La Normativa sulla Riproduzione Animale per la Conservazione del Germoplasma delle Razze Autoctone Siciliane

The necessity to update the regional regulation of animal reproduction, to ensure uniform application of the legislation in the sector across the regional territory, the regional legislator must adapt the implementation methods regarding the current legislation. Recently, National and European animal reproduction legislation has been important updates, introducing new health requirements regarding the authorization and operation criteria of structures that produce, store, distribute and move sperm, oocytes, and embryos from zootechnic and non-zootechnic animals. This thesis provides a detailed analytical framework regarding the current legislation on animal reproduction through an excursus that starts from European regulatory framework to arrive at regional legislation and soft laws, highlighting its weaknesses and strengths. The second part, however, sees the protection of native Sicilian breeds at risk of extinction through ex situ conservation as the main actor. Thanks to the collaboration with the Sicilgermobank Project (PSR Sicilia 2014–2020, Measure 10, Submeasure 10.2 b), we had the possibility to collect and preserve in Sicilgermobank germplasm bank Modicana’s embryos and the semen of: Pantesco and Ragusano donkeys’; Cinisara and Modicana cows; Cirnecodell'Etna dog’s; Girgentana and Messinese goats’; Sicilian Oriental Thoroughbred horse’s; Barbaresca sheep’s; Sicilian Black swine.