Role of livestock keepers in the conservation of farm animal diversity Ahlawat A.R., Dongre V.B., Sonawane G.S., Ghodasara S.N., Sharma H.A., Ramani A., Gajbhiye P.U.1 College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Junagadh Agricultural Universty, Junagadi-362001, Gujarat 1Cattle Breeding Farm, Junagadh Agricultural Universty, Junagadi-362001, Gujarat Online published on 5 August, 2015. Abstract The global livestock sector is changing rapidly. Biotechnologies are revolutionizing animal breeding. International trade in live animals, genetic materials and livestock products has grown substantially with globalization andtrade liberalization. In the North, these developments have caused the loss of manybreeds. Losses in the South are still limited, but many breeds are at risk, and the risingdemand for meat, milk and eggs furthers the expansion of industrial livestock production, triggering a “Livestock Revolution”. These developments have stimulated internationalefforts in breed conservation. FAO is guiding the compilation of a global State of the World Report that shall lead to a global action plan for breed conservation. However, international negotiations so far have failed adequately to include the livestock keeperswho are the originators of the breeds. Pastoralists are known as skilful breeders and have fashioned numerous breeds that are able to survive under harshconditions. These breeds are of rising interest to northern scientists and breederssearching for genes of potential commercial value. While in many countries it is possibleto patent the genes of animals, indigenous knowledge is not protected by internationallaw and regulations. In the light of these developments, it is of prime importance tosecure the rights of pastoralists to their own breeds and enable them to benefit from thewider use of their breeds and local knowledge. Furthermore, institutional support, accessto grazing land, education, services and other supportive measures will enable at leastsome pastoralists to continue livestock production and their valuable contribution towards conservation. Top |