GENRES Informationssystem Genetische Ressourcen

This indicator gives information about the extent of endangerment of genetic resources for food and agriculture with the example of five important livestock species in Germany (horse, cattle, pig, sheep and goat). The indicator is the nationally modified European SEBI 2010-Indicator "Livestock genetic diversity".

Data for this indicator is provided by the National Inventory for Animal Genetic Resources (TGRDEU), which is maintained by the Information and Coordination Centre for biological diversity (IBV). Data for the National Inventory is delivered by national breeding and herdbook organizations and authorities. For the calculation of the indicator the endangerment categories for indigenous breeds are used. Based on data and stock figures recorded in the National Inventory the National Committee on Animal Genetic Resources classifies all indigenous farm animal breeds into one of the following endangerment categories:

(1)    Phenotypic Conservation Population (PCP)
(2)    Conservation Population (CP)
(3)    Monitoring Population (MP)
(4)    Non-Endangered Population (NE)

In 2010 the percentage of endangered indigenous breeds (PCP, CP, MP) with more than 83% is rather high. Measures are needed to amend the critical situation. Positive is, however, that no indigenous breed became extinct in Germany in the last years. The small rise of the percentage of endangerment between 2006 and 2010 was due to the new description of two indigenous breeds. Within the endangerment categories there is a light shift towards lower endangerment. During the observation period the proportion of breeds in the highest endangerment category could be reduced by 4%.

The situation of animal genetic resources is only in a limited extend significant to other sectors of genetic resources. To receive a comprehensive picture on the genetic diversity in agriculture and food, further specific indicators for genetic diversity are needed, especially for plant genetic resources.