The conservation of rare breeds protects the broad genetic base
found in each livestock species. Thus, the adaptability and biological health of each
species is maintained, ensuring that domestic animals can continue to thrive in a wide
range of environments without elaborate and expensive support systems.
Rare breeds conservation also keeps livestock genetic resources in
the hands of individual farmers and animal breeders. Livestock can be freely owned, used,
and bred by farmers and breeders with few restrictions. In contrast, concentration of
genetic ownership in the seed industry has resulted in the lack of access to diversity and
the loss of many heirloom varieties.
Rare breeds are important historically and culturally. Like artwork,
architecture, language, and other artifacts, rare breeds enlighten us about the interests,
skills, and values of the people who preceded us. Unlike other elements of nature, these
living animals also reflect our evolving relationship with the natural world. Rare breeds
of domestic animals, as well as rare varieties of agricultural plants, represe4nt the
biodiversity which is closest to us and upon which we are most dependent.
