What can I do? Expand There are a number of ways you can interact with us. You can: -Become a member -Join a local volunteer support group -Donate -Fundraise for us
Do I have to own livestock to become a member? Expand Definitely not! Many RBST members don't own animals, but still support our cause through their membership and joining a volunteer support group.
Do you sell animals? Expand No. RBST does not sell animals, but many of our members do. To search for stock and products, visit our marketplace page. The relevant breed societies will also have good information on stock available.
How many breeds do you work with? Expand Currently, RBST works to protect over 150 individual breeds from 9 different species. See our 2022/23 Watchlist for a full list.
What is your mission? Expand Our mission is to build a secure future for our native livestock and equine breeds and populations. Our Goals: Goal: A reverse in the decline of all livestock breeds on the Watchlist Goal: A comprehensive up-to-date Gene Bank Goal: Livestock genetic diversity recognised by government and wider society as a fundamental element of agricultural and biodiversity policy To read more on the RBST mission view our mission page.
What is a native breed? Expand For any breed or population wishing to apply for recognition on the RBST Watchlist there is a series of criteria that must be met and relevant information provided. In general they should be of agricultural interest and have characteristics worthy of preservation. These guidelines detail what the requirements are for acceptance on to the RBST Watchlist.For recognition by the RBST a breed must be considered to be a native breed. A native breed is defined as: • Breed history documents the breed origin within the UK (including from amalgamation of native breeds), and the UK has formed the primary environment for the development of the breed or the breed of origin in its current adapted form; and• Breed history documents its presence in the UK for 40 years or 6 generations (whichever is the longer period). (Where a generation is 10 years for equine, 6 years for cattle, 3 ½ years for Sheep and Goats and 2 years for pigs and poultry)• Not more than 20% of the genetic contributions come from animals born outside the UK (other than those imported for an approved conservation project) in any generation for the last 40 years or 6 generations (whichever is the longer period of time). To view the full criteria click here.