This volume is one of a series of three which together present the FAO/UNEP recommended methodology on animal genetic resources data banks. The three volumes are as follows:
Volumes 2 and 3 each include instructions on how to use the Descriptor Lists and how to prepare data for entry.
The material in these three volumes derives from the Trials held by FAO/UNEP in Africa, Asia and Latin America in the period 1983-85. In Africa individual scientists in both anglophone and francophone countries were involved in defining descriptors suitable for each species. In Asia and Latin America several countries carried out national projects to extract data from their own original source documents, to create descriptors, and also to enter the data into a computer system. These countries were Malaysia, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Venezuela. From their experiences it was possible also to define the personnel needed for the work and to calculate the time needed. A study of suitable computer systems was also undertaken using the experiences in each country, and cost estimates made for the establishment of regional data banks. These are in Volume 1.
In each region planning/evaluation meetings of all the involved personnel were held. The recommendations of these regional meetings were then appraised by an Expert Consultation held by FAO/UNEP in Rome in June 1985. At that time the experts recommended the publication of the results of the Trials as the Recommended FAO/UNEP Methodology for Animal Genetic Resources Data Banks.
Not only did the Trials make it possible to design, test and cost a method of operating regional data banks, but they also showed clearly the need for such banks as a tool for all those concerned with animal production, especially those concerned with the formulation of development projects which include components of animal breeding and genetics. It was discovered that there is a great wealth of data in source documents in developing countries which describes the experiences with different breeds of animals and their production and reproduction potentials. However, only 25-30 percent of this information is accessible to potential users, either in the country or elsewhere, for it is largely unpublished or is published in languages or journals not routinely scanned by the international abstracting organizations. This represents a great loss of valuable information and undoubtedly leads to the repetition of costly mistakes in project formulation, extension and development programmes as well as the duplication of effort in new research. The creation of a regional data bank in each of the four regions Africa, Asia, Near East and Latin America and the Caribbean was recommended by the experts, in order to serve the countries in those regions. In view of the increasing movement of animals and germplasm from one environment to another with all the hazards to their survival and productivity which are posed by more hostile climate, disease and feed resources, it is essential that genetic characterizations of the breeds and established crosses and of the environments to which they are adapted or not adapted should be available.