An Introduction to Heritage Breeds

March 15, 2014

The Livestock Conservancy, a heritage breed conservation organization, has created a go-to guide for anyone considering raising heritage breed livestock (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, horses, donkeys, and rabbits). The manual walks readers through the process of selecting an animal by providing detailed information about which type is best based on climate, space and shelter availabilities, and zoning restrictions. For those looking to bring up highly threatened breeds, the Conservation Priority List categorizes the varieties into critical, threatened, watch, recovering, and study segments. Color illustrated "Breed Snapshots" provide an overview of the homeland, use, size, color, and conservation status of selected animals. Throughout the book, success-story anecdotes show the importance of farmers to the preservation method. Tips on processing, keeping records, and joining breeding associations are included. The work concludes with an appendix featuring species at a glance and a listing of key resources. VERDICT Essential background reading for those interested in raising and breeding heritage animals.--Lacy S. Wolfe, Ouachita Baptist Univ. Lib., Arkadelphia, AR

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