FAO Animal Production and Health Guidelines

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.

These guidelines describe, in logical chronological order, the process of establishing a programme for cryoconservation of animal genetic resources, starting with the process of confirming the decision to implement a cryoconservation programme. The task of organizing the institutions needed to meet the chosen conservation objectives is then described.

Genetic improvement is an essential component of the management of animal genetic resources and can make important contributions to food security and rural development. Yet, the majority of developing countries have not been successful in sustaining breed development programmes. The objective of these guidelines is to help countries plan and develop effective genetic improvement programmes and to maximize the chances that such programmes will be sustained.

Preparing and implementing a national strategy and action plan will enable countries to translate the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources and the momentum it has created into an effective and comprehensive approach to the sustainable use, development and conservatin of their animal genetic resources. It will enhance their efforts to increase food production and food security, reduce povery and promote rural development.

These guidelines on Phenotypic characterization of animal genetic resources address Strategic Priority Area 1 of the Global Plan of Action – "Characterization, inventory and monitoring of trends and associated risks". They complement, in particular, the guidelines on molecular genetic characterization and on surveying and monitoring of animal genetic resources. They have been endorsed by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.