What does this research mean for the field?

The conservation of cattle genetic diversity in genebanks is actively shaped by two logics of potentiality—acting as 'fire insurance' against extinction and as a 'toolbox' for sustainable futures—which dictate how bovine life is valued and what agricultural futures are made possible. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine the practical meaning and operational logics of conserving cattle genetic diversity within an institutional genebank setting.

August 28, 2026Science Technology & Human Values

Potentializing Native Breeds: Conserving Genetic Cattle Diversity in the Netherlands

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

JBJenske Bal

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Ethnographic study uncovers dual logics of loss prevention and future adaptation in native cattle genebanks, highlighting how institutional practices actively shape agricultural futures.

Key Points

To examine the practical meaning and operational logics of conserving cattle genetic diversity within an institutional genebank setting.
Conducted ethnographic fieldwork at the animal department of the Center for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (Wageningen University & Research).
Analyzed institutional conservation practices through the theoretical lens of potentiality from science and technology studies (STS) and anthropology.
Identified an extinction-prevention logic where frozen germplasm serves as 'fire insurance' against the depletion and loss of native breed populations.
Identified an anticipatory logic where rare breed diversity acts as a 'toolbox' or 'palette' to breed ecologically sustainable, future-proof cattle.
Demonstrated that biological potentiality is not merely an intrinsic trait of cryopreserved samples, but is actively constructed by genebank infrastructures and conservation policies.

Cite This Study

Jenske Bal (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a916ea0d15324a1df3aa7a3 https://doi.org/10.1177/01622439261474952

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

August 28, 2026Science Technology & Human Values

Potentializing Native Breeds: Conserving Genetic Cattle Diversity in the Netherlands

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

JBJenske Bal

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Ethnographic study uncovers dual logics of loss prevention and future adaptation in native cattle genebanks, highlighting how institutional practices actively shape agricultural futures.

Key Points

To examine the practical meaning and operational logics of conserving cattle genetic diversity within an institutional genebank setting.
Conducted ethnographic fieldwork at the animal department of the Center for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (Wageningen University & Research).
Analyzed institutional conservation practices through the theoretical lens of potentiality from science and technology studies (STS) and anthropology.
Identified an extinction-prevention logic where frozen germplasm serves as 'fire insurance' against the depletion and loss of native breed populations.
Identified an anticipatory logic where rare breed diversity acts as a 'toolbox' or 'palette' to breed ecologically sustainable, future-proof cattle.
Demonstrated that biological potentiality is not merely an intrinsic trait of cryopreserved samples, but is actively constructed by genebank infrastructures and conservation policies.

Cite This Study

Jenske Bal (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a916ea0d15324a1df3aa7a3 https://doi.org/10.1177/01622439261474952

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark