THE ROLE OF LIVESTOCK

Livestock plays a significant role in farming, and is one aspect of a larger industry - agriculture. The livestock food supply in third-world and developing countries is an important contributor to worldwide food production.

Commodities and Working Animals

Livestock are animals that have been domesticated to live and thrive on a farm, ranch, or other appropriate environment. Their purpose is either to act as working animals or to produce commodities such as beef, poultry, gizzards, milk, eggs and fiber.

Animal Husbandry of Rare Livestock

We support land-owners who breed standard and rare livestock on farms and ranches. We know that this is an important component of modern agriculture and ask for your support in helping rare livestock breeds to survive. It's true that endangered animals are in the wild, but many of America's common farm animals face extinction too. The Livestock Conservancy has a long list of farm animals that need help. Livestock is a vital part of ensuring food security for our planet.

Heritage Breeds

Heritage breeds are traditional livestock breeds that were raised by farmers long ago and are still alive today. These breeds were selected and bred over time to develop special traits that enabled them to adjust to farming practices and cultural conditions at that time. Breeding practices and subsequent traits today are different from those long ago.

The Livestock Conservancy is working to define "Heritage" for various species in order to classify the term in a legal context. So far, the Livestock Conservancy has defined heritage for chickens, turkeys, cattle, and swine.

Conservation Priority List

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