A critical review of the value of genetic distance studies in conservationof animal genetic resources

In recent years, a large and increasing number of genetic distancing projec ts have been established for domestic animal populations. The most common j ustification given for these projects is that they can help to identify gen etically unique breeds that can then be conserved. There are, nevertheless, several other criteria that can and should be used when deciding which bre eds to conserve. In addition, genetic distancing projects are relatively ex pensive and there is possible uncertainty about the reliability and relevan ce of their results. In the current situation, where large numbers of the w orld's breeds are in danger of extinction and where basic documentation of these resources is often totally or partially lacking it is concluded that the relative value of genetic distance studies for breed conservation is li mited.