What our gene pool can do for farm animals
The diversity of our farm animals is under threat worldwide! The intensification of animal production is leading to the increasing breeding of specialized, high-performance breeds that deliver more milk, meat, or eggs. This aggressive selection for performance has pushed the old, robust, versatile breeds into the background and, in some cases, to the brink of extinction.
A diverse gene pool is also advantageous for livestock. The adaptability to heat or cold, altered feed bases, or changing production and market demands is significantly better developed in less specialized landraces than in high-performance breeds. These breeds can also be valuable as a genetic reserve for crossbreeding . Last but not least, the historically developed diversity of livestock breeds represents a valuable cultural asset .
Austria is aware of its responsibility for the biodiversity of farm animals. Successful conservation programs for endangered farm animal breeds have been in place for more than 40 years. These programs have been supported since 1995 within the framework of the Austrian agri-environmental program ÖPUL. The Austrian Society for Genetic Conservation (ÖNGENE), an organization encompassing all Austrian organizations involved in animal breeding, serves as an advisory body to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture (BML).
ÖNGENE, in collaboration with HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, develops the scientific foundations and thus coordinates and monitors conservation breeding. Thanks to the dedicated breeders, in cooperation with the responsible breeding organizations, the Austrian Gene Bank for Farm Animals, and the Arche Austria association, they have succeeded in sustainably stabilizing the populations: some breeds that almost disappeared 40 years ago have even been revived to the point of successful market participation.
Just listen or watch:
In conversation with Dr. Andreas Steinwidder veterinary surgeon Beate Berger talks about the potential of endangered farm animal breeds and the efforts to preserve these valuable genetic reserve animals.
