Important role
The Austrian livestock gene bank plays an important role in the preservation of rare breeds. The basis for breeding rare breeds is narrow. In a small, closed population, inbreeding and thus the susceptibility to genetic defects can increase quickly. Without the use of gene bank material in targeted mating, a sustainable reconstruction of animal numbers is very difficult. For highly endangered breeds of cattle, goats, horses and pigs, semen from the livestock gene bank is used as part of mating plans. With the support of breeding associations and constant monitoring of population development by the Austrian Society for Gene Reserves (ÖNGENE), the increase in inbreeding has been well under control for more than 20 years.
The livestock gene bank has an insemination station with approval for intra-European trade for the animal species cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. The seeds obtained under these circumstances are freely tradeable. This also provides cross-border breeding connections for rare breeds, such as the Pustertaler Sprinzen (picture).
Procedure
The sires for the gene bank are selected based on genetic and breeding characteristics by the responsible breeding organizations together with ÖNGENE. The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein provides the infrastructure and personnel required for seed production and storage. The breeders lend the sires to the gene bank for a fee and receive them back after the semen deposit has been created. Most of the seeds obtained are available for maintenance breeding, a small part remains in the gene bank as backup and for documentation.
The Farm Animal DNA Bank (FADNAB) supplementary collection contains isolated genomic DNA, as well as blood and tissue samples. This archive of genetics in Austrian livestock breeding makes the gene bank a sought-after partner in international research projects.
Currently, 27 of 29 rare breeds are represented in the Austrian livestock gene bank. In addition, the camp documents the genetic situation of the main breeds in Austrian cattle, goat and pig breeding. This material is usually provided by the other insemination centers. The entire collection includes more than 650 sires of rare breeds and around 3,500 sires of the main breeds, the majority of which are cattle. With over 250,000 seed portions from rare breeds and almost half a million portions in total, the Austrian livestock gene bank is the third largest gene bank in Europe.
Secure the future
The next expansion of the gene bank will contribute to securing beekeeping in Austria. A separate storage facility for seeds and genetic material from two rare Austrian bee breeds will protect local populations from genetic losses.
