Underutilized animal genetic resources

Lack of animal breeding
Unmanaged cattle breeding
Unimproved domestic livestock

Nature

Governmental infrastructure for improving services for recording and progeny-performance testing is weak or non-existent in developing countries, and some potentially viable animal breeds and strains in the developing countries are much underutilized, even though the animals could play an important role in economic and social development.

Incidence

The FAO includes the following animals as underutilized: Boran and Sahiwal cattle, Awassi sheep, Shami goats, water buffalo, and camelidae (llama and alpaca).

Claim

Underutilized animal genetic resources represent a critical yet overlooked issue in global biodiversity and food security. These unique breeds possess traits vital for resilience against climate change, disease, and shifting agricultural demands. Ignoring them not only threatens cultural heritage but also undermines sustainable development. By failing to conserve and promote these genetic treasures, we risk losing invaluable assets that could enhance our food systems and ecological balance. Immediate action is essential to safeguard our future.

Counter-claim

Underutilized animal genetic resources are often overstated as a problem. In a world facing pressing issues like climate change and food security, focusing on these niche breeds distracts from more critical agricultural advancements. The majority of livestock breeds already meet global demands efficiently. Investing resources in underutilized genetics diverts attention and funding from proven, high-yielding species that can sustainably support growing populations. Prioritizing efficiency over rarity is essential for future food security.