Ex Situ Conservation and Genetic Rescue of Endangered Polish Cattle and Pig Breeds with the Aid of Modern Reproductive Biotechnology – A Review

The development and optimization of reproductive biotechnology – specifically semen cryopreservation, spermatological diagnostics, and intraspecies cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) – have become essential techniques to conserve the genetic resources and establish genetic reserves of endangered or vanishing native Polish livestock breeds. Moreover, this biotechnology is necessary for perpetuating biological diversity and enhancing genetic variability as well as for restoring and reintroducing breeds into anthropogenic agricultural ecosystems. On the one hand, the purpose of our paper is to interpret recent efforts aimed at the ex situ conservation of native cattle and pig breeds. On the other, it emphasizes the prominent role played by the National Research Institute of Animal Production (NRIAP) in maintaining biodiversity in agricultural environmental niches. Furthermore, our paper provides an overview of the conventional and modern strategies of the banking and cryopreservation of germplasm-carrier biological materials and somatic cell lines, spermatological diagnostics, and semen-based and SCNT-mediated assisted reproductive technologies (ART s). These are the most reliable and powerful tools for ex situ protection of the genetic resources of endangered breeds of livestock, especially cattle and pigs.