%0 Journal Article
%T Impact of the use of cryobank samples in a selected cattle breed: a simulation study
%A Gr¨¦goire Leroy
%A Coralie Danchin-Burge
%A Etienne Verrier
%J Genetics Selection Evolution
%D 2011
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1297-9686-43-36
%X The theoretical impact of using cryopreserved semen in a selection scheme of a dairy cattle breed was investigated by simulating various scenarios involving two negatively correlated traits and a change in genetic variability of the breed.Our results indicate that using cryopreserved semen to redirect selection will have an impact on negatively selected traits only if it is combined with major changes in selection objectives or practices. If the purpose is to increase genetic diversity in the breed, it can be a viable option.Using cryopreserved semen to redirect selection or to improve genetic diversity should be carried out with caution, by considering the pros and cons of prospective changes in genetic diversity and the value of the selected traits. However, the use of genomic information should lead to more interesting perspectives to choose which animals to store in a cryobank and to increase the value of cryobank collections for selected breeds.Within the context of farm animal biotechnologies, cryopreservation is one of the most useful tools for selection improvement, dissemination of genetic progress and ex situ conservation. In its Global Plan of Action, the FAO [1] recommended the implementation of ex situ programmes to complement in situ conservation of animal genetic resources. It was also suggested that cryopreserved bio-specimens could be used as a backup material to redirect the selection scheme of a given breed, if needed [2,3]. Consequently, several gene banks have been created with different strategies and policies that vary with the breed, species, and country concerned [4,5] and methods have been proposed to use ex situ genetic resources to optimise the management of genetic diversity in endangered breeds [6]. Breeds with large populations are subject to high selection pressures and have rates of inbreeding greater than the desired values [7]. In these cases, the use of stored semen from male ancestors has seldom been investigated, although breedi
%U http://www.gsejournal.org/content/43/1/36