UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines Committee (UKGLE)
The UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines Committee (UKGLE) provides advice to Defra and the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on all issues relating to farm animal genetic resources, particularly its efficient production, conservation and sustainable use.
The UKGLE was formerly known as the Farm Animal Genetics Resource (FAnGR) Committee. Their name was changed in June 2022 following a relaunch event, to reflect the widening of their remit.
Role of the committee
The UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines Committee (UKGLE) gives advice to the government on the efficient production, conservation and sustainable use of farm animal genetic resources (AnGR). 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.
The committee also identify opportunities to capture value from taking account of the genetic variation in livestock species more effectively, focusing on applications to enhance production efficiency and minimise environmental footprint.
Responsibilities
We are responsible for:
- raising awareness of UKGLE and the importance of genetic variation in ensuring resilient production and high health standards
- providing advice on zootechnical legislation, including evaluating proposals on zootechnical controls
- investigating potential financial support for UKGLE
- advising on any changes needed to the UK breeds at risk lists
- reviewing and advising on advances in technologies relevant to genetics
- providing advice on building and sustaining an international market for UK genetics.
Terms of reference
The UKGLE Committee .
Mission statement
The UKGLE Committee .
Membership
The UKGLE Committee is made up of members with a range of expertise. Current members are:
- Marcus Bates, (Chair) – Chief Executive, British Pigs Association; Director, Export Certification Ltd; Member, Pig Health and Welfare Council
- Dr Eva-Maria Broomer – Vice President, World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH); Head Evaluator and Representative of the Anglo European Studbook UK; Director, British Breeding
- Dr Huw Jones – Expertise in genetics and genomics applied to livestock breeding and production; Head of Industry Impact and Partnerships, Scotland’s Rural College
- Al Manning – Veterinary Surgeon, Quality Milk Management Services Ltd; Member, British Cattle Veterinary Association; Member, Goat Veterinary Society
- Kim Matthews – Head of Animal Breeding and Product Quality, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB); Member, The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS); Member, Royal Society of Biology
- George Peart – Promar International Ltd; Member, Institute of Agricultural Management; Registered Animal Technologist, British Society of Animal Science
- Dr Penny Rashbass – Member, National Sheep Association; Member, Defra Animal Welfare Committee
- Dr Timothy Riley – Livestock farmer; Board Member, Food Standards Agency; Board Member, Veterinary Medicines Directorate Defra; President, Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society
- Dr Rex Walters – International consultant in genetics and animal breeding; Member, Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST); President, Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Society
- Dr Philippe Wilson – Professor of One Health, Nottingham Trent University; Member, Food Standard Agency (FSA); Chief Scientist Officer, NHS Willows Health
- Marco Winters – Head of Animal Genetics, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB); Member, British Society of Animal Science; Member, British Cattle Breeders Club
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
Newsletter
We publish a regular newsletter with updates on key areas of the UKGLE Committee’s work. If you would like to join our circulation list, please email: ukglesecretariat@defra.gov.uk.
Secretariat
UKGLE Secretariat
Seacole Block
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF