Celebrating 30 Years of Protecting Livestock Genetic Diversity

September 2007

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization working to protect over 150 breeds of livestock and poultry from extinction. Included are asses, cattle, goats, horses, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Founded in 1977, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is the pioneer organization in the U.S. working to conserve historic breeds and genetic diversity in livestock.

How do livestock breeds become endangered?

Breeds of livestock and poultry are threatened because agriculture has changed. Modern food production favors the use of a few highly specialized breeds selected for maximum output in intensively controlled environments. Many traditional breeds do not excel under these conditions, so have lost popularity and are threatened with extinction. These traditional breeds are an essential part of our American agricultural inheritance. They not only evoke our past, but are an important and irreplaceable resource for our future.

Why is genetic diversity important?

Agriculture, like all biological systems, depends on genetic diversity to adapt and respond to an ever-changing environment. Genetic diversity in domestic animals is revealed as distinct breeds, each with different characteristics and uses. Traditional, historic breeds retain essential attributes for survival and self-sufficiency – fertility, foraging ability, longevity, maternal instincts, ability to mate naturally, and resistance to diseases and parasites. As agriculture changes we need to be able to draw on this genetic diversity for a broad range of uses and future opportunities.
Once lost, genetic diversity is gone forever. It can never be recovered. Protection of endangered farm animal breeds is the only way to save their genetic potential for the future.

How can endangered breeds be used in today’s agriculture?

Using endangered livestock today, whenever possible is essential to their survival for tomorrow. These breeds can be commercially viable in appropriate, diversified, sustainable agriculture. They are finding a good fit in small-scale and pasture-based agricultural systems – the very systems for which they were adapted.

Our domesticated animals have always been an integral part of our agriculture. They provide nutritious foods, such as milk, cheese, eggs and meat, as well as wool, cashmere, mohair and other products that enrich our lives. Domesticated animals also provide environmentally friendly services, including brush and grass management, pest control, and draft power – replacing damaging chemicals and practices.

Leaving something for future generations.

The need to save traditional, historic livestock and poultry is urgent. Throughout agricultural history, each generation has taken its turn as steward of this genetic trust. This generation, however, is in danger of bankrupting the trust. Each day, some breeds move closer to extinction. You can help turn this trend around.

What does the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy do?

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy protects over 150 breeds of livestock from extinction. ALBC's programs include:

• Research on breed characteristics and population.
• Education about genetic diversity, breed attributes, and the role of livestock in a more sustainable agriculture.
• Technical and promotional support to a network of breeders, breed associations, and farmers.
• Agriculture policy development for governmental and non-governmental agencies.
• Gene banks to preserve genetic material collected from endangered breeds.
• Rescues of threatened populations.

How can you help?

• Become a member of ALBC. Not only will you be supporting the important work of ALBC, but you can become informed about endangered breeds and genetic diversity. You will get the latest information about breed conservation projects and events in your region.

• Raise endangered breeds. About one third of ALBC members raise these endangered breeds. Breeders make up a network participating in hands-on conservation, marketing, and public education.

• Use rare breed products and services. Get acquainted with local farmers to buy fresh, healthy rare breed products.

• Choose a Narragansett or Bourbon Red turkey for Thanksgiving.
• Spin a Navajo-Churro or CVM fleece.
• Ride a Colonial Spanish or Florida Cracker horse.
• Eat Red Wattle or Hereford pork barbeque.
• Buy eggs laid by Buckeye or Java chickens.
• Try a Red Poll or Galloway steak.
• Eat Gulf Coast or Tunis lamb chops.
• Buy cheese or milk produced by Milking Devon or Dutch Belted cows.

There are many ways to become involved and show your support!

For more information contact the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy at PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312 USA, phone (919) 542-5704, fax (919) 545-0022, email albc@albc-usa.org, or visit www.albc-usa.org.

THE AMERICAN LIVESTOCK BREEDS CONSERVANCY, founded in 1977, is a non-profit membership organization working to protect over 150 breeds of cattle, goats, horses, asses, sheep, pigs, rabbits and poultry from extinction. It is the pioneer organization in the U.S. working to conserve heritage breeds and genetic diversity in livestock.