MANAGEMENT OF PROTECTED NATIVE BREEDS

Duration (Physical part): 20 – 24 October 2025

Name of the Department at Križevci university of Applied Sciences: Department for zootechnics

ECTS Credit Value: 5

Overview of the module content:

The project covers the area of Pprinciples of zootechnics, poultry breeding, cattle breeding, pig breeding, horse breeding, goat and sheep breeding) Participants will acquire general knowledge about:

• storage and preservation of biological material of original breeds of domestic animals in the national network of gene banks in sufficient number and tissue structure,
• maintaining the economic competitiveness of the original breeds of domestic animals and the economic reaffirmation of the original breeds that have lost their competitiveness economically in the past decades,
• valuation, market positioning and promotion of native breeds of domestic animals and their products,
• conservation of biodiversity and genetic diversity within and between domestic animal breeds
• long-term in situ and ex situ conservation of native breeds of domestic animals through the implementation of breeding programs and conservation of biodiversity,
• reintegration of native breeds of domestic animals into management systems and conservation of agricultural grassland ecosystems and protection of landscapes and biodiversity, especially habitat types,
• supporting activities related to the preservation of native breeds of domestic animals and the establishment of a transparent system of competencies and responsibilities of all participants in its implementation
• promoting cooperation at national and international level.

Participants will learn about:

• preservation of native breeds of domestic animals in their countries in sufficient numbers and breeding structure, primarily through preservation in the original environment (in situ in vivo) and sustainable management systems and through ex situ (in vivo and in vitro) conservation programs (gene bank network).
• preservation or increase of the number of native breeds of domestic animals in the traditional environment or by traditional breeding
• improving the marketing and marketing of products of native breeds of domestic animals bred in a traditional environment or in the context of traditional practices
• increasing in the number of biological samples in gene banks,
• conducting genetic characterization of breeds and testing for the purpose of their sustainable use,
• preservation of centuries-old gene pool of original breeds.

Students and staff can apply through international or Erasmus office at their home universities.