Heritage Livestock Canada

Conservation Lists - HLC compiles information on population numbers for various heritage breeds of livestock and categorizes these heritage breeds as either Critical Endangered Vulnerable or At Risk. This information is then published on the organization’s website and in our magazine Genesis. Breed Overviews - HLC engages in special projects to compile information on a particular heritage breed. The Breed Overview provides information on the heritage breed and identifies ways in which the heritage breed could be conserved. HLC then publishes the findings/conclusions in Genesis and in its quarterly newsletter. Magazine - HLC generates and publishes an annual magazine called 'Genesis.' Genesis features articles on HLC’s upcoming projects the findings/conclusions of its Breed Overview and other articles on the subject of conservation and breeding of heritage livestock. Newsletter - HLC generates and publishes a quarterly newsletter called 'The Moos.' The Moos features updates on HLC’s ongoing/upcoming projects information on HLC’s AGM information for members and donors along with articles and photos of heritage breeds. Gene Bank - HLC collects donations of semen and embryo from heritage breeds and funds their storage and maintenance to support the breeding of heritage livestock generally and to potentially save heritage breeds from extinction in the event of a more acute threat. Special Breeding Projects - HLC engages in special breeding projects to increase population numbers of heritage breedswith Critical or Endangered status. Herdbook Assistance - HLC promotes and assists with the registration of heritage breed livestock in the 'Herdbook' (a national livestock registry) by informing breeders about the importance of registering heritage breed livestock in the Herdbook assisting breeders with registering heritage breed livestock in the Herdbook and even funding genetic testing on heritage breed livestock in order to confirm parentage. Community Engagement / General Resources - HLC hosts a virtual livestock show and publishes a calendar that showcases heritage breeds. HLC also maintains a directory of heritage livestock breeders which it publishes on its website. HLC also attends events and provides comments and interviews on issues relating to heritage breeds livestock. HLC also generally acts as a centre for conservation and the study of heritage breeds and is a community resource for breeders farmers and the general public.