Indigenous cattle breeds of the Carpathians – the basis of scientific and transboundary aspects of the implementation of the „Carpathian Convention”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59913/dagr.2026.24600Keywords:
biodiversity, ecology, indigenous breeds, sustainable development, transboundary cooperationAbstract
In the author’s opinion, indigenous cattle breeds of the Carpathians are the basis of scientific and transboundary aspects of the implementation of the “Carpathian Convention” and protocols thereto. These indigenous cattle breeds are as well the national heritage of the country in which these breeds are bred. The publication provides data on the distribution of 19 local breeds in the Carpathian region, the possibility of restoring officially extinct ones. Based on the results of the study and analysis of scientific works, their list was compiled, the number of breeding stock and the average number in one farm are given. A number of differences in territorial distribution and their different genesis have been established; this is due to the long history of development. A limited number of breeding stock has been identified, a clear trend towards decline is observed, which indicates the threat of extinction. The succession of breed composition that is currently taking place in the region is indicated.
The results obtained are important for continuing further research based on cooperation between various institutions of the united countries in the Carpathian Euroregion, studying the features of cattle breeding and the impact of the industry on the functioning of landscapes, preserving biodiversity, restoring the transformed meadow ecosystem and sustainable development of communities in the Carpathians.
They indicate the expanded functions of aboriginal cattle breeds. It is emphasized that one of the forms of wildlife protection is the organization of the preservation of indigenous breeds of cattle, which act as a matrix of farm animal populations and is based not only on ecological and biological principles, but also covers the entire spectrum of ideological, economic, socio-cultural, ethical and ethnic problems.
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