Animal genetic resources for food and agriculture of animal genetic resources includes diversity at species, breed and within-breed level. Known are currently 8,800 different breeds of birds and mammals within 38 species used for food and agriculture. The main animal species used for food and agriculture production are cattle, sheep, goats, chickens and pigs. In the livestock world, these species are often referred to as "the big five". Some less-utilized species include the dromedary, donkey, bactrian camel, buffalo, guinea pig, horse, rabbit, yak, goose, duck, ostrich,partridge, pheasant, pigeon, and turkey. The history of animal genetic resources begins about 12,000 to 14,000 years ago. The domestication of major
Western Plains Animal Refuge Refuge is to find permanent homes for these companions. Marketing this program is provided through local radio and newspaper advertising, word-of-mouth, social media and website optimization. Adoption is a primary goal, and success stories can be found at . Western Plains Animal Refuge partners with specialty breed rescues from around the country. Homeless animals of particular breeds are often able to find foster care and be adopted through these rescues. Western Plains Animal Refuge provides rescue and release services for all wild animals including, but not limited to, birds, owls, rabbits, squirrels, deer, bobcats, raccoons, porcupines, opossums, coyotes, foxes, skunks