Today, Portuguese Cachena cattle are limited to a small population in northern Portugal, and while they are well-adapted to the adverse environmental conditions of this mountainous region, they are in a very vulnerable situation.

A socio-economic analysis of the members of the Cachena Breeders' Association showed most to be individual elderly farmers with a worryingly low educational level, mostly with small traditionally managed farms.

The biometric study showed Cachenas to be quite light animals, and small in all three dimensions – indeed, they are the smallest Portuguese breed and one of the smallest in the world. The biometric indices obtained revealed the characteristics of their adaptation to mountain resources.

Financial measures to support Cachena cattle should be considered, oriented through social policies and improvement plans, with a view to developing the current production system, supporting the breeders' association and favouring biological production in order to protect this indigenous breed of limited production potential.

After the war in Kosovo, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank implemented an Emergency Farm Restocking Project, by allocating Simmental, Brown Swiss and Tyrol Grey heifers, 4–7 months pregnant, to farmers at the rate of one per farm. Data was monitored over a period of 14–16 months and the results showed that Brown Swiss had the highest milk production, while Tyrol Grey did worst. However, Tyrol Grey had the shortest service period and also changed the body condition score postpartum less than the other two breeds, making it best fitted of the three, to the extensive environment in Kosovo. Breeds were compared by growth rate, but this comparison was deemed highly inadequate as breeds with a high growth rate normally reach maturity at a high weight, and so need intensive feeding. Considering the extensive production environment in Kosovo, our results suggest that dairy cattle production should be based on a smaller breed, well adapted to the diet offered

La Xisqueta es una raza ovina de orientación cárnica que se localiza mayoritariamente en tres comarcas del N-O de Catalunya (España). Se caracteriza por poseer una coloración centrífuga particular y por ser una raza rústica, perfectamente adaptada a las condiciones trashumantes y pirenaicas. El censo aproximado de xisquetas en pureza lo situamos entre 12 000 y 15 000 hembras reproductoras, habiendo sufrido una importante reducción en las últimas décadas.

La caracterización estructural de las explotaciones de Xisqueta se ha realizado mediante una encuesta, y los resultados se han analizado estadísticamente con el fin de obtener información sobre la distribución poblacional, los sistemas de manejo productivo y reproductivo, la sanidad y otras cuestiones adicionales sobre el entorno social de los ganaderos.

Utilizando como base la información y resultados generados en el presente estudio, se pretende iniciar un programa de conservación de la raza, el cual deberá englobar las marcadas diferencias existentes entre las comarcas de la región. Además, deberá considerarse la elevada media de edad de los ganaderos (52 años como promedio) y el bajo relevo generacional de las explotaciones (<30%), factores que agravan la continuidad del sector ovino en dichas comarcas.

The effect of human intervention on the structure of locally adapted breeds in America is analyzed using the case of a rural community in Patagonia (Argentina) and its goats. The Neuquen Criollo Goat is analyzed focusing on the artificial selection practiced by the local rural community and its effects on the current type's distribution. Goatherd preferences in the selection of replacements were studied by means of a survey (n= 242). The distribution of 634 females of various types was recorded and compared with selection criteria through multivariate techniques. Producers showed clear grounds for the selection of their animals, size, conformation, hair type and coat color being the criteria most frequently cited. Most producers (84%) used at least two criteria to choose their replacements. Differences of criteria and phenotypes between areas were significant, as was the correlation between Chi-squared distances matrix on both data sets (r=0.78), showing the influence of human intervention on the breed's shape. Directional selection, practiced by rural communities in marginal areas, was the main factor of microevolution in this Criollo goat population, and probably in other Criollo populations in America.

Attappady Black goats are found exclusively in Attappady, an isolated hilly region of Kerala, India. A survey on these goats was carried out in the breeding tract for the purposes of breed characterization. The total population of Attappady Blacks in the area was estimated to be 9351, which represented only 40% of the total goat population in the area. These goats are reared mainly by the tribes of Attappady and maintained on an extensive grazing system. The animals are black in colour with bronze coloured eyes. Ears are medium in length (13.5 cm) drooping over the lateral side of the face. Horns are present in both males and females and they are curved laterally upwards and backwards. Tassels are present in some animals. Their tail is of a bunchy type and curved. The average body length, height at withers, height at rump, chest girth and paunch girth of these goats in the adult stage were found to be 67±0.8, 80±0.8, 76±0.8, 71±1.3, 75±1.3 cm, in males and 63±0.4, 69±0.4, 71±0.3, 69±0.4, 75±0.3 cm in females, respectively. Adult males above 18 months of age weigh on average 35±1.1 kg and females weigh 31±0.4 kg. Attappady Blacks are reared for meat purposes.

This study was carried out on 2 309 households in 60 villages with the objective of documenting the performance of Mecheri sheep in their native environment. The study revealed that Mecheri sheep were distributed in Salem, Erode, Karur, Namakkal and parts of Dharmapuri districts of Tamil Nadu. This tract lies in the north-western agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu and the climate is generally hot, semi-arid and tropical in nature.

