EGM on SDG 2: Sophie Aylmer Statement

Sophie Aylmer

Head of Policy for Farm Animals & Nutrition, Four Paws & NGO Major Group

 

Session 5: SDG 2.5 - Maintain Genetic Diversity

A high genetic diversity in farmed animals forms the basis for environmental suitability, climate tolerance, disease resistance, fitness, and fertility, as well as the qualitative and quantitative performance of breeds.

The trend of breeding for extreme production and/or physical traits, such as high yield or fast growth, has led to the homogenisation of the genetic pool of farm animals in many countries. Genetic proximity in animal populations leads to less robust immune systems, rendering animals more susceptible to disease [1]. 

Contagious disease can dramatically affect farmers’ incomes, impacts nutritional and food security and can impact global markets, for example if all animals need to be culled [2].  

Importing highly productive Holstein Cows from Europe into hot climates to which they are not adapted will negatively impact animal welfare and health and thus milk and meat yield. These breeds have poor fertility and shorter lifespans [3] so put in sub-optimal conditions, they are a poor investment [4].  

Farming systems may be constrained by the lack of quality and available feed for these high energy expending breeds, feed resources that could be otherwise used for alleviating hunger and wealth inequity.

Traditional autochthonous breeds are more adapted to regional conditions and indigenous fodder, and this goes hand in hand with local knowledge. Sahelian ruminants have a genetic potential adapted to pastoral practices, best suited to conditions of extreme heat and dryness, and can adjust to a wide range of plants. They can also provide ecosystem services such as prevention of wildfires [5]. 

Adopting and implementing policies that reorientate the genetic selection of livestock away from extreme productivity in favour of slower-growing and dual-purpose animal breeds brings additional co-benefits.

A cooperation of dairy farmers in central France uses EU geographical labelling schemes to protect their local products and preserve their local breeds. The product register [6] specifies both environmental, animal welfare and breed standards that must be implemented by farmers ensuring for premium, high-value and local products.

References

[1] Espinosa R, Tago D, Treich N. Infectious Diseases and Meat Production. Environ Resour Econ (Dordr). 2020;76(4):1019-1044. doi: 10.1007/s10640-020-00484-3. Epub 2020 Aug 4. PMID: 32836843; PMCID: PMC7399585

[2] Kappes A, Tozooneyi T, Shakil G, Railey AF, McIntyre KM, Mayberry DE, Rushton J, Pendell DL, Marsh TL. Livestock health and disease economics: a scoping review of selected literature. Front Vet Sci. 2023 Sep 19;10:1168649. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1168649. PMID: 37795016; PMCID: PMC10546065.

[3] EFSA (2009). Scientific Opinion on the overall effects of farming systems on dairy cow welfare and disease. The EFSA Journal 1143, 1-38. Available online: https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1143.

[4] Moran, John, CSIRO. 2012, Managing high grade dairy cows in the tropics / John Moran. CSIRO Publishing Collingwood, Vic.

[5] Pastoral landscapes in the Sahel: a carbon balance with unexpected potential for climate change mitigation (cirad.fr)

[6] https://ec.europa.eu/geographical-indications-register/eambrosia-public-api/api/v1/attachments/59576