The Minnesota Zoo has rare and heritage livestock and poultry breeds, including Kunekune pigs, Milking Shorthorn and Dutch Belted cows, and Buckeye chickens. These breeds are often threatened by extinction due to commercial farming practices and lack of genetic diversity. The Zoo serves as a genetic resource for these rare breeds and celebrates International Heritage Breeds Week to build awareness of their diversity and importance in conservation and sustainability efforts. The Kunekune pig is a small, social breed from New Zealand, while the Milking Shorthorn is a British multi-purpose breed raised for beef, dairy, and draft work. The Dutch Belted and Buckeye chicken are also heritage breeds at risk of extinction. The Zoo uses implantation and artificial insemination as best practices for breeding and maintaining genetics, and the Buckeye chickens are proving calm and friendly in their new environment.
Minnesota Zoo Pig (and Cow and Chicken) of a Different Color: Heritage Breeds at the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo is home to a variety of rare and heritage breeds of farm animals. These animals may look a bit different than people are used to seeing on a farm, but they are essential for preserving genetic diversity and cultural heritage.
What are Heritage Breeds?
Heritage breeds are domesticated animals that were once common on farms but have since fallen out of favor due to industrialized farming practices prioritizing breeds that produce the most meat or milk. These breeds were once crucial for adapting to local environments, resistance to disease, and other traits lost or diminished in modern breeds.
Minnesota Zoo’s Heritage Breeds
The Minnesota Zoo is home to various heritage breed animals, including Tamworth pigs, Milking Devon cows, and Buckeye chickens. These breeds were chosen for their hardiness and ability to adapt to the Minnesota climate. Tamworth pigs, for example, are known for their foraging ability and can survive mainly on grass and roots. Milking Devon cows are highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments. And Buckeye chickens are a hardy breed resistant to many common diseases.
Why Preserve Heritage Breeds?
Heritage breed animals are essential for preserving genetic diversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable farming practices. These breeds have unique genetic traits that can be lost if not preserved. They also carry cultural value, often tied to traditional farming practices, and have played essential roles in local economies and cuisines. Finally, heritage breed animals can be more sustainable than modern breeds, as they are often better adapted to local environments and require fewer resources.
Visiting the Minnesota Zoo
Visitors to the Minnesota Zoo can see this heritage breed animals up close and learn about their importance for preserving genetic diversity and cultural heritage. The Zoo also offers educational programs and events highlighting the importance of sustainable farming practices and the role of heritage breeds in supporting local economies and communities.
