Major Economic Contribution Domestic farm animals are crucial for food and agriculture, providing 30 to 40 percent of the agricultural sector's global economic value. Meat, milk and egg production will need to more than double over the next 20 years to feed the growing world population. The situation facing bird breeds is even more serious. The total percentage of breeds at risk of loss increased from 51 percent in 1995 to 63 percent in 1999. Domestic animal diversity is unique and cannot be replaced.
Extinction is forever.
The greatest threat to domestic animal diversity is the export of animals from developed to developing countries, which often leads to crossbreeding or even replacement of local breeds. In developing countries, breeds from the industrialized world are considered more productive. In many countries, there are also no market incentives for farmers to use local breeds. Despite their advantages, these breeds have a negative image because they are not considered as productive as those from developed countries. As a result, they are economically undervalued.