Knowledge centre - NordGen Farm Animals

The genetic diversity that our Nordic native farm animal breeds carry is invaluable. Over hundreds of years, they have developed desirable traits that make them robust and well adapted to the Nordic climate and way of life. Native breeds have a wider genetic base than commercial breeds and great potential for future food production in a sustainable way. For example, research shows that milk from Nordic native cattle breeds is among the best in the world when it comes to cheesemaking and contain valuable nutrients that could be used to develop bioactive food components. If further investigated, the variation found in the local breeds can help adapt Nordic agriculture to the needs of the market, climate change and new production systems. However, many of the ~160 Nordic farm animal breeds are at risk of extinction today. NordGen Farm Animals is working to reverse that trend. 

During 2024, NordGen Farm Animals has worked in several projects and continued in maintaining networks that serve as a platform for discussing joint research applications and increased communications on its activities. The increased communication and knowledge sharing with stakeholders supports the current strategic goal to proactively strengthen NordGen’ s position as a Nordic knowledge center for genetic resources.

What’s the status of the Nordic farm animal breeds compared to those in other European countries? Do grazing animals always promote biodiversity – and why are the Icelandic breeds often less vulnerable than other native breeds in the Nordics? These were some of the questions that were answered during the “NordGen Farm Animals Conference” that was organized in Uppsala, Sweden, 7-8 February 2024. About 70 participants attended the conference physically and just as many registered for the online streaming. The program included both Nordic and international speakers, as well as the display of a poster exhibition during the conference.

On October 16, 2024, NordGen Farm animal published "The first status report on the conservation of farm animal genetic resources (AnGR) in the Nordics – 40 years of Nordic collaboration in the conservation of Animal Genetic Resources." The landmark report presents the status of all Nordic native breeds and offers the first comprehensive overview of the 40-year journey in official Nordic collaboration for conservation Nordic farm animal genetic resources (AnGR).

The report examines the diversity, distribution, and conservation status of these breeds while outlining the methods currently used for conservation. It also highlights internal and external pressures affecting the Nordic region’s genetic resources. Additionally, it highlights the progress made over four decades and provides a thorough assessment of conservation effort across the region.

 

 

Through an ERFP ad-hoc action ("European Regional Focal Point for Animal Genetic Resources") – we expanded the Nordic native horse network in 2022 – now called "The Network for native horse breeds in the Baltic Sea region and Northern Europe". The network's primary goal is to strengthen cooperation across Northern Europe by seeking new regional projects and hosting workshops. Additionally, the network is also committed to promotional activities, including producing content that highlights these breeds' historical importance and local value to of these breeds, which in turn benefits local businesses.

Another key objective is to increase the breeds’ visibility and appreciation among the public. In 2024, the network expanded to include new member countries in the Baltics and the United Kingdom, further strengthening regional collaboration. As part of this, the network held a physical workshop in the Baisogala, Lithuania, on October 17^th. The network continues its work by in-depth analysis the data received all its member countries.  

  

A significant part of the work conducted during 2024 in the farm animal section was carried out in various projects. Read more about the projects "NordFrost", "NaNo Horse", "Hästnäring i Norden", and “Quality assessment of gene-banked rooster semen” in the chapter "Projects".

NordGen Farm Animals is a service and knowledge centre working to conserve and promote sustainable management of the animal genetic resources in the Nordic region.  Contributing to the Nordic countries’ own work by promoting the genetic, economic, cultural, historical and social values that come with a wide variety of different animals in Nordic agriculture.

NordGen Farm Animals’ activities are providing tools and advice to preserve the genetic variation in living populations (in situ) but also to establish cryo-storage of genetic material (ex situ). Through a variety of projects, NordGen Farm Animals are working to initiate research and development projects related to categorization, conservation, management and sustainable use of animal genetic resources.

NordGen Farm Animals also organizes workshops, seminars and courses for various Nordic stakeholders and promotes good collaboration between them. Actively distributes information about animal genetic resources and partake in international networks. Works to promote sustainable breeding practices and good principles for fair trade in animal genetic material.