In vivo conservation of animal genetic resources

Conservation of animal genetic resources -- ensuring that these valuable resources remain available for future use by livestock breeders -- is one of the four strategic priority areas of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, which was adopted in 2007 and is the first internationally agreed framework for the management of biodiversity in the livestock sector. These guidelines focus on conservation "in vivo", i.e. maintaining live populations rather than storing frozen genetic material. They have been endorsed by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. These guidelines address both "in situ" conservation (supporting the continued use of threatened breeds in the livestock production systems where they have traditionally been raised) and "ex situ" conservation (maintainance of populations at sites such as conservation farms and zoos). As well as providing a wealth of information on breeding strategies for small at-risk populations, the guidelines provide advice on how to develop an effective and well-targeted national conservation strategy.