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Italian semen cryobank of autochthonous chicken and turkey breeds: a tool for preserving genetic biodiversity

Authors :
Nicolaia Iaffaldano
Michele Di Iorio
Giusy Rusco
Emanuele Antenucci
Luisa Zaniboni
Manuela Madeddu
Stefano Marelli
Achille Schiavone
Dominga Soglia
Arianna Buccioni
Martino Cassandro
Cesare Castellini
Margherita Marzoni
Silvia Cerolini
Source :
Italian Journal of Animal Science, Vol 20, Iss 1, Pp 2022-2033 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Taylor & Francis Group, 2021.

Abstract

The creation of genetic resource cryobanks provides a crucial link between in situ and ex situ techniques to improve the efficiency of conservation programs. Aim of the present review is to describe all the activities developed for the implementation of the first Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds. These activities can be classified into three main topics: (1) identification of species-specific semen freezing/thawing reference procedures; (2) drafting Standard Operative Procedures (SOP) for the implementation of the semen cryobank; (3) storage of semen doses from Italian chicken and turkey breeds to establish the cryobank. Several trials have been developed to identify a specie-specific semen cryopreservation protocol for chickens and turkeys. The major results are reviewed and a final reference protocol described. Taking into consideration the FAO guidelines for cryoconservation of animal genetic resources, SOP were drafted with the aim to provide technical guidance and logistical support on the choice of priority breeds, selection of birds for semen production, infrastructures and storage sites, birds and semen management, cryopreservation process and doses traceability. Lastly, the Italian Semen Cryobank was created. A total of 112 semen doses from 22 cockerels of three breeds, and 74 doses from 12 turkey males of three breeds were stored in the Cryobank. Breed specific semen quality parameters assessed before and after cryopreservation are reported. The described activities provide information and tools useful for the implementation of semen cryobanking in avian species and might be transferred also to other species after appropriate adaptations.HIGHLIGHTS Implementation of the first Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds Drafting Standard Operative Procedures provides technical guidance and logistical support on the design and establishment of the cryobank Semen cryobank is a precious genetic reservoir and could be useful to safeguard genetic variability in small population in vivo conserved

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
15944077 and 1828051X
Volume :
20
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Italian Journal of Animal Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.b5fe7691f498436187de29e71e3abc04
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/1828051X.2021.1993094