[Endangered domestic animal species in German speaking countries. I: General aspects]

The development of farm animals since the beginning of domestication is described. Modern breeds have existed since the end of the 18th century. Different efficiency with regard to what were topical breeding aims as well as manipulations by the government led to a decrease in the variety of breeds. The reasons of preserving endangered breeds are both genetic and cultural. There are some examples of breeds that once had little attention payed to and which now have obtained economic importance again. In recent years several institutions in West Germany have tried by financial advancement and other measures for a variety of breeds to avoid further curtailment of them.