[Preservation of genetic variation in domestic animals using biotechnical methods].

The research article focuses on the different strategies and biotechnological methods being used to maintain and preserve genetic diversity in domestic animals, especially endangered breeds. The strategies implemented include live animal conservation, cryopreservation, and the establishment of sperm, embryo, and DNA banks.

Live Animal Conservation

• The main strategy employed by the government and breeding organizations involves the conservation of endangered breeds as live animals.
• At present, the strategy includes 43 breeds and some old strains of cattle, pig, sheep, goat, and horses.

Cryopreservation

• Cryopreservation, a process where cells or whole tissues are preserved by cooling to very low temperatures, is another method used to maintain genetic diversity in domestic animals.
• Using this technique, viable genetic material is stored under ultra-cold conditions (usually in liquid nitrogen), which can be thawed and reintroduced for breeding and production at a later time.

Sperm, Embryo, and DNA Banks

• In addition to live animal conservation and cryopreservation, germplasm banks are established to store sperm, embryos, and DNA of endangered or valuable breeds and lines.
• Currently, semen banks are used to preserve genetic material from 9 endangered cattle breeds.
• Additionally, a small amount of deep-frozen sperm of some endangered sheep and horse breeds is also stored.
• The research mentions only two embryo banks, established specifically for the cattle breeds Murnau-Werdenfelser and the old type German black-white cattle, as part of government conservation projects.
• The banks are strategic and vital resources for the genetic conservation and potential recovery of endangered breeds.