The risk status of Polish local breeds under conservation programmes – new approach

Native breeds of farm animals, despite their unique characteristics and adaptability to diverse and often adverse environmental conditions, are at risk due to their lower profitability and corresponding declining use. According to FAO data, there are currently around 8800 livestock breeds in the world (http://www.fao.org/dad-is/en/ update: 09.11.2019), of which 17% have been assessed to be endangered. The objective of the study was to develop a model for estimating the risk status of Polish native breeds. The proposed new model is based on 3 factors: demographic, genetic, and socioeconomic. The last factor is composed of 6 elements: geographical concentration, demographic trend over the last 5 years, cultural value of a breed, parentage control, ex situ conservation and anthropogenic factors. Using the factors and elements above, among the examined 30 breeds of cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and goats, 1 was assessed as being critically endangered; 24 were determined to be endangered and in need of conservation; 5 were less endangered, but in need of constant monitoring. Out of 35 populations of poultry 29 were assessed as endangered as they were being kept in only single public collections. Six flocks of ducks were given a critical risk status, due to a very low number of females.