Current Status and Conservation Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources in Bhutan

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The diversity of animal gene pools in terms of species and numbers indicates a country’s food security. In the past, Bhutan was very rich in livestock resources. However, if there is no plan to support the conservation and utilization of livestock resources well, it may inevitably cause food shortage problems. The main message of this paper is that some animal species are showing a steady decline in their numbers without the cooperation of many organizations, and the lack of knowledge, in particular the genetic improvement and breeding selection, for maintaining the integrity of the country’s available animal genetic resources may soon enter a crisis. ABSTRACT: Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) ensures food security and maintains genetic diversity. The efforts to conserve FAnGR are minimal in Bhutan. In the pursuit of increasing livestock productivity, farmers are rearing livestock that narrows the range of genetic diversity. This review attempts to summarize the status of FAnGR and the efforts to conserve them. Some unique livestock breeds in Bhutan are Nublang (cattle breed), Yak, Saphak (pig breed), Yuta (horse breed), Merak-Saktenpa (horse breed), and Belochem (chicken breed). There was a drop in the yak, buffalo, equine, pig, sheep, and goat populations. Both in situ and ex situ conservation measures are in place for some of the breeds and strains (e.g., Nublang and traditional chicken). Conservation efforts are limited to the government, but other individuals, stakeholders and non-government organizations must play an increasing role in preserving genetic diversity. It is pertinent that Bhutan comes up with a policy framework to conserve its indigenous cattle.