World watch list for domestic animal diversity, 3rd ed 2000

World food production and agriculture utlize only a few animal species, within which many breeds with unique characteristics have developed over time. This handbook serves as a tool for developing plans of actions to conserve and safeguard the irreplaceable diversity present in the gene pools of the farm animal breeds of the world today. Global action must be taken to ensure the survival of a diverse range of farm animal genetic resources. In the drive to realize Food for All, the necessary sustainable intensification of farming systems must also provide for the further development of breed which are already highly adapted to the world's food and agriculture production environments.