Gene bank for Animal Genetic Resources in the Republic of Croatia

  • Jelena RAMLJAK University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, 10000, Zagreb, Svetosimunska cesta, 25
  • Zdravko BARAĆ Ministry of Agriculture, 10000, Zagreb, Ul. grada Vukovara, 78
  • Nidal KORABI Ministry of Agriculture, 10000, Zagreb, Ul. grada Vukovara, 78
  • Sven MENČIK Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Heinzelova, 55
  • Marija ŠPEHAR Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food, 31000, Osijek, Vinkovačka cesta, 63c
  • Ante KASAP University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, 10000, Zagreb, Svetosimunska cesta, 25
  • Polonca MARGETA Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food, 31000, Osijek, Vinkovačka cesta, 63c
  • Edmondo ŠURAN Agency for Rural Development of Istria, Ulica prof. Tugomila Ujčića 1, 52000 Pazin, Croatia
  • Valentino DRŽAIĆ University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, 10000, Zagreb, Svetosimunska cesta, 25
  • Franjo POLJAK Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food, 31000, Osijek, Vinkovačka cesta, 63c
  • Ante IVANKOVIĆ University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, 10000, Zagreb, Svetosimunska cesta, 25
Keywords: Gene Bank, Republic of Croatia, local breed, conservation

Abstract

The Gene bank for domestic animals in the Republic of Croatia is provided by the National Program for the conservation of local and endangered breeds of domestic animals from 2010. For this purpose, the National Gene bank Network was established, which consists of (i) the Gene bank for domestic animals as a central point under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture, and (ii) Recognized Gene banks (authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture and operated by organizations, associations and/or authorized institutions). Until 2023, more than 32,000 samples from six types of domestic animals are stored in the Gene bank as follows: cattle (57.7%), horses (13.2%), sheep (12.1%), pigs (10%), donkeys (5%), and goats (1.9%). Tissue samples (29.2%), hair (28%), semen (42.2%) and blood (0.6%) are mainly stored in the Gene bank. The implementation of the National Program is supported by the Reference Expert Network for the Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources, which promotes greater collaboration with stakeholders. Future plans include further characterization of breeds with emphasis on adaptive traits, and the necessary monitoring and implementation of new and improved procedures in the conservation of local breeds.

References

CBD (1992): Convention on biological diversity. http://www.cbd.int/doc/legal/cbd-en.pdf.

Croatian Parliament: Law amending and supplementing the Law on Domestic Animal Breeding, Official Gazzete 52/21, 14.5.2021.

Croatian Parliament: Law on Domestic Animal Breeding, Official Gazzete 115/2018, 20.12.2018.

Published
2023-08-16
Section
Scientific papers