Current Situation and Utilization of Velvet Deer Germplasm Resources in China

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Livestock and poultry germplasm resources are national strategic resources related to the global revitalization of the seed industry. As an important part of livestock, velvet deer germplasm resources must be taken seriously. Our review focuses on the situation and utilization of velvet deer germplasm resources in China. We mainly introduce the situation of velvet deer germplasm resources in China, such as ecological distribution and the number of subspecies. We further elaborate on the domestication and breeding development of velvet deer in China and put forward suggestions on the scientific utilization of velvet deer germplasm resources. ABSTRACT: Velvet deer are not only a representative special economic animal but also an important part of livestock. With the increasing awareness of international competition for germplasm resources in China, more and more attention has been paid to the protection and utilization of germplasm resources. However, there is poor understanding about velvet deer resources. Therefore, we are providing a comprehensive introduction of Chinese velvet deer germplasm resources from the aspects of ecological distribution, domestication and breeding.