As part of its Animal Production and Health Guidelines series, FAO has just published "Molecular genetic characterization of animal genetic resources". The guidelines' broad objective is to provide guidance on performing molecular genetic characterization studies on animal genetic resources. In the 85-page book, a short overview of progress in molecular genetic characterization of animal genetic resources over the last two decades and prospects for the future is followed by a section that provides practical advice for researchers who wish to undertake a characterization study. Emphasis is given to the importance of obtaining high-quality and representative biological samples, yielding standardized data that may be integrated into analyses on an international scale. Appendices provide a glossary of technical terms; examples of questionnaires; an example of a simple material transfer agreement; a summary of software that can be used to analyse molecular data; and the standard International Society for Animal Genetics–FAO Advisory Group panels of microsatellite markers for nine common livestock species. The guidelines were evaluated at workshops in Poland and Austria and subsequently presented to, and endorsed by, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture at its 13th Regular Session on 18-22 July 2011. See http://www.fao.org/docrep/014/i2413e/i2413e00.pdf (1 MB) or contact [email protected] to receive a copy, providing your full postal address (if requesting more than one copy, please explain how they will they used).