Molecular genetic characterization of animal genetic resources
FAO Animal Production and Health guidelines Series, Vol. 9

The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, adopted in 2007, is the first internationally agreed framework for the management of biodiversity in the livestock sector. It calls for the development of technical guidelines to support countries in their implementation efforts. Guidelines on the Preparation of national strategies and action plans for animal genetic resources were published by FAO in 2008 and are being complemented by a series of guideline publications addressing specific technical subjects. These guidelines on Molecular 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” and particularly complement the guidelines on Phenotypic characterization of animal genetic resources and Surveying and monitoring of animal genetic resources published in the same series. They have been endorsed by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. A short overview of progress in molecular characterization of animal genetic resources over the last two decades and prospects for the future is followed by a section that provides practical advice for researchers who wish to undertake a characterization study. Emphasis is given to the importance of obtaining high-quality and representative biological samples, yielding standardized data that may be integrated into analyses on an international scale. Appendices provide a glossary of technical terms; examples of questionnaires; an example of a simple material transfer agreement; a summary of software that can be used to analyse molecular data; and the standard International Society for Animal Genetics–FAO Advisory Group panels of microsatellite markers for nine common livestock species.