UK rare breeds: population genetic analyses and implications for applied conservation

Abstract

AbstractSince the establishment of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) in 1973, rare breed genetic conservation has only gradually emerged as a major key to the continued success and survival of populations. Thus, although basic population and demographic data have been recorded for all breeds listed by the Trust and most rare breeds have kept detailed pedigrees, there is still little information available about current population genetic structure and dynamics over time. Consequently, the majority of rare breed population meta-analyses based upon pedigree data are yet to be carried out. Transfer of rare breed records onto a computer database is therefore a current priority for the RBST, in addition to making available software to provide rare breed organisations with breed profiles to describe founder effects, effective population size (Ne), rate of inbreeding (ΔF), and kinship patterns. Results from rare breed pedigree analyses using this software can now be used to a) illustrate where and how loss of genetic diversity has taken place in rare breeds and b) enable decision processes concerning conservation strategy in future. Conservation strategy informed by such analyses can only be successfully implemented if due regard is given to the realities imposed by the need to maintain rare breed populations within an agricultural context, however. In light of these recent improvements to data recording and access to studies of population genetic structure, some of the traditional limitations to advances to rare breed conservation strategy may now need to be re-examined.