The average flock size of Mecheri sheep was 24, of which, there were 1 ram, 17 ewes and 6 lambs. Mecheri sheep of medium size with a compact body and covered with short hairs, which are not shorn. They are light brown in colour. Their profile reveals a slightly Roman nose. Both males and females are polled. The pooled means for height at withers, chest girth and body length at above 24 months of age were 67±0.4, 74±0.4 and 66±0.4 cm, respectively. The body weight of the animals at birth 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age was 2.82±0.01, 10.9±0.1, 15.6±0.1, 17.6±0.2 and 21.1±0.1, kg respectively. The dressing percentage of males and females was 54.4±0.4 and 51.8±0.5, respectively. Average ages at first oestrus, mating and lambing were 12.1±0.1, 12.4±0.1 and 17.4±0.1 months, respectively. The average lambing interval was 226±0.7 days and the average litter size was one.

A conservation scheme for local poultry breeds from the Veneto region (Italy), the Co.Va. (Conservazione e Valorizzazione di Razze Avicole Locali Venete - Conservation and valorisation of local poultry genetic resources of Veneto region) project began in 2000 with finance provided by the Veneto Region. This project involved four organic farms located in different areas (mountain, hill and plain) in the region. The local chicken breeds included in the project were the Robusta Maculata, Robusta Lionata, Ermellinata di Rovigo, Pépoi and Padovana; the local duck breeds were the Germana Veneta and Mignon; the local turkey breeds were the Bronzato Comune and Ermellinato di Rovigo; and the local guinea fowl breed was the Camosciata. All breeds are dual-purpose breeds and are utilized for meat and egg production. The Department of Animal Science of the University of Padova planned a marker-assisted conservation scheme based on the maintenance and multiplication of these breeds within their production system (in situ conservation scheme). The objectives of the farmers involved in this project were to use these genotypes to generate typical regional products for local markets, to support the development of economically marginal areas through the revaluation of local breeds and to allow the preservation of animal biodiversity.

Nili Ravi buffaloes are native to the Ferozepur, Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab. A systematic survey was conducted in this area to study the socio-economic status of the farmers, and the demographic distribution and breed characteristics of Nili Ravi buffaloes. The majority of the farmers surveyed (84%) kept buffaloes. About 34 % of buffalo farmers were landless. Average land holdings were 1.50 hectares. Animals were provided with separate houses. The buffaloes were tied most of the time and fed chaffed fodder. Natural service was mainly practiced for the breeding of animals. Very few buffaloes had typical Nili Ravi characters (all extremities white). Most of the Nili Ravi type buffaloes now available have white markings on the forehead and hind legs only, and some have wall eyes i.e. eyes with a whitish iris. Average daily milk yield was 6.67 kg in a lactation period of 8–9 months. Nili Ravi type buffaloes constituted only 10.8 %, 8.7 % and 14 % of total buffaloes surveyed in Ferozepur, Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts, respectively. The estimated population of these buffaloes was about 0.2 million. The population of Nili Ravi is declining because of the non-availability of typical Nili Ravi bulls and non-marketability of Nili Ravi type (2–3 white extremities) animals.

Indigenous pigs in Tanzania are descendants of earlier European introductions. However, a lack of systematic breeding plans, poor husbandry practices, genetic drift and possibly mutation have led to pigs of varied phenotypes. A study undertaken in Mbeya region showed that the predominant management system practised was free ranging and occasionally tethering. The average mature body weights for boars and sows were 57.4 kg and 54 kg, respectively. Coat colour varied, but the predominant colours were white (28%), black and white (24%), and solid black (19.8%). The majority (78%) of pigs had droopy ears and such pigs were found to be significantly (P<0.01) heavier with a longer trunk and increased body length when compared with those with erect ears. Other features included a long and straight face and a short curled tail. The overall mean birth weight was 0.9 kg while the mean weaning weight was 10.8 kg. The average litter size for local pigs was 6.6 piglets and litter size at weaning was 4.3 piglets. Locally raised pigs served a number of functions including among others, income, provision of meat, cooking fat and manure.

A breed of pig with distinctive productive and reproductive characteristics has been identified in the eastern Sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal state, India and adjoining Nepal. The breed is known as Ghoongroo (meaning anklet in the local language). The breed is most prevalent within 88° E to 90° E longitudes and 26.3° N to 27.3° N latitudes. Two distinct climates viz., cold moist and hot humid are observed during the year. Farmers manage the animals both under stall-feeding and stall-feeding-cum-grazing systems. Simple housing principally made up of bamboo and jute stick is used with an emphasis on giving protection from the rain.

The population in the breeding tract varies depending on market demand. Generally, the population varies from 8 000 to 10 0000. Pigs are black in colour with a compact body, long thick coarse hair, a long tail and an upwardly curved snout. The face is broad and flattened with large, heart shaped ear resembling that of an elephant. Average litter size at birth is11.92±0.06 and a litter size of up to eighteen is not uncommon on a low to medium plane of nutrition. Body weights at birth, five months and one year of age are 1.08±0.22, 38.91± 1.49 and 106.3±0.31 kg respectively, irrespective of sex.

This unique germ plasma has the potential to replace exotic breeds from temperate zones currently used in improved pig production programs. However the breed is under constant threat due to indiscriminate crossbreeding with other varieties. Thus the immediate implementation of conservation and improvement programs is essential to salvage the breed.