Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/155271 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2001
Series/Report no.: 
Nota di Lavoro No. 109.2001
Publisher: 
Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM), Milano
Abstract: 
The number of breeds of domesticated animals, especially livestock, have declined rapidly. The proximate causes and processes involved in loss of breeds are outlined. The path-dependent effect and Swanson's dominance-effect are discussed in relation to breed selection. While these help to explain genetic erosion, they need to be supplemented to provide a further explanation of biodiversity loss. It is shown that the extension of markets and economic globalisation have contributed significantly to genetic loss of breeds. In addition, the decoupling of animal husbandry from surrounding natural environmental conditions is further eroding the stock of genetic resources, particularly industrialised intensive animal husbandry. Recent trends in animal husbandry raise very serious sustainability issues, apart from animal welfare concerns.
Subjects: 
Biodiversity loss
breed selection
economic globalisation
intensive agriculture
market extension
path dependence
JEL: 
Q57
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.