Remarkable biodiversity

French regional diversity

France is home to over 70 cattle, sheep and goat breeds that are stewarded under either selection or conservation programmes. The genetic diversity found in French livestock is a reflection of the diversity in France’s myriad local regions. This biodiversity has been forged by the range of environmental conditions combined with successive waves of political and economic history, along with the efforts of grassroots livestock keepers.

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Diversity of cattle breeds

Led by 12 main breeds, France counts some of the world’s most intensively-farmed high-producer breeds alongside breeds that are well-adapted to tough farming conditions. France is also home to 6 world-renowned specialized beef breeds and 3 more hardy breeds that are widely exploited for their maternal traits. A further 13 minor breeds are managed under conservation programmes.

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Diversity of meat sheep breeds

In areas centred on cereal crop production or grassland areas offering good forage potential, the northern half of France is home to 8 specialized meat sheep breeds that typically produce heavy top-gain market lambs. In the south of France, 15 hardy breeds ensure sheep farming can remain competitive despite the rugged production conditions (climate, topography, nutrient-poor forage).

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Diversity of dairy sheep and goat breeds

In southern France, 4 dairy sheep breeds offer a broad panel of different traits adapted to different farming environments (plainland, foothills, high-altitude upland). In the centre-west and south-east, French herds are primarily composed of 2 high-producing goat breeds, while a further 5 hardy minor breeds are being managed under conservation programmes.

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