Description

Animal breeding organisations and associations generally run breeding programmes that aim to improve or preserve a particular breed. They also issue breeding permits, keep herd books and carry out performance checks and genetic value assessments.

Systematic breeding enables economic advantages to be achieved very swiftly by improving feed conversion, increasing resistance to animal diseases and improving milk, meat and egg production.

Requirements

• A properly functioning country-wide administration and monitoring system with access to the relevant information and sufficient technical and human capacities for its design, implementation and monitoring
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with farmers' organisations
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with local advisory services
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with research institutions
• Consumer protection and/ or animal welfare is ensured
• Country-wide monitoring of livestock numbers, performance, and the risk of disease (e.g. via an animal health service)
• Properly functioning veterinary and health authorities
• Regulatory framework
• Specialised courses at local universities
• Training opportunities for advisors that reflect the definitions of good agricultural practices and agricultural policy

Possible Negative Effects

• Too narrow focus on just a few breeds or breeding targets