Recursos genéticos animais e sistemas de exploraçao tradicionais em Portugal

In Portugal, there are 13 beef cattle breeds, 12 sheep breeds, 5 goat breeds, 2 swine breeds and 3 horse breeds identified, with total numbers of registered females, in 1999, of 70000, 136176, 43700, 6 520 and 8600, respectively. Despite the high genetic diversity represented by these native breeds, their relative contributions for national herds are only 24 p.100 for beef cattle, 6 p.100 for sheep, 7.8 p.100 for goats, 2 p.100 for swine and 15.2 p.100 for horses. The vast majority of animals raised in Portugal are crossbreds, as a result of continued crossbreeding practices with exotic germplasm. Farm size, climatic, soil and cultural diversity are the main factors influencing production systems. The extensive production system is the most typical in Portugal, namely for ruminant species. However, in terms of average herd sizes, use of products and type of enterprise, there is a clear distinction between the North and the South of Portugal. While in the North, family based enterprises are the most common, in the South, herd sizes and enterprises are larger, and generally more competitive. Approximately 40 p.100 of total native breeds have less than 5000 registered females. According to FAO standards, these breeds are in various degrees of endangerment and genetic conservation programs, as well as actions for their future utilization and management, need to be implemented