A Snapshot of endangered breeds...

[boggybranch]

......of livestock and poultry

http://www.grit.com/Livestock/A-Sna...Newsletters&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

thanks for posting that link. i have an interest in bantam salmon faverolles and it is good to know where they are on that list.

i wish we had more property so i could have more of them to help the cause. and to have some of the cattle mentioned too!

 

[seedcorn]

Since all chickens descended from one type, it makes sense that anything man has bred, even if lost, can be rebred. Genes are not lost even if a strain goes extinct.

Now when we lose a species of animal, then I'm concerned..ie passenger pigeon.

 

[vfem]

Wow... that article was from Pittsboro NC. My husband did some odd jobs on a few farms out that way. Horse farms mainly. Anyways...

Are Sultan's really critical? I really wanted some of those at one point. I wasn't sure how they would fair with my Silkies. Not to mention the Old English Games. I do have a local breeder who does Old English Games though, and he's got some great quality is anyone is interested.

I think I may take this opportunity to look into aquiring some sultans this summer if I could.

 

[vfem]

Since all chickens descended from one type, it makes sense that anything man has bred, even if lost, can be rebred. Genes are not lost even if a strain goes extinct.

Now when we lose a species of animal, then I'm concerned..ie passenger pigeon.

Think of the length of time to establish genetics!? And where is the crosses came from other extinct varieties.

You can't act like its no big deal to allow something to go extinct, especially by our own faults! That's just silly.

 

[seedcorn]

Since all chickens descended from one type, it makes sense that anything man has bred, even if lost, can be rebred. Genes are not lost even if a strain goes extinct.

Now when we lose a species of animal, then I'm concerned..ie passenger pigeon.

Think of the length of time to establish genetics!? And where is the crosses came from other extinct varieties.

You can't act like its no big deal to allow something to go extinct, especially by our own faults! That's just silly.

All chickens came from one breed, same w/cattle, horses, etc. Genes are never lost. I agree that they have to be selected for (yes, it might take a while) but as long as the wild chickens are there, the genes are not lost, they are just not visible. It can be argued that every chicken has all the genes it's just which ones are expressed. Now lose a species, genes are lost w/no way of getting them back.

It takes less time to select for certain genes since the study of genetics and inheritance laws are much better understood, but I agree, it will take some time. I'd hate to think of the environment where a breed like sultans was of economic commercial value.

By the way, it's not silly as you assume genes are lost when a strain is gone. That is just not true.

 

[boggybranch]

If my memory serves me right (and it usually doesn't), they say all chickens originated from jungle fowl....of which I had 6 of the big ole long legged birds, a few years back....or that's what the guy said they were who gave them to me. I know that I've never seen any like them, before or since.

 

[seedcorn]

boggy, I'm under the understanding that you are correct. I think people get species becoming extinct vs strains w/in a species becoming non-existant. Strains are constantly undergoing changes as those w/them change their mind on what the strain should look like.

Had a working animal geneticist tell me that there is more diversity in a breed than there are between breeds. Where do you think black skin, barbless feathers, feathered legs, etc came from. The genes were there and somebody thought they were of value and selected for them. Why anyone would breed for barbless feathers, black skin, feathered legs (silkies) is beyond me......I kid, I kid.

 

[wifezilla]

Why are domestic breed of livestock and poultry in danger of extinction? Modern agriculture and food production favors the use of a few highly specialized breeds selected for maximum output in intensively controlled environments. Many traditional breeds do not excel under these conditions, so have lost popularity and are faced with extinction.

Why is genetic diversity important? Like all ecological systems, agriculture depends on genetic diversity to adapt to an ever-changing environment. Genetic diversity in domestic animals is revealed in distinct breeds, each with different characteristics and uses.

Traditional, historic breeds retain essential attributes for survival and self-sufficiency fertility, foraging ability, longevity, maternal instincts, ability to mate naturally, and resistance to disease and parasites.

I think this is a very important section.

(And silkies are evil )

 

[vfem]

(And silkies are evil )

And I have to say they are one of the best breeds to never mess with. Though the soul sucking part is hard to ignore.... but I don't miss my soul much when I look into their cute fuzzy faces!