Developed for the particular needs of the working farm, heritage breeds have proved invaluable to small-scale agricultural production for centuries. This comprehensive guide explains why conserving heritage breeds remains important and how they often can be a better choice for the modern farmer than conventional animals. With profiles of heritage poultry, sheep, cattle, and more, you'll learn how to select and successfully raise the breed that is right for your specific needs. Enjoy the benefits of resilient livestock while preserving genetic diversity for future generations. This inviting, visual guide to the world of heritage livestock explains why conserving heritage breeds is important, how to raise the profiled species (including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, donkeys, and horses), and who are the people working to preserve these breeds.
D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, Jeannette Beranger, and Alison Martin are all experts associated with The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and promoting rare breeds of livestock. Founded in 1977 through the efforts of livestock breed enthusiasts concerned about the disappearance of many of the US's heritage livestock breeds, the Livestock Conservancy was the pioneer livestock preservation organization in the United States and remains a leading organization in that field. It has initiated programs that have saved multiple breeds from extinction, and it works closely with similar organizations in other countries, including Rare Breeds Canada.
Jeannette Beranger is an expert associated with The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and promoting rare breeds of livestock. Founded in 1977 through the efforts of livestock breed enthusiasts concerned about the disappearance of many of the U.S.'s heritage livestock breeds, The Livestock Conservancy was the pioneer livestock preservation organization in the United States and remains a leading organization in that field. It has initiated programs that have saved multiple breeds from extinction, and it works closely with similar organizations in other countries, including Rare Breeds Canada. She is the co-author of An Introduction to Heritage Breeds.
D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, Jeannette Beranger, and Alison Martin are all experts associated with The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and promoting rare breeds of livestock. Founded in 1977 through the efforts of livestock breed enthusiasts concerned about the disappearance of many of the US's heritage livestock breeds, the Livestock Conservancy was the pioneer livestock preservation organization in the United States and remains a leading organization in that field. It has initiated programs that have saved multiple breeds from extinction, and it works closely with similar organizations in other countries, including Rare Breeds Canada.
Heritage Breeds for a Healthy Future
Heritage-breed animals -- developed over thousands of years to fit with local environments, farming methods, and purposes -- are wonderful choices for today's small-scale sustainable farms. Explore the origins and attributes of hundreds of heritage breeds to find animals well suited to your needs and goals. You'll be preserving genetic diversity for future generations while benefiting from resilient, economical livestock.
The Livestock Conservancy is a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and promoting rare breeds of livestock. Founded in 1977, it has initiated programs that have saved many heritage livestock breeds from extinction, and it works closely with similar organizations in other countries, including Rare Breeds Canada.
Introduction
What Heritage Breeds Are and Why They Matter
Chapter One
Some Background on Breeds
Chapter Two
How Heritage Breeds Fit into Landscapes and Farms
Chapter Three
Which Species Is Right for
