Monitoring of Animal Genetic Resources
An extensive and complete inventory of the German farm animal breeds of horse, cattle, pig, sheep, poultry and rabbit as well as of the approved breeders' associations and organisations is provided in the form of the "Central documentation on animal genetic resources in Germany" (Zentrale Dokumentation Tiergenetischer Ressourcen in Deutschland, TGRDEU). Moreover, the TGRDEU provides the national data on animal breeding in Germany for international databases and information systems. These include in particular the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) of the FAO, and the European Farm Animal Biodiversity Information System (EFABIS), the database of the European Association for Animal Production (EAAP).
The TGRDEU allows for a first monitoring of the stocks and the population genetic state of the indigenous farm animal breeds. On the basis of the annual stock figures, the actual population size of each breed is already determined in a simplified form. According to the provisions of the National Programme and considering further arguments and facts, this information helps the National Committee on Animal Genetic Resources to classify the indigenous breeds into categories of endangerment.
Future monitoring, as specified in the amended Animal Breeding Act of 2006, provides for further development of this procedure. On the basis of data of individual animals and with scientific assistance, a regular population monitoring is to be performed. This would supply precise information on the development of genetic diversity, also within a breed or population, thereby preparing the ground for the timely implementation of measures that are scientifically sound, efficient and targeted.