Preservation of Rare or Unwanted Breeds | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Preservation of Rare or Unwanted Breeds

Importance of Preservation:

• Preserving rare or unwanted breeds is crucial due to the unpredictable future demands for animal traits.
• It ensures the conservation of genetic diversity, serving as an insurance against unforeseen needs.

Challenges in Preservation:

• Breeders focused on immediate profit may overlook the long-term benefits of preservation.
• Financial burden often falls on public sectors or specialized organizations due to the impracticality for individual breeders.

Efforts in Preservation:

• Both international organizations like FAO and local entities such as the Rare Breeds Trust in Great Britain are actively involved in gathering data and conserving threatened breeds.
• Examples like the Kerry cattle conservation program in Ireland demonstrate governmental support through subsidies and herd maintenance.

Threats at Both Ends of Spectrum:

• Locally adapted native populations in developing countries face extinction due to the influx of improved breeds from developed nations.
• Poultry selection lines are discarded during corporate takeovers, contributing to the loss of genetic diversity.

Global Conservation Initiatives:

• FAO's Global Animal Genetic Resources Programme leads worldwide conservation efforts.
• Increasing awareness and concern among the public contribute to the exploration of potential solutions.

Preservation of rare or unwanted breeds is a multifaceted issue with implications for biodiversity and future agricultural needs. Efforts to conserve these breeds involve a combination of governmental support, international collaboration, and public awareness campaigns.