An Introduction to Heritage Breeds: Saving and Raising Rare-Breed Livestock and Poultry

by D. Phillip Sponenberg DVM, Jeannette Beranger, Alison Martin

Overview

Developed for the particular needs of the working farm, heritage breeds have proved invaluable to small-scale agricultural production for centuries. This comprehensive guide explains why conserving heritage breeds remains important and how they often can be a better choice for the modern farmer than conventional animals. With profiles of heritage poultry, sheep, cattle, and more, you’ll learn how to select and successfully raise the breed that is right for your specific needs. Enjoy the benefits of resilient livestock while preserving genetic diversity for future generations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781612121253
Publisher:	Storey Publishing, LLC
Publication date:	05/06/2014
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, Jeannette Beranger, and Alison Martin are all experts associated with The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and promoting rare breeds of livestock. Founded in 1977 through the efforts of livestock breed enthusiasts concerned about the disappearance of many of the US's heritage livestock breeds, the Livestock Conservancy was the pioneer livestock preservation organization in the United States and remains a leading organization in that field. It has initiated programs that have saved multiple breeds from extinction, and it works closely with similar organizations in other countries, including Rare Breeds Canada.

Jeannette Beranger is an expert associated with The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and promoting rare breeds of livestock. Founded in 1977 through the efforts of livestock breed enthusiasts concerned about the disappearance of many of the U.S.’s heritage livestock breeds, The Livestock Conservancy was the pioneer livestock preservation organization in the United States and remains a leading organization in that field. It has initiated programs that have saved multiple breeds from extinction, and it works closely with similar organizations in other countries, including Rare Breeds Canada. She is the co-author of An Introduction to Heritage Breeds. 

D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, Jeannette Beranger, and Alison Martin are all experts associated with The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and promoting rare breeds of livestock. Founded in 1977 through the efforts of livestock breed enthusiasts concerned about the disappearance of many of the US's heritage livestock breeds, the Livestock Conservancy was the pioneer livestock preservation organization in the United States and remains a leading organization in that field. It has initiated programs that have saved multiple breeds from extinction, and it works closely with similar organizations in other countries, including Rare Breeds Canada.

Table of Contents

Introduction

What Heritage Breeds Are and Why They Matter

Chapter One

Some Background on Breeds

Chapter Two

How Heritage Breeds Fit into Landscapes and Farms

Chapter Three

Which Species Is Right for You?

Chapter Four

Getting Started with Heritage Breeds

Chapter Five

Basic Breed Maintenance

Chapter Six

Choosing a Heritage Breed Project for Your Farm

Chapter Seven

The Art and Science of Breeding

Chapter Eight

Rescues of Breeds, Strains, and Animals

Chapter Nine

Boost Your Participation by Joining with Others

Conclusion

Heritage Breeds: A  Future for You and for Agriculture

Appendix

Breeds at a Glance

Rabbits

Chickens

Ducks

Geese

Turkeys

Goats

Sheep

Pigs

Cattle

Horses

Donkeys (Asses)

Glossary

Resources

Index

What People are Saying About This

Craig Haney

"Clear writing, diagrams, and breed profiles make the work of breed conservation husbandry accessible to a new generation of farmers and stockmen."

Cary Fowler Ph.D.

"Encyclopedic knowledge, unparalleled experience, and true wisdom underpin this guide. Only the Livestock Conservancy could dare write such a book, and succeed so brilliantly."

Edward O. Wilson

"A valuable introduction to an important segment of biodiversity."