Conservation and utilization of livestock breed biodiversity

The future of livestock breeding depends on the availability of a targe gene pool from which useful traits can be selected. Genetic conservation is therefore vital, and should be aimed at all existing breeds, regardless of their usefulness under present conditions. Developed countries can afford to maintain stocks of rare breeds, but firm measures are still needed in the developing world, especially where indigenous breeds are threatened by the import of exotic strains. More attention should be given to the use of indigenous breeds in livestock development programmes, and genetic impact analysis should be routine where exotics are used.