Jacques Bougler passed away suddenly late summer (2007). To those who knew him, he was a wonderful teacher and a scientist whose life was dedicated to the improvement of animal husbandry.
Born in a family of farmers in Picardy, he studied at the Institut National Agronomique (INA) in Paris. He graduated at the top of his class in 1959 and then joined the ENSAA in Dijon. He worked all his life at the INA, where he was recruited as Assistant in 1960 by Professor Jacques Delage, and where he was promoted to Professor (first class) in 1982. Jacques Bougler taught animal genetics, from the fundamentals to the analysis of the diversity of breeding plans, to many generations of students. With his master, Pierre Charlet, he developed an original teaching course of comparative animal husbandry. Jacques Bougler created in 1969 a groundbreaking continuous education course in genetics, the CSAGAD, that he managed until his retirement in 2001. This course was followed by the majority of executives working for animal breeding companies and organisations, and by a large number of teachers in agricultural schools.
Jacques Bougler played a major role in the organisation of animal breeding in France and in the implementation of the Livestock Farming Law in 1966. For more than 30 years, he headed the UNLG (Union of Herd Books, now France UPRA Sélection). He was instrumental in transforming the old herd books into the modern UPRA organisations. He was a diligent member of the National Commission for Genetic Improvement (CNAG) of the Ministry of Agriculture, where his moderate advice was appreciated. He was actively involved in the promotion of French livestock breeds, attending regularly the General Agricultural Competition (Concours Général Agricole) and joining the SOPEXA in foreign countries. Jacques Bougler was also a “fellow traveller” of the Department of Animal Genetics at INRA: he was a member of its scientific committee and played a prominent role in the creation of the GIE Labogena. He took an active part in the Société d’Ethnozootechnie, whose board he served.
Jacques Bougler always chose his fields of studies carefully. He was both convinced that the “major” breeds needed strong organisations and efficient breeding programmes, and that endangered breeds had to be preserved. He had an important role in creating the notion of animal genetic resources, and in the actions taken to characterize and preserve these resources. In 1985, he coordinated the first inventory of French animal genetic resources, that was later included the EAAP database and has been since updated regularly by the Bureau of Genetic Resources.
As a team leader at INA and UNLG, and in the committees and workgroups he attended, Jacques Bougler showed his deep human qualities. He understood the value of commitment, and encouraged his collaborators to show initiative and to take on responsibilities, though he saw to it that the group stuck together. An appreciated and respected discussion partner, he was truly a link builder, particularly at a time where there were few structures interfacing research teams with breeding organisations. His professional success, however, did not turn him away from his natural discretion and modesty. With Jacques passing, we lost a loved and estimated master, and a friend.
May we let live and grow what he built with so much determination, and keep and nurture what he so generously gave us.
Etienne VERRIER, Professor at AgroParisTech
Article published : "INRA Productions Animales" 2007, volume 20, n°4, p 274
