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An Introduction to Heritage Breeds: Saving and Raising Rare-Breed Livestock and Poultry
Developed for the particular needs of the working farm, heritage breeds have proved invaluable to small-scale agricultural production for centuries. This comprehensive guide explains why conserving heritage breeds remains important and how they often can be a better choice for the modern farmer than conventional animals. With profiles of heritage poultry, sheep, cattle, and more, you’ll learn how to select and successfully raise the breed that is right for your specific needs. Enjoy the benefits of resilient livestock while preserving genetic diversity for future generations.
239 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 16, 2024
A great mix of historical, philosophical, practical, and theoretical insights into heritage breeds from a conservation perspective.
October 23, 2015
I ordered this book after reading several interesting articles last Thanksgiving about the heritage breed turkey movement. As someone with a casual background in farming, I was looking to learn about heritage breeds of livestock and poultry and what their appeal might be. This book did not disappoint.
This book provides a solid foundation in explaining what heritage breeds are (think of them as somewhat analogous to the very trendy "heirloom vegetables" that are frequently referenced on food and cooking shows), the movement to preserve them, and the advantages of heritage breeds in post-industrial agriculture. The material reads like a middle school science textbook-- which is perfect for gaining a quick survey understanding of the topic. The "profiles" of various breeds are especially helpful, and the only disappointment in the book is that the compilation of these infographics is not more comprehensive (though I believe the Livestock Conservancy has much more in depth information and pictures for most of the breeds referenced in the book, including those without a profile page). I would have also liked to have seen a more robust glossary in the appendix for quick and easy reference to some of the terms used through the text.
One interesting thing to note are some of the anecdotes not just about the breeds but the breeders themselves-- how sometimes a breed has been rescued by a few dedicated individuals. It really provides a sense of how small the community is or has been in preserving some breeds from extinction. In a related sense, I appreciated the authors very diplomatic caveat at the end warning the casual hobbyist about getting involved in heritage breeds-- in short, your interest is appreciated, but please have an exit strategy if raising heritage breed animals is not for you so that invaluable genetic resources for these breeds-- some on the very brink of extinction-- is not lost forever.
As more and more people try to understand where exactly their food comes from and turn to locally-sourced farm products, I predict the interest and demand for heritage breed livestock and poultry will grow; this book serves as a great primer for anyone interested in hobby farming, food, or animals in general.
This book provides a solid foundation in explaining what heritage breeds are (think of them as somewhat analogous to the very trendy "heirloom vegetables" that are frequently referenced on food and cooking shows), the movement to preserve them, and the advantages of heritage breeds in post-industrial agriculture. The material reads like a middle school science textbook-- which is perfect for gaining a quick survey understanding of the topic. The "profiles" of various breeds are especially helpful, and the only disappointment in the book is that the compilation of these infographics is not more comprehensive (though I believe the Livestock Conservancy has much more in depth information and pictures for most of the breeds referenced in the book, including those without a profile page). I would have also liked to have seen a more robust glossary in the appendix for quick and easy reference to some of the terms used through the text.
One interesting thing to note are some of the anecdotes not just about the breeds but the breeders themselves-- how sometimes a breed has been rescued by a few dedicated individuals. It really provides a sense of how small the community is or has been in preserving some breeds from extinction. In a related sense, I appreciated the authors very diplomatic caveat at the end warning the casual hobbyist about getting involved in heritage breeds-- in short, your interest is appreciated, but please have an exit strategy if raising heritage breed animals is not for you so that invaluable genetic resources for these breeds-- some on the very brink of extinction-- is not lost forever.
As more and more people try to understand where exactly their food comes from and turn to locally-sourced farm products, I predict the interest and demand for heritage breed livestock and poultry will grow; this book serves as a great primer for anyone interested in hobby farming, food, or animals in general.
July 4, 2014
I never really thought too much about heritage breeds until I read this book. In its pages, you'll discover fascinating details about the San Clemente goat, a century old breed featuring black and tan long hair, which is now listed on the critical list, and Cotton Patch goose, which lives in the Cotton Belt of the United States and weeds our cotton fields, and has provided us with traditional Christmas goose roasts - that is until it went on the critical list, too.
Ever see a male Bourbon Red turkey with his feathers fluffed out in a full fan regalia? This Kentucky native can reach up to 33 pounds and his white and brown feathers and flaming red crop will make you shake your head in awe. Even the basic American rabbit that makes its home in California is now threatened, the impressive American Cream Draft horse, which can reach up to a ton in weight, is listed on the critical list.
However, there is some good news. Some of these threatened creatures are now making a recovery, thanks to the concerted efforts of dedicated conservationists. The Tennessee Fainting goat, which lives in Texas and Tennessee, is now recovering. The Colonial Spanish horse is endangered, but with effort, should rally, and the salt and pepper speckled Wyandotte chicken is also recovering.
These are the common breeds that we have taken for granted for decades. This book brings to light their plight. Their fate, and hopefully their survival, is in our hands.
Ever see a male Bourbon Red turkey with his feathers fluffed out in a full fan regalia? This Kentucky native can reach up to 33 pounds and his white and brown feathers and flaming red crop will make you shake your head in awe. Even the basic American rabbit that makes its home in California is now threatened, the impressive American Cream Draft horse, which can reach up to a ton in weight, is listed on the critical list.
