The Rare Breeds Survival Trust was founded in 1973 as a national charity (reg. no. 269442) for the conservation and promotion of the UK’s rare breeds of native farm livestock, including poultry, in response to the perilously low numbers of certain breeds. 26 breeds had become extinct between 1900 and 1973 and even today there are still over 90 breeds at risk which need RBST’s support.
After the Second World War farmers followed government guidance to keep livestock which produced more meat and milk and which matured more quickly to killing weight. Some native breeds could not compete with the yields of the continental breeds and they fell out of fashion. Yet our native breeds are strongly linked to our cultural identity and history; many are named from the regions they came from such as the Norfolk Horn sheep and the Suffolk horse. More importantly, these breeds make a vital contribution to the genetic diversity within UK farm livestock, thus reducing the industry’s exposure to the risk of disease and enhancing its ability to respond to the challenges of developing sustainable livestock production systems.
As pressure on land use grows, agriculture will need animals less selective in their grazing habits and capable of withstanding the harsher conditions of upland grazing. Native breeds can help to meet this need as they are particularly well-adapted to their local environment.
Extinction is for keeps – there are no second chances and some breeds have fewer than 150 adult breeding females remaining. It costs over £700,000 a year to fund our vital conservation work and any support you can give would be very much appreciated.
Visit the RBST website to make a donation or become a member; members receive a quarterly newsletter about the world of rare breeds conservation. Alternatively, send us your support by mobile phone: text RBST11 and your donation amount to 70070 eg RBST11 £5.
