In Germany, there is great diversity of indigenous livestock breeds. We count around 160 indigenous livestock breeds. The great importance of livestock breed diversity arises from its contribution to value creation in agriculture. This also includes the potential value of currently underutilized livestock breeds for future food and nutritional requirements. The ecological significance lies in the use of regional livestock breeds in nature conservation and landscape management. Last but not least, a high cultural value is attributed to the diversity of livestock breeds that has developed over thousands of years.

In times of advancing globalization, homeland and regional identity are gaining importance for many people. Regional livestock breeds are a part of our homeland and may contribute to regional identity. However, many of these livestock breeds, such as the Lippegans, are seriously threatened with extinction. Preserving the diversity of our native livestock breeds for future generations is a task for society as a whole.