Conservation of animal genetic resources of Serbia: Importance, characterization and influence on rural development

Animal genetic Resources of Serbia include autochthonous breeds and types of domestic horses, donkeys, cattle, Buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, chikines, geese, ducks, Guinea fowl, turkeys, bees and breeds of domestic animal species that are not included in conservation programs like pigeons, dogs e.tc. Indigenious breeds and types of domestic animals of Serbia represent a significant biological wealth, so the status of each breed / type populations, importance of detailed characterization of every type and the development of the description of the breed, and plans for the conservation of animal resources in Republoc of Serbia are presented in the paper. The preservation of these unique biological heritage is impossible without breeding and economic exploitation so the role of the breeding of autochthonous breeds of animals in the revival and development of rural society, the importance of the pastoral tradition in agroecoturism and more importantly in the preservation of agro-ecosystems and natural habitats in the Republic of Serbia is also presented in the paper.