According to the FAO, 7,616 animal breeds are recorded or reported worldwide. Of these, 1,491 breeds, that is about 20 %, are classified as "at risk". During the last six years, on average one breed per month has become extinct. In Europe, about half of all animal breeds that were bred at the beginning of the 20th century have already become extinct - an irrevocable loss. One third of the remaining 770 breeds is classified critically endangered.
The National Committee on Animal Genetic Resources in Germany states that of the 65 indigenous breeds subject to animal breeding legislation 54 (of 5 species) are endangered.
Chicken are bred for either fattening or laying; on the whole, there are yet few breeding lines left in poultry breeding that are used for economic purposes.
Endangerment of Animal Genetic Resources
The increasing globalisation and intensification of agriculture, of animal husbandry and of animal breeding is threatening the existence of numerous breeds.
- Cover of the publication "Red List" © 2010 BLE
On the basis of the data and stock figures recorded in the Central documentation on animal genetic resources in Germany, the National Committee on Animal Genetic Resources classifies all indigenous farm animal breeds into one of the following endangerment categories:
- Phenotypic Conservation Population (PCP)
- Conservation Population (CP)
- Monitoring Population (MP)
- Non-Endangered Population (NE)
| species | PCP | CP | MP | NE | total |
| horse | 6 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 14 |
| cattle | 3 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 19 |
| pig | 1 | 3 | - | 2 | 6 |
| sheep | 1 | 7 | 12 | 2 | 22 |
| goat | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| total: | 11 | 23 | 20 | 11 | 65 |