Motives for utilizing the Blacksided Trønder and Nordland: A native cattle breed in Norway

Summary A survey was conducted in order to investigate what motives farmers have to utilize one of the old, native cattle breeds in Norway, Blacksided Trønder and Nordland Cattle (STN). The questionnaire, which was sent to 1 772 farmers who inseminated with the STN breed from 1987 to 1997, revealed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Animal Genetic Resources Information
Main Authors: Sæther, N., Vangen, O.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2001
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1014233900001449
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S1014233900001449
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Summary:Summary A survey was conducted in order to investigate what motives farmers have to utilize one of the old, native cattle breeds in Norway, Blacksided Trønder and Nordland Cattle (STN). The questionnaire, which was sent to 1 772 farmers who inseminated with the STN breed from 1987 to 1997, revealed clear opinions on the differences between this breed and the predominant breed of the country, the Norwegian Cattle (NRF). The farms in the survey were characterized by having herd sizes above the national average, as well as having owners interested in extensive farming and to a certain extent aware of the special breeding challenges of small populations. The results showed that the STN breed was regarded as being significantly different for traits that may be considered as important in extensive production systems. The more idealistic motives linked to the genetic resources aspect showed a high priority. The survey also revealed an obvious need for more research and objective information about this old native breed.