Livestock biodiversity is integral to our culture, history,
environment, economy and, most importantly, our future. Thousands
of livestock breeds, from relatively small genetic pools, have
evolved over time to suit particular environments and farming
systems. This is both the result of natural processes and of human
needs for specialized livestock - as our knowledge of
genetics continues to increase we achieve a greater understanding
of how this biodiversity evolved.

This book offers a detailed and comprehensive overview of
livestock biodiversity. It explores the history behind it, shows
how livestock biodiversity can be utilized as animal genetic
resources through breed development and by crossbreeding, examines
the state of world livestock biodiversity today, and emphasizes the
importance of conserving and developing the biodiversity of
livestock.

Special consideration is given to:

* How livestock biodiversity arose and is maintained in
relation to human society

* How it can be used in sustainable agricultural
development

* How it can be conserved for the benefit of present and
future generations

* Why conservation biologists, as well as agriculturists,
should be involved in its protection