An Introduction to Heritage Breeds: Saving and Raising Rare-Breed Livestock and Poultry

Heritage Breeds for a Healthy FutureHeritage-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.