Based on information gathered mainly through national surveys, the study provides an overview of the main legal instruments governing the management of animal genetic resources at the national level. Relevant international and regional regulatory frameworks are also examined. As the policy debate on the management of animal genetic resources evolves in various fora, and as FAO develops the Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources, the discussion on legal issues will take centre stage. The study aims to contribute to such discussion through a general assessment of the status of national regulatory frameworks and general recommendations for national legislation development.