Food systems

Genetic improvement and conservation of local cattle breeds and local fodder plants

Brief description of the project

While many breeding initiatives focus on improving the productivity of livestock, the erosion of genetic resources is often overlooked. These resources are already threatened by uncontrolled crossbreeding and are crucial for the adaptation of local food systems to climate change and for sustainable production. The aim of this project was therefore to conserve animal and plant genetic resources and thus improve the resilience, income and food security of livestock farmers and the sustainability of the local food system.

Project goals

• Maintaining and improving the production capacity of local cattle breeds and strategically important fodder plant species.
• Stabilization of the production performance of animals resulting from crossbreeding with exotic cattle breeds.
• Improving the environmental performance of livestock farming and raising awareness of climate-friendly livestock farming in order to reduce its impact on climate change, counteract desertification and halt biodiversity loss.