Conservation of genetic variability in domestic animal is a challenge for the sustainable production of human food resources, for land management and more widely for the preservation and maintenance of biodiversity. This challenge is very important in poultry production that has experienced massive change and growth over the last past 50 years and where genetic diversity has been severely reduced. Consequently, the development of new tools for the conservation of genetic diversity and the maintenance of genetic variability in commercial lines and in endangered breeds is very important The present project proposes to develop a large panel of complementary biotechnologies of reproduction that will be used for the management of genetic diversity and will contribute to improve the adaptation of domestic avian resources to the future challenge of environmental changes and market evolution. The first step will therefore be to develop and improve the actual biotechnologies of germ cells storage that do exist in birds. We propose in task 1 to improve the methods of semen cryopreservation, and the methods of use of cryopreserved blastodermal cells and primordial germ cells (PGC) to obtain progeny having the genome of the donor. In task 2 we will study new alternatives methods that are original in birds, implicate a rupture with previous results, but that have enough background to be reasonably successful at least. These methods will include vitrification of the different cell types studied, reprogramming of blastodermal germcells in PGC and transfer after cryopreservation of gonadal tissues. The quality of the methods developed in task 1 and 2 will be measured using the advances proposed in task 3. This task will develop measurements of cell functionality after storage and transfer including DNA integrity, expression of gene markers, of other physiological cellular functions and specific chimerism markers. Finally, task 4 will use the advances of the three first tasks and evaluate their possibility of use for genetic storage of diversity in endangered breeds. In this task, there will also be the creation of the Hungarian avian germcells cryobank and the increasing in the collections of the French cryobank with new breeds and also biological material other than semen. This project will share new advances in reproductive biotechnologies and will initiate the creation of an international network of avian germcells cryobanks.

CryoStore aims to create a lasting research and education network for a new generation of animal husbandry experts with a broad, multidisciplinary approach to the complexity of modern animal production and the conservation of farm animal biodiversity, taking into account economic, societal and environmental needs. A vibrant and effective animal breeding and production industry is essential to meet Europe´s increasing need for sustainable and secure food production. Farm animal and fish breeding are global, highly competitive and knowledge intensive sectors, and currently European breeding organisations are global leaders. If Europe is to maintain its competitive advantage in these strategically important industries innovative research is needed in those reproductive technologies that underpin efficient and profitable animal production. As such, CryoStore will develop innovative technologies for improved cryopreservation of germplasm (gametes, embryos, germ cells) for use in assisted reproductive procedures, leading to increased reproductive efficiency in Europe´s livestock and aquaculture industries. Technological advances in germplasm cryopreservation will also be of key importance to future initiatives aimed at conserving Europe’s livestock biodiversity, through genetic resource banking. Conserving Europe´s numerous and diverse native breeds, many of which are seriously threatened, will be of crucial importance to future sustainable animal production as genetic biodiversity allows the expression of advantageous traits influencing adaptability to harsh environments or disease resistance. It is likely that selecting for naturally occurring traits will help overcome future difficulties in livestock production wrought by climate change. The intensive training of CryoStore ESRs in a wide range of scientific and transferable skills will greatly enhance their future employability in Europe´s important animal production industries and conservation initiatives.

The aim of the project is to give the information necessary to the implementation genomic selection in pyramid schemes which concern : selection of purebred animals to produce crossbred animals; selection in high health environment but production under commercial conditions. Experimental approach will be carried out in pig and in chicken. Resource populations, purebred and crossbred, controlled in different environments, will be created and controlled for a large number of traits. Genotyping will be carried out thanks to high density SNP Chips (64K already available). Different methods of genomic evaluaation will be compared according to their ability to predict accurately the genetic values of the reproducers in these situations (genetic type, environment). Data sets will be also exploit to optimize the breeding schemes. Results will be presented to the breeders' community of concerned species.