Cryogenic suspension mulled to preserve PHL tamaraw, deer

Scientists may look into using cryo-conservation as a way of preserving native wildlife like the tamaraw, Philippine deer, and other small ruminants (grazing animals like cows and sheep).

 

During a roundtable discussion conducted by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) last June 5, Dr. Lerma Ocampo, advocated the preservation of the animals. The topic of the discussion was, “Animal Genetic Resource Management and Cryobanking,” aiming to develop policy recommendations and guidelines regarding the conservation of animal genetic resources in the Philippines.

 

An animal genetic resource conservation program would help ensure continuous food availability in the face of growing populations and urbanization, weather disturbances, and other factors that could threaten animal populations. Ocampo said that the tamaraw and Philippine deer are considered disease-resistant, able to survive climate change, and can thrive on local feed resources.

 

Cryobanking uses cryopreservation techniques, like conventional slow freezing, vitrification or quick freezing, and using liquid nitrogen storage to preserve egg cells and embryos.

 

The Nueva Ecija cryobank facility was established in 2012 for the preservation of livestock and endangered indigenous species. It stores locally-processed semen from breeds of carabaos, goats, and cattle in six liquid nitrogen cryotanks.

 

To gather sperm samples, Ocampo recommends gathering samples from post-mortem testes or using an electroejaculation machine. —Bea Montenegro/KG, GMA News