WHATEVER HAPPENED TO ALL OUR BREEDS ?

Contents:

1. Is our Genetic Base Crumbling?
2. Why Should I be Concerned About our Breeds?
3. What are we Doing Now to Help?
4. What Needs to be Done?
5. How Can I Help?

IS OUR GENETIC BASE CRUMBLING ?

• There are fewer and fewer breeds.
• Some breeds have disappeared or are endangered. Examples include Dual Purpose Shorthorn cows, Berkshire pigs, most dual-purpose chicken breeds, Broad-Breasted Bronze turkeys and Canadien horses.
• The genetic base for future breeding of dairy cattle is threatened by relying on a single breed. Within the Holstein breed approximately 80% of cows are bred to 20 sires or their sons.
• The poultry breeding industry is limited to a few large breeding organizations all of which appear to have similar genetic material. About a dozen such breeding companies provide stock for the world's poultry industry.
• The Canadian swine industry is based predominantly on cross-breds of four breeds.
• Many people are concerned that the future may hold unpleasant surprises if we lack the genetic variation to meet market and environmental changes.

WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT OUR BREEDS?

• Markets can change dramatically such as the change in the past few years from a dairy industry emphasizing butterfat production to one based on milk solids or protein. The dairy cattle population appears to have enough variability to respond to this change but can that always be relied on?
• We can't predict environmental and social changes or changing feed supplies. As feed supplies change, we may need animals of quite different genetic make-up to cope with less highly-concentrated sources of nutrients.
• We have to keep our options open by maintaining a wide genetic diversity in our farm animals.

WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW TO HELP ?

• A framework has been developed for discussion, planning and management of farm animal genetic resources conservation in Canada.
• A publication entitled "Canadian Farm Animal Genetic Resources Conservation: A Plan for the Future" is now available and can be obtained from the Foundation. The first inventory of all Canadian farm animal breeds is nearing completion.
• The Canadian Farm Animal Genetic Resources Foundation has been established to support conservation of farm animal genetic resources. The Foundation garners funding from many sources to support activities such as appropriate research, dissemination of educational material and establishment of an emergency rescue system for endangered farm animal genetic resources.
• Grassroots organizations, such as Rare Breeds Canada, are active in conserving live animals and semen from some breeds and special populations.
• The beef industry imported a broad sampling of European genetic material into Canada in the 1970s which has been incorporated into the Canadian beef production industry.
• La Societé des Éleveurs de Bovins Canadiens with support of the provincial government and the Cenre d'insémination artificielle du Québec has arranged storage of semen of a substantial number of the breed's sires.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE ?

• The animal industry needs to be aware of the seriousness of the narrowing genetic base of its livestock and take a leading role in supporting effective farm animal genetic resources conservation efforts.
• The grassroots efforts need to be strengthened with more people involved and more resources directed to their support.
• Technology still has to be developed for freezing of semen, embryos or tissues for long term conservation of some species.
• The Canadian Farm Animal Genetic Resources Foundation needs support in Canada and from abroad to develop into the major organization for management and support of farm animal genetic resources conservation in Canada.

HOW CAN I HELP ?

• Become aware of the genetic resources situation for your industry.
• Talk to your industry organization about the need for genetic resources conservation.
• Add a specific breed to your farm operation and have it contribute to your farm income.
• Encourage your artificial insemination organization to retain samples of a broad spectrum of sires.
• Support the Canadian Farm Animal Genetic Resources Foundation.
• Get involved now.