A Commitment to Conservation
We focus on critically endangered livestock breeds because 1) they need us, 2) they are well-suited to small farm and homestead environments, and 3) it is essential to preserve the genetic diversity of livestock populations.
Why raise critically endangered livestock?
Domestic animals make a major contribution to human requirements for meat, milk, dairy products, eggs, fiber, fertilizer, and draught power. More than 4,500 breeds drawn from more than 40 animal species make these contributions.
These breeds, developed over the past 12,000 years, represent the remaining pool of genetic diversity from which future demands must be met. However, they are currently dying out at a rate of six breeds per month. 30% of the world's breeds are at risk of extinction.
These breeds possess valuable traits such as adaptation to harsh conditions, including tolerance of parasites, infectious diseases, drought, and poor quality feed. They are being replaced in both developed and developing countries by a few high production breeds which, to be successful, require high inputs, skilled management and comparatively benign environments.
At RoundAbout Farm, we specialize in animal breeds that thrive in the family farm environment, and attempt to select for small-farm traits in our breeding programs. These include: health, gentle temperaments, multi-purpose, climate-hardy, feed-efficient, productive, able to thrive in a multi-species environment, and of course - beauty.
Given their traditional roles in family farms, many of our animals are considered "heritage breeds" - and we specialize in several critically rare livestock species. When you purchase a RoundAbout Farm animal, you can be sure that it is healthy, well-bred, well-socialized with people and other animals, treated humanely, raised on healthy, natural foods, will be a productive member of your family farm, and give you all sorts of joy and good times.