What farmers value matters for the management of local breeds: A case study of the Pyrenean goat breed

Local breeds are often kept in farming systems where their locally adapted traits are an asset. The agroecological transition movement has brought renewed interest in these breeds with their locally adapted traits. Better understanding the factors underpinning trait preferences of local-breed goat farmers can inform efforts to manage genetic diversity and animal selection. This article examines what goat farmers value in their animals to gain a better understanding of their decisions and expectations. Based on evidence from 20 interviews with farmers using the local Pyrenean goat breed, we show that although breeders attach importance to various animal performance factors, hardiness consistently stands out as a key value. We also show that they attach importance to other factors, such as animal diversity, temperament and appearance (breed standard and aesthetics). Breeders relate to their animals in a way that mobilizes senses, feeling, experiential or emotional dimensions more than just a set of hard traits, and when breeders voice what they value and how that value manifests in practice, their narratives translate the importance of balance and trade-offs.