The state of the world's animal genetic resources for food and agriculture

Sustainable management of the world's livestock genetic diversity is of vital importance to agriculture, food production, rural development and the environment. State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is the first global assessment of these resources. Drawing on 169 Country Reports, contributions from a number of international organizations and 12 specially commissioned thematic studies, it presents an analysis of the state of agricultural biodiversity in the livestock sector - origins and development, uses and values, distribution and exchange, risk status and threats - and of capacity to manage these resource - institutions, policies and legal frameworks, structured breeding activities and conservation programmes.Needs and challenges are assessed in the context of the forces driving change in livestock production systems. Tools and methods to enhance the use and development of animal genetic resources are explored in sections on the state of the art in characterization, genetic improvement, economic evaluation and conservation.As well as enabling the preparation of this technical reference document, the State of the World process has led to the formulation of Strategic Priorities for Action for the Sustainable Use, Development and Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The process of policy development for sustainable management is continuing and will provide an agenda for action for the international community.