Heritage Breeds of livestock are in good hands across Canada

By Jane Morrigan, M.Sc., P.Ag.

Champions of genetic diversity in livestock gathered forces in Debert, NS on Oct 22nd and 23rd at the conference, “Heritage Breeds and Heirloom Seeds”. On the “livestock side”, every presenter made a passionate pitch for the benefits of maintaining and conserving rare breeds of cattle, poultry, sheep and pigs. Committed to the principle of the “past strengthening our future”, presenters and participants alike waxed eloquent over the joys and tribulations of being involved in the world of livestock outside of the mainstream. Farmers exchanged experiences and tips with presenters, most of whom were farmers themselves, in a refreshing participatory format that acknowledged the value of “on the farm” experiences.

Dr. Dian Patterson started the session off with an informative overview of what she called, “genetic erosion” by which only scant numbers of available species of plants and animals are currently used in industrial agriculture, to the detriment of genetic diversity. For instance, of the 60,000 vertebrate species of animals existing in the world today, only 30 are domesticated and of that only 14 species provide 90% of human food of animal origin. To make matters worse, there are also very few breeds within each domesticated species. For example, within Sus domesticus (pigs), only three breeds (Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc) account for almost all the pork produced in the world. The loss of variability within each species is important, she explained, because it means less adaptability to changing environmental circumstances such as global warming, and susceptibility to disease. She encouraged rare breed enthusiasts to avoid small isolated herds or flocks, by exchanging breeding stock with other breeders and using a rotational system within the herd/flock to avoid in-breeding. “The more you mix them, the better”. Cross-breeding is another effective strategy for conserving genetic diversity, Dr. Patterson stated, as well as developing niche markets for breeding stock and meat/fibre products.

Bev Davis came all the way from her Saskatchewan farm to treat the attentive audience to a rousing and intensely informative discussion about heritage sheep production. A breeder of Cotswolds herself, she discussed the advantages of several breeds, including Shetlands, Oxfords, Romneys, Horned Dorsets, North Country Cheviots, Border Cheviots, Ramboulets and Shropshires. “There is no best breed – it’s a personal choice”, she said. She spoke with a clear pragmatism also, advising breeders to select a breed that matches well with the local environment, and that will be economically viable in the local market. She said, “Having pets will not conserve the breed” and promoted the concept of “good food for a good dollar”.

Doug Law, a breeder of Berkshire, Tamworth and Large Black pigs, spoke about heritage swine production. He advised breeders to “use good livestock to produce good pedigrees…instead of the other way around”, to cull strongly for any defects, and select for vigour. “Breeding is a creative process”, he said, and emphasized Bev Davis’s earlier point that “you’re not going to conserve a breed if you have no market”.

Other presenters also gave a sterling endorsement of the joys and opportunities of raising rare breeds of livestock. Bob Ottenbrite of Grass Roots Farm in Mt. Uniacke, NS is breathing new life into old breeds of poultry, swine, sheep and cattle with marketing and business skills he shares with his wife, Jane Smith. Sue Cheeseman of Pinnacle Farms in Roslin, NS breeds Red Poll cattle and takes their welfare very seriously. Tina Davies of Emmerdale Eden Farm in PEI is a former dairy farmer who lately has been breeding Horned Dorset sheep, Large Black pigs, Barred Rock laying hens and Shire horses. She advised small holders to watch their pennies and pay attention to the real costs of producing niche products.

For young and old, experienced folks and “newbie’s” alike, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie and support. Less interested in forming clubs for individual breeds, by the end of the conference the participants expressed a strong collective desire to find ways to stay connected and strengthen ties that were made at the conference. If the enthusiasm displayed by the participants is any indication of the health of the conservation movement to protect rare breeds and promote the diversity of livestock breeding, then it’s easy to conclude that heritage breeds are in good hands in Canada.

Jane Morrigan, M.Sc., P.Ag., has been a breeder of purebred Jersey, Belted Galloway and Tarentaise cattle in Pictou County, NS. She is the Website Coordinator for the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC), as well as an instructor at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC). She welcomes your comments or questions through oacc@nsac.ca or by calling (902) 893-7256.

 

Posted January 2009

Français