Aragon’s Agri-Food Research and Technology Center has presented in Teruel the results of PROCMOVI Teruel, a project that has preserved more than 2,500 semen doses and 50 embryos from endangered native sheep breeds in the province.
PROCMOVI strengthens conservation of Teruel’s native sheep breeds
Aragon’s Agri-Food Research and Technology Center (CITA) last Wednesday presented at Teruel’s Rural Bioeconomy Innovation Center (CITAte) the results of the project Conservation and improvement of Teruel’s native sheep breeds, known as PROCMOVI Teruel.
The initiative, led by Animal Science Department researcher Belén Lahoz, began in 2024 under the Teruel Investment Fund call for proposals (FITE 2023). Its work has focused on preserving the animal genetic resources of endangered native sheep breeds and supporting genetic improvement at the province’s more technologically advanced farms.
The project has enabled reproductive material to be added to the Regional and National Animal Germplasm Banks. This conservation work complements the maintenance of populations in their original territories and production systems, a strategy the FAO considers a priority for safeguarding food security, climate-change adaptation and livestock resilience.
More than 20 rams and 2,500 semen doses to preserve sheep-breeding heritage
PROCMOVI has added more than 20 rams to Aragon’s artificial insemination centers. It has also preserved more than 2,500 semen doses and 50 embryos in animal germplasm banks, creating a reserve against potential genetic losses, animal-health issues, natural disasters or changes in production systems.
The technical session brought together researchers and technicians from the breed associations for Ojinegra, Maellana, Cartera, Merina variety from the Montes Universales and Rasa Aragonesa, as well as professionals from the Aragon government’s Agri-Food Technology Transfer Center (CTA).
Belén Lahoz outlined the work carried out over the project’s two years, including sheep embryo production and conservation activities conducted at CITA. She also addressed the main factors affecting fertility in artificial insemination procedures.
Artificial insemination drives debate on the future of sheep farming
Itziar Garitano, a veterinarian at Masía El Chantre of the Teruel Provincial Council, and Ignacio Morató, a CTA veterinarian, examined the training of breeding males and the preparation of semen doses at artificial insemination centers.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the obstacles hindering the use of this technique on livestock farms and the improvements needed to expand its use as a tool for conserving and improving native breeds.
Lahoz warned that the continued decline in animal numbers among several of these breeds puts at risk a genetic and cultural heritage of significance to Teruel. Preserving reproductive material is intended to address that threat and maintain options for the future of these sheep populations.
