Genebanks for Animal Genetic Resources in Europe: Quality Management System as a tool to improve their operation

Resúmen

In order to safeguard farm animal genetic diversity for current and future use, reinforcement of national genebank strategies is needed as an important complementary measure next to maintenance and improvement of live breeding populations. A Quality Management System (QMS) is an important tool to integrate the needs of various stakeholders into the genebank strategy, to mitigate risks associated with collections’ management and to professionalize the genebank operations and protocols. A peer review system, where genebank staff visit and review other genebanks, was tested and appeared to be an effective tool to enhance the further development of the strategies of individual genebanks, their operations and impact. For instance the peer review was an opportunity to exchange about collection and freezing protocols, advises were given to better organize storage of genetic material and data management, or more general recommendation were done such as suggesting to develop a better communication strategy.