Contact
IBV-Symposium 2010
BMELV Initiative 2010
Selected links
- German Society for Animal Production
- National Equine Federation (German only)
- German Cattle Breeders Federation
- Umbrella Association of German Pig Production
- Federation of German Sheep Breeding Associations (German only)
- Federal Association of German Goat Breeders (German only)
- Federation of German Poultry Breeders (German only)
- National Association of German Rabbit Breeders (German only)
The importance of domesticated and farm animals as animal genetic resources
The beginning of domestication, the keeping and, later, breeding of domestic and farm animals meant a giant step for mankind. Under a wide range of different geographic and climatic conditions, a large number of breeds of all major domestic animals developped.
- Weisse gehoernte Heidschnucke, © BLE
In Germany the spectrum includes horse breeds, like "Schwarzwaelder Kaltblut", various cattle breeds, e.g. "Rotes Hoehenvieh", and pig breeds, like "Buntes Bentheimer Schwein". Also there is a broad diversity of breeds and populations of sheep, goat, poultry and rabbit as well as wildlife species that are worth maintaining. This great variety of animal genetic resources is of major significance because of its contribution to the agricultural value chain and its potential value as genetic basis for future requirements in human nutrition. The ecological importance results from the use of adapted hardy breeds in nature conservation and landscape protection. Moreover, since domestic and farm animal breeds evolved over thousands of years, they have a great cultural value.