The conservation of genetic diversity in rabbits is of crucial importance, considering the reduction of local breeds due to intensive production based on the use of a few commercial hybrids. The establishment of cryobanks for genetic resources provides a link between in situ and ex situ techniques to improve the efficiency of conservation programmes. The aim of this work is the establishment of a cryobank for collecting male gametes, aimed at safeguarding the genetic heritage of Italian rabbit breeds. The cryobank is located at the Genetic Centre in Volturara Appula (Foggia, Italy) and, currently contains 3846 doses of semen from 1106 individuals belonging to 43 breeds. The semen doses in the cryobank can be used for the reconstruction of rare genetic lines and the backup of in vivo preserved populations. Future efforts should prioritize breeds that are at risk of extinction and increase the population at the Genetic Centre to store more frozen semen doses in the cryobank.
GERMPLASM COLLECTION OF ITALIAN RABBIT BREEDS: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SEMEN CRYOBANK
Fabrizio Lauriola;Michele Di Iorio;Marsia Miranda
;Giusy Rusco;Emanuele Antenucci;Nicolaia Iaffaldano;
2024-01-01
Abstract
The conservation of genetic diversity in rabbits is of crucial importance, considering the reduction of local breeds due to intensive production based on the use of a few commercial hybrids. The establishment of cryobanks for genetic resources provides a link between in situ and ex situ techniques to improve the efficiency of conservation programmes. The aim of this work is the establishment of a cryobank for collecting male gametes, aimed at safeguarding the genetic heritage of Italian rabbit breeds. The cryobank is located at the Genetic Centre in Volturara Appula (Foggia, Italy) and, currently contains 3846 doses of semen from 1106 individuals belonging to 43 breeds. The semen doses in the cryobank can be used for the reconstruction of rare genetic lines and the backup of in vivo preserved populations. Future efforts should prioritize breeds that are at risk of extinction and increase the population at the Genetic Centre to store more frozen semen doses in the cryobank.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
