Managing animal genetic resources at the community level
Animal breeds become extinct for many reasons, including replacement by exotic breeds, the loss of grazing opportunities, the absence of market demand and lack of competitiveness with improved breeds, the disappearance of indigenous knowledge and institutions, and conflicts and catastrophes. A breed survey can help identify and document breeds that are hitherto unrecognized by outsiders. The best way of conserving local breeds is by creating an enabling environment for the breeding communities. Strategies include increasing community awareness, creating the right policy framework, organization and capacity-building for breeders, creating a market and marketing facilities for products of the breed, and breed improvement through selection.
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