Conservation of genetic resources of subfamily Bovinae by the establishment of a cryo-bank

Abstract

Conservation of genetic resources is connected with numerous problems which solution is crucial for the success of the entire program. At present the only effective method of long-term conservation of genetic material is its deep freezing in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. Some positive results were also obtained with the use of liquid oxygen which allows the use of lower temperatures. Cryo-conservation of sex cells of representatives of the Bovinae subfamily is widely applied in breeding practices. Experiences in cryo-preservation of sex cells of the European bison (Bison bonasus) and yak‘s (Bos mutus) are discussed.