Rare breed farm animals: good news
This report just came in about rare breed farm animals, which numerous micro eco-farmers are involved with:
Changes to the 2007 Conservation Priority List Bring Positive News for RareBreeds in the U.S.
ALBC is pleased to announce that the annual review of the Conservation
Priority List has led to several positive changes for the 2007 version.
Belted Galloway cattle moved from Watch to Recovering based on a living
population of registered animals in the US of over 10,000, according to the
Belted Galloway Society. Heritage turkeys continue their upward trends.
Based on the 2006 census of heritage turkeys both Black and Royal Palm
turkeys have moved from Threatened to Watch. White Holland turkeys have
moved from Critical to Threatened, and Slate turkeys have made a significant move from Critical to Watch. Two non-standard turkey varieties, Chocolate and Lavender/Lilac, have been added to the CPL based on their breeding population numbers. Lavender and Lilac have been linked because the color genetics are closely related. Additionally, these names have been used interchangeably.
Other changes to the CPL are based on ALBC’s ongoing research.
Determinations for two Study category breeds have been made, and a name change has been deemed appropriate for a Critical category breed. Small populations of the Choctaw pig have been identified, though these remain very difficult to access. Choctaw pigs meet ALBC’s criteria for
feral/landrace populations, being both uniform and isolated enough to
warrant inclusion, so have been moved from Study to Critical. The American
Sable rabbit has been removed from the list, where it had been in the Study
category. The breed has had genetic infusions of many other breeds during
the past few decades and based on its history it was determined to be a
color phase of the American Chinchilla. The CPL will begin listing the
California Variegated Mutant/Romeldale sheep as the Romeldale/California
Variegated Mutant (CVM). The CVM is only one color variety of the Romeldale breed, so Romeldale is the more inclusive name. Recent discussions between the associations seem to be allying the groups more closely.
Many of the American breeds received the distinction of being listed on the
Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste, noted by a symbol of a knife and fork. These
breeds have all been through an evaluation process, which includes a formal tasting. The Ark listing draws attention to the culinary aspects of these uniquely American breeds and the food traditions they foster. It also
encourages markets for food products from these breeds. Ark listings have
been very helpful in supporting conservation, as demonstrated by the success of the heritage turkeys. Breeds which have recently gained Ark of Taste recognition are: Rhode Island Red chickens; Hereford, Red Wattle, and Guinea Hogs; and, Gulf Coast and Tunis sheep.
Through the hard work of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and the many breed stewards, 2007 brings good news for rare breeds. ALBC could not have asked for a better 30th birthday present!
*************************************
Established in 1977, The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is a
national, non-profit, membership organization based in Pittsboro, North
Carolina, dedicated to the conservation and promotion of endangered breeds
of livestock and poultry. ALBC's conservation efforts include research on
breed status and characteristics; developing breed specific strategies for
conservation; maintaining a gene bank of rare breeds; strengthening the
stewardship skills
of breeders through various educational venues; and educating the public
through workshops, conferences and publications. ALBC is the only
organization in the United States that does this important work.
If you are not already a member, but would like to help save rare,
endangered breeds of livestock and poultry, consider joining! Membership is
only $30. To become a member, for information about breed conservation, or to contribute to ALBC's efforts,contact us at: PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC
27312, (919) 542-5704 or on the web at www.albc-usa.org.
