Problem
Declining breeds of domesticated animals
Other Names:
Endangered species of farm animals Nature:
As farming has become more industrialized and energy-intensive, a small number of breeds have become dominant - specialized animals that respond well to high-energy diets, confined living conditions and intense medical treatment. This specialization develops narrow gene pools which may be susceptible to diseases.
Incidence:
In Canada, Holstein cow stands in 95% of the dairy stalls and there are only six commercial poultry breeds. In UK this century at least 20 breeds of British farm animals have died out.
Broader Problems:
Neglected food resourcesDecreasing genetic diversity of animals Narrower Problems:
Loss of domestic biodiversity Related Problems:
Destruction of rural subsistence economy Strategies:
Compiling data base of wild animal genetic resourcesCompiling database of domestic animal geneticsDomesticating animalsProtecting farm animalsConserving endangered species of farm animals Values:
DeclineEndangered References:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Declining Breeds of Mediterranean Sheep Subject(s):
Agriculture, Fisheries → BreedingAgriculture, Fisheries → Farming
Societal Problems → Endangered species
Zoology → Animals
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
13.05.2019 – 20:56 CEST