Characterization, conservation and sustainability of endangered animal breeds in Campania (Southern Italy)

Conservation of such animal genetic resources and sustainable development of their products seems to be one of the most important steps to be taken to save endangered animal breeds from the widespread use of cosmopolitan and more productive breeds. Indeed, the protection and conservation of biodiversity of animal breeds adapted to particular environmental conditions is essential to prevent irreversible erosion of genes and gene combinations. A special project to characterize and conserve eight endangered breeds of various animal species raised in Campania (southern-Italy) is reported in this paper along detailed descriptions of all breeds. Some strategies for their characterization and conservation are reported and discussed.