Domestic animal genetic diversity
Of the 50 000 known mammalian and bird species about 30 have been used extensively for agriculture, and only 15 species account for over 90 per cent of global livestock production. Over the past 15 years, 300 out of the 6000 breeds identified by FAO have become extinct. There are currently 1350 breeds faced with extinction with an average of 2 breeds being lost every week.
Genetic resources are among the most valuable and strategically important assets that a country holds. Many countries have indigenous animal species and breeds that could potentially contribute far more to food and agriculture production than they are currently contributing and meet much wider human needs.
These indigenous animal species are often better genetically adapted to their environment and so are more productive at lower costs. They remain productive whilst consuming lower quality feed stuffs, are more resilient to climatic stress, are more resistant to local parasites and diseases and are a unique source of genes for improving health and performance of industrial breeds. Utilising local breeds will be most effective in contributing to the achievement of local food security objectives.
FAO and domestic animal genetic diversity
Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Diversity. FAO's Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) is the major international forum for developing policies on genetic resources for food and agriculture. It is developing and monitoring the Global Strategy for the management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources. The Global Strategy provides a technical and operational framework for assisting countries in policy development, the implementation and maintenance of national strategies for the management of animal genetic resources, for supporting effective action at the country level (e.g. conservation of genetic resources, characterisation and access to animal genetic resources). It also provides a reporting and evaluation system to guide the Strategy's implementation.
Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS). In order to implement the Global Strategy FAO is developing a communication and information tool called the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS). The objective of DAD-IS is to assist countries and country networks, by providing extensive searchable databases, tools, guidelines, a library, links and contacts for the better management of all animal genetic resources used in food and agriculture.
State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources. The FAO and CGRFA have requested, through a country-driven process, the preparation of the first Report on the State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The ultimate objective of this State of the World process is to develop national capacities and international co-operation to achieve the sustainable intensification of livestock production systems.
For more information please visit the FAO website for Animal Agriculture
Selected documents
Towards better management of animal genetic resources (1995)
Identification and characterization of domestic animal diversity (1994)
Agrobiodiversity: the case for conserving domestic and related animals (1993)
Related links
Animal Diversity Web: University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Genetic Resources Action International (GRAIN)
IBRA The International Bee Research Association
ICIPE The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
ILRI International Livestock Research Institute
OIE The International Office of Epizootics
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
