D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, Jeannette Beranger, and Alison Martin are all experts associated with The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and promoting rare breeds of livestock. Founded in 1977 through the efforts of livestock breed enthusiasts concerned about the disappearance of many of the US's heritage livestock breeds, the Livestock Conservancy was the pioneer livestock preservation organization in the United States and remains a leading organization in that field. It has initiated programs that have saved multiple breeds from extinction, and it works closely with similar organizations in other countries, including Rare Breeds Canada.

Jeannette Beranger is an expert associated with The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and promoting rare breeds of livestock. Founded in 1977 through the efforts of livestock breed enthusiasts concerned about the disappearance of many of the U.S.'s heritage livestock breeds, The Livestock Conservancy was the pioneer livestock preservation organization in the United States and remains a leading organization in that field. It has initiated programs that have saved multiple breeds from extinction, and it works closely with similar organizations in other countries, including Rare Breeds Canada. She is the co-author of An Introduction to Heritage Breeds.

D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, Jeannette Beranger, and Alison Martin are all experts associated with The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and promoting rare breeds of livestock. Founded in 1977 through the efforts of livestock breed enthusiasts concerned about the disappearance of many of the US's heritage livestock breeds, the Livestock Conservancy was the pioneer livestock preservation organization in the United States and remains a leading organization in that field. It has initiated programs that have saved multiple breeds from extinction, and it works closely with similar organizations in other countries, including Rare Breeds Canada.

Introduction

What Heritage Breeds Are and Why They Matter

Chapter One

Some Background on Breeds

Chapter Two

How Heritage Breeds Fit into Landscapes and Farms

Chapter Three

Which Species Is Right for You?

Chapter Four

Getting Started with Heritage Breeds

Chapter Five

Basic Breed Maintenance

Chapter Six

Choosing a Heritage Breed Project for Your Farm

Chapter Seven

The Art and Science of Breeding

Chapter Eight

Rescues of Breeds, Strains, and Animals

Chapter Nine

Boost Your Participation by Joining with Others

Conclusion

Heritage Breeds: A  Future for You and for Agriculture

Appendix

Breeds at a Glance

Rabbits

Chickens

Ducks

Geese

Turkeys

Goats

Sheep

Pigs

Cattle

Horses

Donkeys (Asses)

Glossary

Resources

Index

This inviting, visual guide to the world of heritage livestock explains why conserving heritage breeds is important, how to raise the profiled species (including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, donkeys, and horses), and who are the people working to preserve these breeds.