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UK Biodiversity Indicators 2023. Indicator C9a: Animal genetic resources (effective population size of Native Breeds at Risk) 2023

Abstract

Updated 14 November 2023.

These documents support indicator C9a – Animal genetic resources (effective population size of Native Breeds at Risk). The documents include a datasheet and technical background document.

Genetic diversity is an important component of biological diversity. Rare and native breeds of farm animals are part of our cultural heritage, are often associated with traditional land management required to conserve important habitats, and may have genetic traits of value to future agriculture. The genetic diversity in UK breeds can be assessed by the effective population size (Ne), which accounts for the total number of animals in a population and the relative numbers of sires and dams (male and female parents). A low effective population size signifies a greater likelihood of inbreeding and risk of loss of genetic diversity. This indicator shows the change in the average effective population sizes for breeds of goats, pigs, horses, sheep and cattle classified by the UK Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee as Native Breeds at Risk (NBAR).

These resources may not be fully accessible for all users. If you need a copy of any of these resources in a different or more accessible format, please get in touch.

More information on UK Biodiversity Indicator C9a is available on the UKBI C9a webpage.

Resource type Publication

Topic category Environment

Reference date 2023·11·14

Citation
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK. 2023. UK Biodiversity Indicators 2023.

Lineage
The UK Biodiversity Indicators were created to provide a measure for reporting on the UK’s progress towards meeting international biodiversity goals and targets and were first published in 2007.

Responsible organisation
Communications, JNCC distributor

Limitations on public access No limitations

Use constraints Copyright of data and/or information presented in these resources may not reside solely with the distributor (JNCC). For more information, please contact enviro.statistics@defra.gov.uk.

Metadata date 2023·11·14

Metadata point of contact
Communications, JNCC

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