The role and organization of cryopreservation for local cattle breeds in France, Finland, Italy and the Netherlands

Within the framework of Action EURECA 012 AGRI GEN RES 870/2004 cryopreservation activities related to local cattle breeds, were studied in detail in four countries: Finland, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Historic developments, existing structures and institutions involved in cryopreservation as well as their role, strategies and protocols related to local cattle breeds were investigated for each country. A complete inventory of the existing genetic material (semen and embryo’s) among commercial AI organizations, breed associations or individual breeders and national cryoreserves was made. The inventory included bull variation, number of doses per bull and sanitary and legal status of the material. Although general objectives of cryopreservation activities are comparable between countries, specific strategies and policies, and the role of particular stakeholders are rather different. This also includes the relationship between long term cryoreserves and commercial collection and use of semen (by AI centres). Cryopreservation is a major tool for long term conservation of local breeds, for short term use and long term support of breeding programs.