Genetic diversity of native livestock Genetic diversity in agriculture

Domesticated livestock species and their associated breeds are an important part of biodiversity for agriculture and food production. The significance of livestock breed diversity stems from its contribution to agricultural value creation. This also includes the potential value of livestock breeds that are currently underutilized. A broad genetic base in animal breeding is essential to respond to future changes in consumer habits or altered production conditions such as climate change

Monitoring provides information on the development of livestock breed diversity in Germany and shows the current extent of threat. The risk classification of a breed is determined based on the number of male and female animals registered in studbooks, from which the effective population size is calculated. For this purpose, the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food conducts an annual population monitoring of all livestock breeds bred in Germany.

Based on population data, all native livestock breeds are classified into risk categories every two years by BLE and the National Advisory Board on Animal Genetic Resources.