Heritage Breeds

Heritage breeds are traditional, oftentimes rare or endangered, livestock that existed before industrial agriculture took hold. They have a long history of being in the United States (since at least 1925) and have been carefully selected and bred over time to develop traits that made them highly adaptive to their local environment, natural disease resistance, and well-suited for pasture-based systems. Conventional industrial methods usually focus on a bloodline with the highest production (rapid growth, continuous milk or egg production, etc.) which often does not take into account other aspects that the line can provide.

Heritage breeders also select their animals for specific characteristics, but with other biologically important factors in mind such as hardiness, self-reliance, mothering skills, foraging skills, and they also must have the ability to reproduce naturally (as opposed to relying on artificial insemination).

The Livestock Conservancy

The Livestock Conservancy is a national non-profit organization. Since 1977, The Livestock Conservancy's mission has been to protect rare and endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction. The Livestock Conservancy conducts and provides research, education, outreach, marketing and promotion, and genetic rescues to help ensure the future of rare breed agriculture. 

Heritage Species include Cattle, Chickens, Donkeys, Ducks, Goats, Geese, Horses, Pigs, Rabbits, Sheep, Turkeys.

To learn more visit:
The Livestock Conservancy
Heritage Radio Network
SVF Foundation

(Not Affiliated; For Education Purposes Only)

Click here for a downloadable list of references used.