Definition:
Heritage breed is a livestock term, applied to animals that have been bred over time to be best adapted to local conditions. For example, the Farmers Market Coalition notes that heritage breeds withstand disease and can survive very well in harsher environmental conditions.
Other benefits of heritage breeds:
- History and biodiversity preservation.
- Animals that are well-suited for grazing and pasturing - important on an organic farm.
- Better tasting meat.
- Self sustaining livestock that knows how to forage, care for young and survive outside - important on an organic homestead or farm.
- Heritage breeds tend to be unique, and unique organic livestock is fun livestock.
Also Known As: traditional livestock breeds
