Preserving genetic diversity in livestock is crucial for sustainable breeding programs worldwide. This diversity serves two critical purposes: it drives long-term improvements in productivity and functional traits, while also ensuring our breeding animals can adapt and thrive in changing environments.

The genetic differences between breeds aren't just academic curiosities – they're essential insurance policies that help entire species respond to environmental challenges, climate change, and emerging diseases.

As part of preparing The Third Report on The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, FAO commissioned research into how we can establish effective breeding programmes in the world's most challenging environments.

The research focus: Establishing and Scaling-Up Breeding Programmes in Challenging Environments: Genomic Assessment of Genetic Variation and the Future of the Breed Concept

Led by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna, Austria, this comprehensive study brought together international experts to examine how genomic tools are reshaping our understanding of livestock breeding.

The study's findings were first presented at the 20th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in March 2025. To ensure these insights reached the broader scientific community, BOKU organized an international webinar in December 2024.

What the webinar delivered:

• Key findings from the genomic assessment study
• Interactive discussions with global experts
• Forward-looking perspectives on breeding strategies
• Practical insights for challenging environments

These recordings captures the essential conversations that are shaping the future of livestock breeding and genetic resource management worldwide.

Watch the webinar recording