Optimising the Use of Cryopreserved Genetic Resources for the Selection and Conservation of Animal Populations

Abstract

Genetic diversity is essential for the sustainability and adaptability of populations, and is thus a central pillar of the agro-ecological transition. However, within a population, it is inevitable that some amount of genetic variability is lost, and efforts must be made to limit this as much as possible. A valuable tool in this endeavour could be the use of cryopreserved genetic resources in cryobanks, which could assist in the management of various animal populations in the contexts of both selection and conservation. We performed simulations that revealed that the most appropriate use of ex situ genetic resources depends on characteristics of the target population and its management objectives. For populations under conservation, the aim is to maintain genetic diversity, which was best achieved by the regular use of cryopreserved genetic resources at each generation. For populations under selection, instead, the concern is the addition of additive genetic variability, which benefited from the use of cryopreserved collections over only a few generations based primarily on the genetic values of donors. The use of cryopreserved semen had a beneficial effect when breeding objectives were changed. In both cases, the use of cryopreserved individuals in animal populations requires a large amount of reproductive material: for breeds under selection because the number of offspring is high, and for breeds under conservation because the frozen semen is used repeatedly over a long period. The use of cryopreserved material appears to be an effective means of managing the genetic variability of an animal population, either by slowing down the erosion of variability or by helping to redirect a selection objective. However, care must be taken with populations under selection to limit the disadvantages associated with the reintroduction of old genetic material, in particular the gap in breeding values for traits of interest. Finally, our study highlights the need for a sufficiently large stock of cryopreserved material in collections (e.g., number of doses, straws) to ensure the most efficient use.

Keywords: animal populations; ex situ conservation; gene bank; genetic diversity; simulations.