggs, embryos, cells, organs, tissues, DNA) can be preserved which will ensure that a high-quality collection, which captures the genetic diversity of a breed, can be developed and maintained. While there is room for improvement in the success rates for many of the ARTs, that should not preclude their use. Instead, by understanding the limitations of the ARTs, and by prudently planning to combine technologies, larger numbers of animals can be rejuvenated using fewer samples, thus increasing the value of any individual sample. This is even more relevant with rare breeds, where total numbers of animals and quantities of germplasm samples may be limited, but by following proven germplasm collection and use protocols, viable samples can be preserved resulting in live offspring in the future.

Technical Abstract: Germplasm preservation is an immensely valuable endeavour to capture and secure the genetic diversity of rare domestic animals. By doing so, it ensures that a readily available assortment of samples is available which can be used for research, expansion of genetic diversity within a line, breed, or population, and if necessary, repopulation of animals following catastrophic events. Paramount to success is understanding the efficacy, limitations, and the specific use of assisted reproductive technologies for each breed or species. Doing so will guarantee that the highest sample quality is maintained during all phases of the collection, preservation, and utilization processes.