Researchers warn of livestock extinctions

Farm scientists warned on Monday that hardy breeds of livestock vital for world food supplies were dying out across developing countries, especially in Africa, and called for the creation of regional gene banks to save them. The experts said tough and adaptable animals were being ousted by others from richer countries that were more productive in the short-term but posed a longer-term risk for farm output. "In many cases we will not even know the true value of an existing breed until it has already gone," declared Carlos Sere, Director-General of the Nairobi-based body which focuses on livestock research for development.