Conservation, management and documentation of livestock genetic resources and biodiversity: A biotechnology perspective

For conservation and management of livestock genetic resources, in-depth mo lecular character of a species is required. This may encompass genome organ ization, sex-determination, regulation of gene expression, clad identificat ion, breed delineation, assessment of QTL loci and their synteny in related species. Molecular methods are available that may be employed for genome a nalysis of farm animals ns well as highly endangered species. We discuss va rious methodological approaches together with molecular basis of the develo pment of genetic markers and marker systems in the context of genetic conse rvation.