Raising rare breeds: domestication, extinction and meat in the Anthropocene

The livestock industry’s favouring of a small number of modern commercial breeds has resulted in the extinction of over nine per cent of livestock breeds globally, with at least 1000 more breeds currently at risk (IPBES 2019). Yet, the heritage breeds under threat possess valuable qualities, including hardiness, pest and disease resistance, and environmental adaptability, which may prove invaluable in the changing climatic conditions we are facing. Recognising this, a subset of farmers is working to conserve animal genetic diversity by building niche markets for the meat, fibre, dairy and eggs of endangered breeds. 

Through the first nationwide qualitative study of rare-breed farming, this project will produce fine-grained data on farmers' values and practices, while raising awareness of the challenges they face in their critical conservation work. The project's findings are expected to provide innovative perspectives on human-animal relations and meat consumption in contemporary Australia. 

Benefits to rare-breed farmers and the Australian community are anticipated through determining how the genetic diversity of Australia's livestock can best be supported for a food-secure future.