The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), through the National Research Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (CENARGEN), created the National Research Programme for Genetic Resources in 1974, but at that time only plant resources were included. A few years ago, the need for conservation of animal genetic resources in Brazil became clear, and the lack of necessary documentation and evaluation was recognized. Finally, in 1981, CENARGEN decided to include animal genetic resources in its Research Programme. In the case ofcattle, actions are being taken to save the “Criollo” before it is too late as it is rapidly disappearing by indiscriminate crossbreeding. There is already considerable information on the “'local” livestock breeds, strains and varieties in Brazil. A number of these breeds, strains or varieties that are in danger of extinction have been identified, and are being documented and specifically evaluated, particularly to determine if they possess any unique or special inherited characteristic that would warrant their conservation. Until such evaluation is completed, steps are being taken to ensure preservation of these populations. More recently, the programme ineluded other species such as: buffaloes, pigs, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys.

Cette note décrit l'action entreprise dans le Sud-Ouest de la France par la Région Midi-Pyrénées pour la conservation des races d'animaux domestiques en voie d'extinction. Leur association avec leur terroir d'origine et des systèmes d' élevage non intensifiés pour aboutir à des produits typés de qualité, identifiables par les consommateurs, constitue aujourd'hui un nouvel atout économique dans le cadre d'une politique de diversification des débouchés de l'agriculture.

We have worked with the endangered Andalusian minor breeds. The priorities for the conservation of these breeds have been thoroughly studied. The following factors: antiquity and history of the breed, the number of existing strains or ecotypes, lhe actual number, their ecological and sociological interest, the present genetic status, and their productive importance, have been taken into account in the priority evaluation.

We are presenting the results obtained using our own polarographic method for the evaluation of priorities (priority index). With these data we establish three categories between the studied Andalusian breeds, and at thesame time we propose the most suitable measures for the conservation of each of these categories.

This artiele traces the evolution of one-humped camel {C. dromedarius) breeds in India and describes the social and historical factors that contributed to their formation. In India a number of distinct breeds developed from the breeding herds maintained by the Maharajahs of Rajputana for supplying camels for desert warfare. After a summary of the literature, details are provided on the characteristics and historical background of the individual breeds or types. The threats to the continued existence of these breeds and their genetic diversity are also evaluated.

Se presenta el medio, censo y características morfológicas de la raza Rasa Aragonesa, ovino español situado en la cuenca media del río Ebro. Se exponen igualmente sus caracteres productivos (reproducción, pesos, crecimientos y producción de leche) y sus sistemas de explotación, finalizando eon los planes de mejora por selección y cruzamiento.

The Lipizzaner is one of Europe's most ancient breeds; its history goes back to the early 16th century The original stock came from the North of Italy and Spain; six male lines introduced in the second half of the 18th century and the early 19th century, from Naples, the Austro-Hungarian empire, Denmark and Arabia upgraded the breed to its actual standard. The Italian national stud of Montemaggiore is perpetrating the Lipizzaner tradition. The horses are kept under extensive grazing conditions and all six “families” (Napolitano,Conversaro, Favory, Pluto, Maestoso and Siglavy) are present.