Technical Abstract: The National Animal Germplasm Program's (NAGP) mission is to cryopreserve U.S. animal genetic resources, provide information on genetic resources (in situ and ex situ), and assist breed associations in assessing genetic diversity. Six specialist species committees (dairy cattle, beef cattle, small ruminants, aquaculture, poultry and swine) have been formed, and these groups serve as a focal point for NAGP efforts. There are three underlying elements in developing cryopreserved germplasm: all breeds should be represented in the collection; the collection should be active where germplasm is added and utilized; and collections should be collected repeatedly to capture genetic changes of a breed over time. All species committees have initiated collection activities, information system development, and activities evaluating within-breed genetic diversity and population trends for in situ populations.