Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee

The Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee (FAnGR) provided advice to Defra and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on all issues relating to farm animal genetic resources particularly its conservation and sustainable use.

FAnGR is now know as the UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines Committee (UKGLE). Their name was changed in June 2022 following a relaunch event, to reflect the widening of their remit.

Role of the Committee

The Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee (FAnGR) gave advice to the government on the conservation and sustainable use of farm animal genetic resources. These resources include:

  • livestock
  • conserved embryos
  • eggs and semen

There are over 160 breeds of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and horses that are native to the UK, of which about 100 are at risk.

The committee developed the biodiversity indicators on animal genetic resources, focusing on native breeds at risk.

Responsibilities

We were responsible for:

  • helping to improve genetics in the beef industry
  • providing advice on zootechnical legislation
  • communicating and raising awareness of key FAnGR issues
  • including FAnGR in Rural Development programme
  • advising on any changes needed to the UK breeds at risk lists

Terms of reference

The FAnGR Committee terms of reference are available on request by emailing: fangr@defra.gov.uk

Membership

The FAnGR Committee was made up of members with a range of expertise:

  • Tim Brigstocke, MBE (Chair), Policy Director of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers and holds a number of other appointments, including Secretary/Technical Adviser to the Houses of Parliament All Party Parliamentary Group on Dairy Farming.
  • Marcus Bates, Chief Executive of British Pigs Association
  • Amanda Carson, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
  • Professor Mike Coffey, Professor of Livestock Informatics, Scotland’s Rural College
  • Professor Will Haresign, previously Professor of Agriculture, Institute of Biological and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University
  • Tim Riley, Livestock farmer
  • Dr Huw Jones, Livestock genetics and genomics consultant
  • Dr Penny Rashbass, Member of several societies including the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and National Sheep Association.
  • Dr Phillippe Wilson, Lecturer in Biological Chemistry and Cheminformatics at De Montfort University.
  • Dr Rex Walters, formerly Genetic Adviser and Trustee to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in the UK, Secretary and British representative on Rare Breeds International.

Our publications

You can access all our publications in this document collection.

Our main publications include:

  • reports and resources
  • breeds at risk lists
  • recognised animal breeding organisations

Contact details

fangr@defra.gov.uk