Farm Animal Genetic Diversity Conservation

Conserving farm animal genetic diversity is both a welfare and food security priority, protecting the traits that enable animals to thrive in diverse conditions.

Key Facts

FAO reports that 17% of farm animal breeds are at risk of extinction globally
Traditional breeds often carry disease resistance, heat tolerance and reproductive traits absent in commercial breeds
Ex situ conservation (cryopreservation of semen, embryos, cells) provides insurance against breed loss
In situ conservation on farms, supported by agri-environment payments, maintains living populations
Climate change is increasing the value of heat-tolerant and parasite-resistant breed traits

Welfare Considerations

Genetic diversity conservation is a long-term welfare investment - maintaining the biological toolkit for animals to adapt to future environments reduces future suffering at scale.

What You Can Do

Support the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and equivalent organisations in your country
Advocate for agri-environment payments that support in situ rare breed conservation
Purchase products from traditional breeds where welfare and conservation align