Conservation of Domestic Animal Genetic Resources in China: Overview of the Status, Activities, Policies, and Challenges

Abstract

Livestock and poultry biodiversity constitutes an essential element of global biological diversity, playing a pivotal role in sustaining human livelihood and socioeconomic development. Domestic animal genetic resources in China are abundant and various. Especially, local breeds have strong adaptability to the environment and exhibit excellent traits. They are the material foundation for both the original innovation in agricultural technology and the development of modern animal husbandry. Conservation of animal genetic resources is the primary action for sustainable use and development of domestic animals. Globally, many national and international institutions have initiated a variety of conservation measures, legislation, and technical strategies. China has likewise undertaken relevant initiatives. In this paper, we summarize the current situation of domestic animal resources in China, including the current status of domestic animals, the conservation measurements, the sustainable utilization, the management policies, challenges, and suggestions for the conservation of domestic animal resources. The sustainable use and protection work on domestic animals can be incorporated with the issues of food security and sustainability, the protection of the environment and climatic change, concepts in which societal interest is continuously increasing.