Rare Breed Sheep and Genetic Diversity

Why care about rare breed sheep?

Rare breed animals are important to society as a whole whether you are a fiber artist or just a member of the general public. These animals possess a diverse genetic composition that is going to be lost if we continue to ignore their importance in the world.

Why care about genetic diversity?

Scrapie disease, can wipe out the entire North American sheep population in a matter of months. Imagine the catastrophe that this would cause for our farmers, and our food source considering that all animals infected with Scrapie must be slaughtered along with all animals that have come in to contact with them.

Leicester Longwool Sheep

Rare Breeds are Scrapie Resistant!

The ancient breeds which include the rare breeds of sheep are more resistent to Scrapie disease. It has been discovered that the rare breed sheep seem to have a genetic makeup that makes them disease resistant. Humans can learn from these rare breeds because scientists can study and identify what makes these animals resistant.

Do you want more information on rare breed animals?

Consider the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy as your number one source of accurate information. http://www.albc-usa.org/