Sustaining livestock biodiversity - from assessment to action

Abstract Livestock are important elements of many agro-ecosystems. Their contributions to the livelihoods of their keepers (many of whom are among the world's poor) are often manifold - food, fibre, transport, agricultural inputs, socio-cultural roles, etc. If well managed, livestock can also contribute to wider ecological and landscape services. Diverse roles and production environments have, over millennia, led to the development of great genetic diversity among the world's livestock. Livestock biodiversity has always been dynamic, new breeds have emerged and others have disappeared as environments and societies have changed. At present, however, production systems are changing at an unprecedented rate, driven inter alia by surging demand, pressure on natural resources, and technological developments. This rapid change threatens livestock diversity - 20 % of breeds are classified as at risk. It also underscores the importance of retaining a broad portfolio of genetic resources to facilitate adaptation t...