Selective breeding threatening cattle diversity, researchers say
“Preserving them is not just about heritage – it is about equipping agriculture with the tools it needs to face the future.” - Dr Matt Hegarty.
A new study has explored how selective breeding and intensive agricultural practices could be threatening cattle diversity.
Researchers from Aberystwyth University say that these genetics are essential to keep farming sustainable, especially in regards to climate change and shifting global demands.
Traditional cattle herds will often carry unique genetic profiles. This provides them with resilience against diseases, advantages in fertility and makes them more adaptable to challenging environments.
Scientists warn that losing traditional cattle populations would mean losing these irreplaceable traits. They say that these traits could help generations of farmers to face global challenges.
The study include examples from Ayrshire, Jersey and Hereford herds, where the traditional populations are distinct from modern counterparts.
These herds are also smaller, less intensively managed, and more closely linked to their environments.
Researchers say this makes them vital for conservation and future breeding strategies. They describe this as a ‘cultural responsibility and a practical necessity’.
They also call for more genomic surveys for breeds for which the ancestral populations exist. This would mean the diversity is documented and available for use in the future.
Kardelan Oya Temiz, one of the researchers, said: “By studying and conserving these traditional herds, we can safeguard traits such as disease resistance, fertility, and adaptability to harsh environments. These qualities may prove essential as farmers and breeders respond to climate change, shifting consumer demands, and the need for more sustainable farming practices.
“If we lose these populations, we risk losing irreplaceable genetic resources that could help secure the future of livestock farming.”
Dr Matt Hegarty, a senior lecturer in the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University, added: “Modern agriculture has achieved remarkable gains in efficiency and output, but it has also narrowed the genetic base of many breeds. This narrowing makes herds more vulnerable to disease, environmental stress, and changing market conditions. Traditional breeds offer us a chance to reintroduce resilience and adaptability into cattle populations.
“Preserving them is not just about heritage – it is about equipping agriculture with the tools it needs to face the future.”
The full study can be found in the journal Science Direct.
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