However, there is some good news. Some of these threatened creatures are now making a recovery, thanks to the concerted efforts of dedicated conservationists. The Tennessee Fainting goat, which lives in Texas and Tennessee, is now recovering. The Colonial Spanish horse is endangered, but with effort, should rally, and the salt and pepper speckled Wyandotte chicken is also recovering.
These are the common breeds that we have taken for granted for decades. This book brings to light their plight. Their fate, and hopefully their survival, is in our hands.
March 20, 2020
As an agricultural and environmental historian, heritage genetics are something of a fascination for me. As a couple of the other reviewers have noted, there has been something of a resurgence of interest in heritage breeds, particularly in light of the farm-to-table movement and sustainable agriculture, which is highly encouraging. Animals with unique characteristics which appeal to individuals with different goals and tastes encourages more small-scale production, as opposed to the limited opportunities of raising commercial improved livestock strains.
The content sacrifices depth for breadth, but it's a good introduction and general information for novice to intermediate breeders, or for someone who wants to learn what's involved. It provides a good overview of both the unique challenges heritage breeders face in a commercial-dominated industry, and a description of the major heritage breeds in the US. It touches on both the breeds of livestock, as well as the practical aspects of management, including how heritage breeds feature into modern farming operations, the "art and science of breeding," and the community involved in the heritage movement. Each of the nine chapters, or at least the broad categories, could (and does) have a book on its own, but it provides some essential basic information for the novice, including which species is right and how to get started. If you're looking for information about animal care and management, however, you will really need to look elsewhere. It would be difficult indeed to include even a general overview of care when so many species are included; as such, there are just some general comments in this book, geared toward the unique aspects of heritage breed management.
My one difficulty was that the arrangement is somewhat haphazard; better organization would make it more accessible. Some of the information is also rather general, but it's definitely intended for a non-specialist. I would definitely recommend it for youth or for persons interested in what is involved in getting started in, especially, small-scale livestock production, geared toward an urban or suburban environment.
The content sacrifices depth for breadth, but it's a good introduction and general information for novice to intermediate breeders, or for someone who wants to learn what's involved. It provides a good overview of both the unique challenges heritage breeders face in a commercial-dominated industry, and a description of the major heritage breeds in the US. It touches on both the breeds of livestock, as well as the practical aspects of management, including how heritage breeds feature into modern farming operations, the "art and science of breeding," and the community involved in the heritage movement. Each of the nine chapters, or at least the broad categories, could (and does) have a book on its own, but it provides some essential basic information for the novice, including which species is right and how to get started. If you're looking for information about animal care and management, however, you will really need to look elsewhere. It would be difficult indeed to include even a general overview of care when so many species are included; as such, there are just some general comments in this book, geared toward the unique aspects of heritage breed management.
My one difficulty was that the arrangement is somewhat haphazard; better organization would make it more accessible. Some of the information is also rather general, but it's definitely intended for a non-specialist. I would definitely recommend it for youth or for persons interested in what is involved in getting started in, especially, small-scale livestock production, geared toward an urban or suburban environment.
February 8, 2020
This book lives up to its title, a great introduction to heritage livestock and poultry with lots of info on breeding strategies. For anyone interested in raising heritage breeds this comes, literally, from the horse’s mouth, The Livestock Conservancy!
I think what I like most is that this book is approachable and easy to understand, yet it covers complex issues of genetics and breeding. The breed snapshots and stories of various breeders’ efforts to save rare breeds add to the enjoyment and readability!
I think what I like most is that this book is approachable and easy to understand, yet it covers complex issues of genetics and breeding. The breed snapshots and stories of various breeders’ efforts to save rare breeds add to the enjoyment and readability!
April 19, 2018
Good overview of what constitutes heritage breeds and the steps being taken to save them from extinction.
September 17, 2019
A very in depth look at heritage breeds and how to save them. From breeding, housing, feeding them and their various jobs on th homestead or farm!
June 2, 2024
Excellent overview of heritage breed involvement, way to assure people who are new that it is possible to contribute to breed conservation in different ways. Good starting resource
March 8, 2016
I really liked this book. I appreciated the format and enjoyed the content, which covered the basics without being either dull or complicated. I also appreciated the table in the back with the breeds laid out in a simple manner. Another thing that I really liked was that the breeds are described by climate type and include both hot and cold. Too often I look at information about animals (or plants) and they say "this variety is hardy down to -50 degrees." That's great, but it's no help at all in deciding if the variety will survive 120 degree summers.
Some of the graphics seemed forced, like the information didn't really need a chart and didn't fit the kind of chart selected.
Overall the book was well done and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in heritage livestock.
Some of the graphics seemed forced, like the information didn't really need a chart and didn't fit the kind of chart selected.
Overall the book was well done and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in heritage livestock.
May 3, 2014
Okay, so I was initially disappointed when I received the book in the mail and was flipping through it because I thought there would be more breed specific photos and descriptions.
It's a broad overview on heritage breeds and their importance and touches lightly but significantly on genetics and such and how important it is to save and have the genetic diversity, and the breeds in general.
Really enjoyed the book, and the website and Facebook page are both very informative to wander through. This is a very good addition to y bookshelf.
It's a broad overview on heritage breeds and their importance and touches lightly but significantly on genetics and such and how important it is to save and have the genetic diversity, and the breeds in general.
Really enjoyed the book, and the website and Facebook page are both very informative to wander through. This is a very good addition to y bookshelf.
July 16, 2016
Interested in raising heritage breeds? This is the book for you.
July 16, 2016
Too little here of value and most of that is on the website. Pass it by.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews