Animal Genetic Resources
The conservation of many Dutch farm animals is under pressure. Breeds like the Veluwe Heath Sheep, Red and White Friesian cow and Dutch Hookbill Duck are at risk of becoming extinct, and we are also seeing a decline in genetic diversity within breeds.
Genetic diversity is essential for addressing changes in cattle farming. The transition to circular agriculture, for example, demands resilient animal breeds that remain healthy and productive in a wide variety of conditions.
The Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN) supports the conservation of breeds and conserves genetic material in its genebank.
Genetic material in the genebank and CGN’s knowledge of the conservation of genetic diversity are crucial for the preservation of rare breeds
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Genebank for animal resources
The Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN) manages genebank collections of cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, dogs, chickens, pigeons, ducks, geese and rabbits. It covers both rare Dutch breeds and breeds that play a vital role in global food production. CGN conserves over 350,000 doses of sperm in liquid nitrogen at -196° Celsius, and stores embryos, oocytes and DNA.
Species and breed information
The Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN) keeps track of the status and trends of animal genetic resources in the Netherlands. By monitoring the breeds and advising breed societies, timely measures can be taken to ensure genetic resources – the diversity of breeds and their genes – are not lost.
Expertise and advice on animal resources
Dutch farmed animal breeds produce food (milk, meat, eggs) and provide services. Heath sheep, for example, are used for nature management and shepherd dogs help herd these sheep. Some 90% of the originally Dutch breeds are rare.
What we can do for you
Monitoring
CGN monitors the risk status of farm animal breeds in the Netherlands. This involves aspects such as population size, animal number trends and the risk of inbreeding. Breed societies can turn to CGN for advice, and CGN also provides access to information on animal breeds in the Netherlands via the European and global database.
Genebank
The animal genebank is a unique source of genetic diversity for breeding and research. CGN conserves over 300,000 doses of sperm in liquid nitrogen at -196° Celsius. Breed societies can request material from this collection to support breeding programmes of rare breeds and for the long-term development and adaptation of breeds. In case of calamities, breeders and breed societies can also call on the collection; for example: when a breed has become extinct after a disease outbreak.
Advice to breed societies and policy makers
CGN advises breed societies, civil society organisations, companies and the Dutch government on the conservation and sustainable application of genetic diversity in farm animals. Research is mainly focused on analysing genetic diversity in and between populations and continuously improving cryo-conservation methods for sperm, embryos and oocytes.
