The state of the world's animal genetic resources for food and agriculture
By: [prepared and coordinated by Barbara Rischkowsky ; with the assistance of Dafydd Pilliing].
Contributors: Pilling, Dafydd.; Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Publisher: Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Rome
Language: eng
Number of pages: 511
ISBN-13: 9789251057629
Subjects: Germplasm resources, Animal
Description: Sustainable management of the world's livestock genetic diversity is of vital importance to agriculture, food production, rural development and the environment. This publication is the first global assessment of these resources. Drawing on 169 Country Reports, contributions from a number of international organizations and 12 specially commissioned thematic studies, it presents an analysis of the state of agricultural biodiversity in the livestock sector - origins and development, uses and values, distribution and exchange, risk status and threats - and of capacity to manage these resources - institutions, policies and legal frameworks, structured breeding activities and conservation programs. Needs and challenges are assessed in the context of the forces driving change in livestock production systems. Tools and methods to enhance the use and development of animal genetic resources are explored in sections on the state of the art in characterization, genetic improvement, economic evaluation and conservation. As well providing a technical reference document, the country-based preparation of "The State of the World" has led to a process of policy development and a "Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources", which once adopted, will provide an agenda for action by the international community.--Publisher's description.
Notes: Corrigendum slip laid in.

Includes bibliographical references.