Heritage breeds may still have future potential

Rebecca Lange, president of Heritage Livestock Canada, is all-too-familiar with the adage, “if it works, it’s line breeding. If it doesn’t, it’s inbreeding.”

“Genetic diversity is our biggest challenge,” she says.

Lange says her organization connects breeders worldwide to help them bring in new genetics, including semen, embryos or live animals.

“We rely on producers and breeders to take the initiative and let us know what their needs are,” says Lange.

Currently, breeders in Canada and the United States are working with the conservation organization to import semen for a list of endangered sheep from the United Kingdom.

Some might question why producers should care if some of these ancient breeds disappear.

“Climate change,” says Lange.