ILRI e-newsletter

September 2007 Volume 02: Issue 04
Special Issue: Focus on Animal Genetic Resources

The Time Is Now
Global: The world’s first Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources was agreed at a recent a conference in Interlaken, Switzerland (3–7 September). Find out more about what needs to be done now, before it is too late >>>

Top Stories

A 'livestock meltdown' is occurring
as hardy African, Asian, and Latin American farm animals face extinction

Global: ILRI, Nairobi (3 September 2007)—A ‘livestock meltdown’ is occurring as hardy African, Asian and Latin American farm animals face extinction. ILRI scientists are calling for the rapid establishment of livestock genebanks to conserve indigenous breeds Learn more about the livestock meltdown and why conserving animal genetic resources matters >>>

FAQs about saving
livestock genetic resources

Global: Why is genetic diversity important in livestock? Why can’t we save all domesticated livestock breeds and populations? What urgent actions need to be taken? Find answers to frequently asked questions about livestock genetic resources >>>

The 'big five' African vintage cows

Africa: We are losing the genetic resources locked up in the world’s domesticated livestock at an unprecedented rate. Find out more about five of Africa’s unique livestock breeds and why they are so precious >>>

Protecting breeds for people

Global: Animal genetic resources are a key tool for coping with change in the livestock sector. Four strategies are proposed to help conserve them: 1. Keep it on the hoof; 2. Move it or lose it; 3. Match breeds with environments; and 4. Put some in the bank. Find out more about these strategies >>>

Presentation

Global: View a presentation on 'Dynamics of livestock production systems, drivers of change and prospects for animal genetics resources' delivered by ILRI’s director general during The First International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture 3–7 September 2007, Interlaken, Switzerland.

Hardy African Livestock Breeds

Slideshow:
Indigenous African breeds are showcased in this slide show, including the iconic Ankole cattle and the endangered Sheko cattle. Only some 2400 Sheko remain alive today. They are believed to be the last remnants of Africa’s original humpless shorthorn cattle, which were probably first domesticated in eastern Africa. Visit the ILRI homepage to view the slide show>>>

Opinion Article

ILRI director general, Carlos Seré, responds to an August 2007 New York Times article about animal rights groups promoting vegetarianism as an answer to global warming. Find out what he had to say >>>

Events

1 –7 Sep 07
1st International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources Interlaken, Switzerland

9 –10 Oct 07
Regional workshop on Strengthening Research Collaboration in Asia-Pacific Hyderabad, India

8–9 Nov 07
John Vercoe Conference
Nairobi, Kenya

Full calendar of livestock events in 2007

Keep colleagues up to date with what's happening in livestock for development by forwarding this e-news to them.

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