National Animal Germplasm Program
 | This page in a nutshell: Program of US department of Agriculture |
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | USDA Agricultural Research Service |
| Top Organization | N/A |
| Creation Legislation | [[Farm Bill]] |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | |
| Program Start | |
| Initial Funding | |
| Duration | |
| Historic | No |
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.[1]
The online Germplasm Resources Information Network contains information from the NAGP, along with related projects such as the USDA's National Plant Germplasm System.
National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP) is specifically tasked with the conservation of genetic material from various livestock, aquatic species, poultry, and insects. The program seeks to prevent the loss of genetic diversity which could impact food security and the sustainability of animal agriculture.
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
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
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.
References
- ↑ "The National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP)". USDA. 8 February 2000. http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/54020500/documents/NAGP.pdf. Retrieved 2 December 2011.