AGB 211: Livestock and Poultry Breeding (2+1)

EX-SITU CONSERVATION

• Ex-situ conservation techniques are further categorized into two groups viz.,
• Ex-situ cryopreservation of genetic materials: In the form of haploid cells (spermatozoa, oocytes), diploid cells (in-vivo and in-vitro embryos, somatic cells) and DNA
• Ex-situ live: The maintenance of live animals of a breed outside its production system and native ecology (herds maintained in naturally protected / reserved areas and farms, in zoos).
• Ex-situ live method excludes the present socio-economic value, because in this conservation strategy the breed is removed totally from its socio economic considerations. Besides it will also not attract cultural and historical value as well as ecological value. Ex-situ conservation however, continues to provide powerful and safe tools for conserving the AnGR being threatened / endangered and facing extinction. It is the storage of genetic resources, which the farmers are currently not interested in using.
• Ex-situ conservation is based on the use of live animal populations wherever practicable, supported by cryo-preservation where technology exists or can be developed and combining within-country gene banks with global repositories. Interested governments, non-governmental organizations, research institutions and private enterprises should be encouraged to maintain in-vivo samples of breeds at risk, with national inventories being established and kept up to date so that the genetic resources are readily available for use and study.
• Because of random drift and possible gene x environment interactions, ex-situ methods are generally preferred over in-situ. Ex-situ conservation is comparatively more convenient, economical and easy with the application of modern reproductive technologies.