Assisted Reproductive Technologies for Livestock Biobanking
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Authors
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Dr. Monika Saini
Author
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Dr. Rekha Sharma
Author
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Dr. Raja Kolandanoor Nachiappan
Author
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Dr. N H Mohan
Author
Keywords:
Conservation, Assisted Reproduction, BioBanking of Livestock, Gene bank, Reproductive Technologies, IVEP, SCNTAbstract
Conservation of livestock genetic resources is essential for biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and future breeding programs. Cryobanking and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have emerged as vital tools for preserving and utilizing valuable or endangered livestock species. Sperm and oocyte banking allow long-term storage of individual genetic material, whereas embryo banking through in vitro embryo production (IVEP), including ovum pick-up (OPU), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) preserves the complete parental genome. Somatic cell banking combined with somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and interspecies SCNT (iSCNT) further enhances conservation by allowing the generation of cloned animals from cryopreserved cells, even after the death, enabling restoration of lost genetics. Despite progress, challenges remain, including technical strength, infrastructure, low embryo development rates, cryosensitivity, and SCNT inefficiencies. Advances in cryopreservation techniques, epigenetic reprogramming, and automation are improving the success and applicability of these technologies. In conclusion, integration of multiple ARTs with national and global gene banks provides a comprehensive strategy for maintaining genetic diversity and supporting livestock sustainability.
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