PolFABIS
PolFABIS is Poland’s official information system on animal genetic resources. The Polfabis is part of the global DAD-IS, the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System. It is used to inform on and monitor all agricultural livestock breeds held in Poland. The website is available in four languages Polish, English, French and Spanish. The National Institute of Animal Production is responsible for regular updating of data.
Results
Breed Diversity in Poland
Mammalian and avian livestock breeds are reported to occur either in only a single country (local breeds), in several countries in one region (regional transboundary) or in different regions of the world (international transboundary).
Risk Status in Poland for cattle, sheep, goat, pig and chicken
Based on the population size reported by countries it is possible to assess the risk of extinction of domesticated animals.
Tarpan vs konik polski

The wild ancestors of the konik polski were tarpans. They inhabited the forested areas of eastern Poland. In the wild, the tarpans survived until 1780, around the Bialowieza Forest. At the beginning of the 19th century, the last tarpans were caught and transferred to the estate of Zamojski counts (Lubelskie province), and then distributed to local peasants. The first attempts to run an organized breeding of konik polski were undertaken in Poland by Prof. Tadeusz Vetulani in 1923. Thanks to his efforts, in 1936, a horse with typical tarpan characteristics was introduced into the Bialowieza Forest and assigned a protected status.
Actually, konik polski horses are found throughout the country, but the largest number of herds is in the northeast and the region of Wielkopolska.
Links
- National Research Institute of Animal Production
- Polish Federation of Cattle Breeders and Milk Producers
- Polish Horse Breeders Organization
- Polish Pig Breeders and Producers Association „POLSUS”
- Polish Union of Sheep-Farmers
- National Poultry Council
Documents
Publications
Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources and the Interlaken Declaration
2007
In recognition of the need to develop an effective framework for the management of these resources and to address the threat of genetic erosion, 109...
FAO’s work related to animal genetic resources
11/06/2023
AO's Intergovernmental Technical Working Group for Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture was established in 1997, and it consists of 28 countries, with members elected at each of the Commission's regular sessions. The Working Group's role is to review issues related to animal genetic resources and their management.
Diversity of Animal Genetic Resources
03/05/2022
More than 2,400 livestock breeds are at risk of extinction, while 600 are already extinct, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). If managed sustainably, this diversity can be used to increase production and allow livestock to adapt to challenges such as climate change.
Contact
National Research Institute of Animal Production
Krakowska str. 1
31-047 Balice
Poland
Grazyna Polak
grazyna.polak@iz.edu.pl