Draft Guidelines on Phenotypic Characterization of Animal Genetic Resources

This document is printed in limited numbers to minimize the environmental impact of FAO's processes and contribute to climate neutrality. Delegates and observers are kindly requested to bring their copies to meetings and to avoid asking for additional copies. Page ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 1 PREAMBLE 1 INTRODUCTION 2 Rationale 2 Background and development of the guidelines 2 User guidance 3 Scope of the guidelines 3 Target audience 3 Structure of the guidelines 4 SECTION A: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 6 1. What is phenotypic characterization? 6 2. Nondescript populations 6 3. The breed concept 6 4. Approaches to characterization 8 Exploratory approach 8 Confirmatory approach. 8 Exploratory approach 8 Confirmatory approach 9 5. Quantitative procedures for breed identification 9 Principles of classification 9 Methodology 10 6. Constituents of phenotypic characterization 11 CGRFA-13/11/Inf.19 ii Describing breeds in terms of their qualitative and quantitative traits 12 Investigating feral and wild populations 15 Investigating breed population sizes and threats to AnGR 16 Mapping breeds' geographical distributions 16 Describing production environments 16 Economic valuation of non-production traits 17 SECTION B: OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK 19 1. Establish an inventory of stakeholders 19 2. Establish the study team 20 3. Collect background information 22 4. Clarify the objectives and scope of the study 24 SECTION C: DATA COLLECTION FOR PRIMARY CHARACTERIZATION 25 1. Develop the sampling frame 25 2. Prepare the data-collection equipment and methods 28 Equipment 28 Methods for obtaining indicative measurement of production traits 29 Describing production environments 30 Prepare questionnaires for individual and group interviews 31 3. Prepare the protocol for data collection 31 4. Train the enumerators and their supervisors 31 5. Pilot and pre-test the study instruments 32 6. Organize the logistics of the field work 32 7. Finalize the plan for data collection 33 SECTION D: DATA COLLECTION FOR ADVANCED CHARACTERIZATION 33 1. Review objectives and scope 33 On-farm performance evaluation 33 On-station performance evaluation 34 2. Develop the sampling frame 34 3. Prepare the tools for data collection 34 Identification of animals 34 Trait measurements and tools 35 Describing production environments 37 Questionnaires 37