Characterization of Small Ruminant Breeds in Central Asia and the Caucasus

Abstract

This volume is the third in a series on the characterization of small ruminants. The first two volumes covered West Asia and North Africa. The series aims to lay the foundation for designing strategies for the sustainable management of animal diversity in this region. The characterization focuses on market opportunities as drivers of further change that could lead to the conservation or, conversely, the disappearance of breeds. The study concludes that with a few exceptions, native genetic resources are not at severe risk. It also suggests avenues to ensure the appropriate management of these resources in the future. With this in view, ICARDA is currently engaged in several countries in the development of community-based breeding programs, with the direct participation of farmers, to manage and improve indigenous breeds. This volume is expected to serve not only the scientific community but also academics, students, development projects, governments, and ultimately farm communities and farmers’ associations, in looking at avenues for maintaining and improving the region’s animal diversity.