Rare breeds of livestock

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Radio interview source: Don Schrider, communications director, American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

We've had some interesting chickens over the years. We buy the rare breed assortment pack of 25 chicks. It's fun to see what they grow into, and they're interesting from many perspectives.

There is a whole realm of business known as the "alternative livestock industry," and it's becoming an exciting venture for acreage owners. These breeds are usually more beautiful, and the meat is sometimes tastier and healthier than their commercial counterparts.

Don Schrider with the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy says genetic diversity is important and a lot of breeds that are currently rare might have a key place in our future. From the owner standpoint, rare breeds offer some great advantages.

"If you're new into the animals, the rare breeds would generally be more forgiving if you overfeed or underfeed, Schrider says. "If you have no experience with birthing, most of these are very easy birthers and have great mothering instincts. So they offer some ease of management especially for someone who has very little experience."