CONSERVATION OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES: A REVIEW

Abstract

The diversity of cattle, sheep, goat, pig, poultry and other farm animal species represents an irreplaceable source of traits for livestock development in response to environmental changes and human needs. However, many of these genetic resources are being eroded as a result of certain changes in agricultural practices, economic, environmental and other factors. That of particular concern are the high rates of loss of local/indigenous breeds in developing countries, which, coupledwith inadequate breeding programs for the efficient use and proper management of these genetic resources, is negatively impacting on livelihood options for the poor. Since the beginning of this century, the loss of genetic diversity within and between species have been a major concern as this could have serious consequences on the ability of these species to respond to future production constraints. Genetic diversity has traditionally been accessed from pedigree, however, with the advances in molecular genetics new opportunities have emerged. In this review, we examined different methods for accessing and conserving animal genetic diversity and as well examined current strategies for the conservation of farm animal resources.