Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Directed to Germplasm Preservation

The preservation and sustainable management of animal genetic resources became an international priority due to the worldwide decline of biodiversity and animal fertility, to the climatic change and to the society and market behaviors. The in situ conservation, allied to the ex situ cryopreservation of gametes and embryos are ancillary tools for the widespread and maintenance of animal biodiversity, including the preservation of endangered native breeds. Developments in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) opened new possibilities for the preservation of germplasm and fertility. Germplasm quality is a key limiting factor in both male and female fertility preservation. As such, knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind germplasm competence may highlight tools to improve its successful preservation. This review focus on animal germplasm evaluation and preservation, supported by studies addressed at CIISA’s Reproduction and Development Laboratory and INIAV.