Declining breeds of domesticated animals

Endangered species of farm animals

Nature

As farming has become more industrialized and energy-intensive, a small number of breeds have become dominant - specialized animals that respond well to high-energy diets, confined living conditions and intense medical treatment. This specialization develops narrow gene pools which may be susceptible to diseases.

Background

The decline of domesticated animal breeds emerged as a global concern in the mid-20th century, when agricultural modernization and industrial breeding practices led to the replacement of traditional breeds with a few high-yield varieties. International awareness grew following the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity and the 2007 FAO "State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources" report, which documented alarming rates of breed extinction and galvanized efforts to monitor and conserve livestock genetic diversity worldwide.

Incidence

In Canada, Holstein cow stands in 95% of the dairy stalls and there are only six commercial poultry breeds. In UK this century at least 20 breeds of British farm animals have died out.

Claim

Special breeding for rate-of-gain production rates and narrow gene pool may hurt the people if consumers' taste, climatic patterns and diseases change in the future.

Counter-claim

The decline of certain domesticated animal breeds is not an important problem at all. Modern agriculture and food production prioritize efficiency and sustainability, not nostalgia for rare breeds. Resources should be focused on feeding the world and advancing science, not preserving animals that no longer serve a practical purpose. Worrying about declining breeds is a distraction from real issues like hunger, climate change, and public health. Let’s focus on what truly matters.