Canadian Farm Animal
Genetic Resources Foundation

Modern agriculture has applied the science of genetics and breeding to produce efficient, high-producing farm animals. In the process, we are losing many breeds and strains of animals that were important historically. These diminishing breeds can serve as insurance in the form of gene pools. We need this insurance against future changes in the environment, feed supplies and changing human needs for animal products. Much of the genetic variability of farm animals is the result of several distinct breeds developed within each species; now many of these are in danger of becoming extinct worldwide. We must take an active role now or we are likely to lose that important source of insurance for our future food security.