October 27, 2014
An animal genetic research facility, which seeks to conserve genetic information of 4,000 livestock breeds, may be established in California in the US within the next two years, according to a report by the Business Journal.
Called the World Heritage Animal Genomic Repository - Veterinary Institute (WHAGR-VI), the United Nations-sponsored facility is part of a response to the global food shortage and the urgency to raise agricultural productivity while keeping genetic information of animals in danger of possible extinction.
These goals will be achieved, the report says, via genetics research, safe-housing of animals and breeding using an advanced artificial fertilisation technology.
Lucinda Christian, president of Kentucky-based Birchwood Conservancy, says the facility will focus on heritage breeds or livestock that are traditionally domesticated and came forth as a result of selective breeding for desired traits over the centuries.
Suitable for organic and small-scale farming, heritage livestock are known to be stronger and better able to tolerate diseases, according to researchers.
Christian cited the US dairy industry's reliance on Holstein cows as an example: these cattle reportedly perform poorly against heat stress compared to heritage types.
The WHAGR-VI project is based in Fresno County and will be supported by the World Bank, the Birchwood Conservancy and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) branch of the UN.
No land has been acquired for the building of the facility yet.
In addition to visiting 200-300 acres of possible sites near Sanger, conservationists and scientists met with potential local donors who may provide funding for the first phase of the project, which is expected to cost US$11.78 million. The cost will cover land purchase, construction of the main buildings and equipment costs.
So far, 110 UN member nations have agreed to support the project, with most expected to send their heritage breeds to the WHAGR-VI facility once it starts operation, Christian said.
