Computer simulations to determine the efficacy of different genome resource banking strategies for maintaining genetic diversity

Genome resource banks (GRBs) and assisted reproductive techniques are increasingly recognized as useful tools for the management and conservation of biodiversity, including endangered species. Cryotechnology permits long-term storage of valuable genetic material. Although, the actual application to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cryobiology 2002-04, Vol.44 (2), p.122-131
Main Authors: Harnal, V.K, Wildt, D.E, Bird, D.M, Monfort, S.L, Ballou, J.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Applied ecology
Biological and medical sciences
Biological Specimen Banks
Carnivora - genetics
Computer Simulation
Conservation of Natural Resources
Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife
Cryopreservation
Deer - genetics
Eld's deer
Endangered species
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Genetic diversity
Genetic Variation
Genetics of eukaryotes. Biological and molecular evolution
Genetics, Population
Genome resource banks (GRBs)
Genomics
Horses - genetics
Inbreeding
Male
Parks, reserves, wildlife conservation. Endangered species: population survey and restocking
Population genetics, reproduction patterns
Przewalski's horse
Semen Preservation
Sumatran tiger
Vertebrata
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Summary:Genome resource banks (GRBs) and assisted reproductive techniques are increasingly recognized as useful tools for the management and conservation of biodiversity, including endangered species. Cryotechnology permits long-term storage of valuable genetic material. Although, the actual application to endangered species management requires technical knowledge about sperm freezing and thawing, a systematic understanding of the quantitative impacts of various germ plasm storage and use scenarios is also mandatory. In this study, various GRB strategies were analyzed using the historical data from three managed populations of endangered species with varied pedigrees (Eld's deer, Przewalski's horse, and Sumatran tiger). The following types of sperm banks were assessed: (1) a “Wild Bank” consisting of sperm (i.e., genes) from 5 to 10 males unrelated to the managed population and to each other; and (2) a “Best Male” bank containing sperm from only the most genetically valuable males alive in the ex situ population at the time the bank was established. These different bank types were then used to evaluate the effectiveness of different bank usage frequencies. The efficiency of each scenario was assessed by examining the level of inbreeding and gene diversity in the population. Overall, a sperm usage frequency of five times per year was determined to be the most efficient and “wild banks” were highly successful at enhancing genetic diversity. The value of a GRB established from the ex situ population depends on how closely related the banked males are to future generations. A GRB will have significantly less benefit when banked males also produce many successful offspring, or when donors are already genetically over-represented in the population at the time of establishing the GRB.
ISSN:0011-2240
1090-2392
DOI:10.1016/S0011-2240(02)00013-5