International Heritage Breeds Week

This week is International Heritage Breeds Week and according to the Livestock Conservancy, headquartered in Pittsboro, NC the week’s purpose is “to raise global awareness about endangered heritage breeds of farm animals”.  There are several breeds of horses and donkeys that fall under the classification of Critical, Threatened, Watch, Recovering or Study.  Breeds are placed into one of the categories based on a specific set of parameters as well as their national and international registration numbers.

It is estimated that one domesticated livestock breed a week goes extinct and for many livestock and poultry lovers, that is unacceptable.  There are many organizations that support heritage breed conservation around the world and as North Carolinians we are lucky enough to have one headquartered right here in the Tar Heel State.  If you would like to learn more about heritage breed livestock (sheep, cattle, goats, horses, donkeys, rabbits or poultry), check out the Livestock Conservancy website.  There, individuals can find access to breed clubs and associations, breeder directories, information about choosing a heritage breed for their farm and breed comparison charts.