Using as many different breeds as possible is likely to be the most cost-effective way of conserving and developing the animal gene pool for the future. Sustainable development and conservation are critical elements of FAO's Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources. FAO is now embarking on a major five-year project that will assist countries to evaluate the state of their farm animal genetic resources. It is particularly well adapted to the different climate zones in Madagascar and provides meat and draught power. In Mexico, the Chiapas sheep has been reared for almost 500 years in the highlands of the State of Chiapas.
Indigenous women produce wool for their clothing and for sale.
Sheep are considered sacred, and people do not consume lamb or mutton. In Vietnam, the importance of H'Mong cattle was only discovered in 1997. For many years, these animals have been kept isolated. It is very robust and highly fertile. In the Russian Federation, the Yakut cattle is adapted to the freezing climate in Siberia.