National Animal Germplasm Program

National Animal Germplasm Program

Type	Program
Sponsor Organization	Agricultural Research Service
Top Organization	N/A
Creation Legislation	Farm Bill
Website	Website
Purpose	The National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP) aims to collect, preserve, and distribute animal genetic resources to support the livestock industry and research. It focuses on maintaining genetic diversity for future agricultural needs and responses to threats like diseases and climate change.
Program Start
Initial Funding
Duration
Historic	Yes

The National Animal Germplasm Program, or NAGP, is a program of the United States Department of Agriculture that captures and cryogenically preserves germplasm from plants and animals it considers important to agriculture for the purpose of preserving biodiversity and to provide economic benefits to the agriculture industry. Germplasm consists of semen, embryos, and other tissues that contain genetic information.

The online Germplasm Resources Information Network contains information from the NAGP, along with related projects such as the USDA's National Plant Germplasm System.

Official Site

Goals

• To acquire and preserve a diverse collection of animal germplasm.
• To ensure the availability of genetic materials for research, breeding, and industry use.
• Metrics for success include the diversity of species and breeds preserved, and the number of samples made available for use.

Organization

NAGP is managed by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), specifically under the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation in Fort Collins, Colorado. The program operates with a governance structure that includes species-specific committees to guide collection strategies. Funding primarily comes from the USDA budget, supplemented by collaborations with universities and private sectors.

Impact and Outcomes

The NAGP has successfully preserved over one million samples from diverse species, aiding in the recovery of lost genetic traits and supporting breeding programs. It has faced challenges like maintaining the viability of cryopreserved materials and managing costs. Unintended consequences could include over-reliance on banked genetics, potentially reducing the genetic pool in live populations.

Sponsor

• USDA - ARS

Background and History

The NAGP was authorized by the 1990 Farm Bill to address the loss of genetic diversity in livestock due to industrial practices. It began accepting animal germplasm in 2000, marking a significant step in its operational history. Over time, it has expanded its collection base and improved cryopreservation techniques. There are ongoing efforts to include more species and to collaborate globally under FAO guidelines.

Funding for the NAGP has been consistent through USDA appropriations since its inception, with no specified end date, indicating its long-term commitment to genetic conservation.

The program's budget is allocated from the ARS, focusing on collection, preservation, and distribution activities. Financial controversies have not been significant, though the program continuously seeks to optimize funding use.

Implementation

NAGP implements its mission by collecting germplasm, which includes semen, embryos, and other tissues, from various species, storing them cryogenically, and making them available through a database system. There is no defined end date for the program as it serves an ongoing need for genetic conservation.

The head of the NAGP holds the title of Program Coordinator, focusing on genetic diversity and preservation.

See Also

• National Plant Germplasm System
• National Genetic Resources Program

External Links

• https://agrin.ars.usda.gov/
• https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/fort-collins-co/center-for-agricultural-resources-research/docs/animal/national-animal-germplasm-program-nagp/

The Wikipedia article about this program is wikipedia:National Animal Germplasm Program.

Social media

• No official social media accounts were found for this program.