Big news! The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs releases the "National Catalogue of Animal and Poultry Genetic Resources."

On May 29, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued an announcement unveiling the "National Catalogue of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources" (hereafter referred to as the "Catalog"), approved by the State Council, which will take effect from the date of its publication.

The "Catalogue" for the first time clearly identifies 33 species of domestically raised livestock and poultry, including local breeds, improved varieties, introduced breeds, and their corresponding breeding systems. Among these, 17 are traditional livestock and poultry species, while 16 are classified as special-purpose livestock and poultry. The "Catalogue" serves as a positive list for livestock and poultry farming, and any species listed under it will be managed in accordance with the "Animal Husbandry Law of the People's Republic of China."

The livestock and poultry genetic resource catalog released this time lists domesticated species, including their hybrid offspring.

I. Traditional Livestock Species

(1) Pig

Local breeds, bred varieties (including crossbreeds of domestic pigs and wild boars), and their corresponding breeding systems, as well as introduced breeds and their associated systems.

(II) Common cattle, zebu, water buffalo, yak, and gaur

Local breeds, bred varieties and their corresponding lines, as well as introduced breeds and their matching lines.

(III) Sheep, Goats

Local breeds, bred varieties and their corresponding lines, as well as introduced breeds and their matching lines.

(4) Horse

Local varieties, cultivated varieties, introduced varieties.

(5) Donkey

Local varieties, cultivated varieties, introduced varieties.

(6) Camel

Local varieties, cultivated varieties, introduced varieties.

(7) Rabbit

Local breeds, bred varieties and their corresponding lines, as well as introduced breeds and their matching lines.

(8) Chicken

Local breeds, bred varieties and their corresponding lines, as well as introduced breeds and their matching lines.

(9) Duck

Local breeds, bred varieties and their corresponding lines, as well as introduced breeds and their matching lines.

(10) Goose

Local breeds, bred varieties and their corresponding lines, as well as introduced breeds and their matching lines.

(11) Pigeon

Local breeds, bred varieties and their corresponding lines, as well as introduced breeds and their matching lines.

(12) Quail

Breeding varieties and complementary lines, as well as introducing new varieties and complementary systems.

II. Special Livestock Species

(1) Sika Deer

Local varieties, cultivated varieties, introduced varieties.

(II) Sika Deer

Local varieties, cultivated varieties, introduced varieties.

(III) Reindeer

Local varieties, cultivated varieties, introduced varieties.

(4) Alpaca

Cultivate varieties, introduce new varieties.

(5) Turkey

Cultivate varieties, introduce new varieties.

(6) Guinea Fowl

Cultivate varieties, introduce new varieties.

(7) Pheasant

Local varieties, cultivated varieties, introduced varieties.

(8) Partridge

Cultivate varieties, introduce new varieties.

(9) Muscovy Duck

Local varieties, cultivated varieties, introduced varieties.

(10) Mallard

Cultivate varieties, introduce new varieties.

(11) Ostrich

Cultivate varieties, introduce new varieties.

(12) Emu

Cultivate varieties, introduce new varieties.

(Thirteen) Mink (Non-Edible)

Cultivate varieties, introduce new varieties.

(14) Silver Fox (Non-Edible)

Cultivate varieties, introduce new varieties.

(15) Arctic Fox (Non-Edible)

Cultivate varieties, introduce new varieties.

(16) Raccoon Dog (Non-Edible)

Local varieties, cultivated varieties, introduced varieties.

Source: News Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

With approval from the State Council, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has officially released the "National Catalogue of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources" (hereafter referred to as the "Catalog"), clearly defining, for the first time, the scope of domesticated livestock and poultry species. A reporter interviewed a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs regarding the background behind the development of the Catalog, its key contents, and plans for implementation.

It is understood that this is the first time our country has released a catalog of livestock and poultry genetic resources. Could you please explain the background and significance behind the development of this "Catalog"?

The "Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Completely Banning Illegal Wildlife Trade, Eliminating the Harmful Practice of Wild Animal Consumption, and Effectively Safeguarding the Lives and Health of the People" (hereinafter referred to as the "Decision") and the "Animal Husbandry Law of the People's Republic of China" (hereinafter referred to as the "Animal Husbandry Law") stipulate that the administrative department under the State Council responsible for animal husbandry and veterinary affairs shall be tasked with organizing surveys of livestock and poultry genetic resources and publishing the official catalog of such resources approved by the State Council.

The "Catalogue" is a crucial supporting document accompanying the NPC Standing Committee's "Decision" and the "Animal Husbandry Law," clearly defining which animals qualify as livestock and poultry. It also specifies which activities—such as the conservation and utilization of genetic resources, breeding, raising, trading, and transporting livestock and poultry—fall under the regulatory scope of the Animal Husbandry Law. This approach not only addresses the current practical needs of livestock production but also thoughtfully aligns with future trends in ensuring the safe consumption of animal products. The development and implementation of the "Catalogue" are of significant importance for putting into practice the decisions and arrangements made by the Party Central Committee and the State Council, as well as for fulfilling the provisions outlined in the NPC Standing Committee's "Decision" and the Animal Husbandry Law. It plays a vital role in safeguarding the health and safety of the public. Moreover, the Catalogue helps accurately delineate the scope of livestock and poultry, standardizes livestock management and supervision, strikes the right balance between resource conservation and industrial development, and ultimately promotes the healthy growth of the livestock sector while helping farmers and herders sustainably increase their incomes.

We’ve noticed that the "Catalog" lists a wide variety of livestock and poultry species—ranging from common animals like pigs, cows, and chickens to more unique ones such as sika deer and ostriches. Could you explain how the scope of livestock and poultry was determined?

During the development of the "Catalog," we focused on four key principles: First, we adhered to scientific rigor—livestock and poultry are domesticated animals belonging to the Mammalia and Aves classes, and any species included in the Catalog must have undergone long-term domestication with stable, human-directed economic traits. Second, we emphasized safety, prioritizing food safety, public health security, and ecological sustainability. Third, we respected ethnic customs, taking into account the production resources, traditional practices, and cultural needs of diverse ethnic groups. Finally, we aligned with international standards, drawing on globally accepted approaches and practices.

According to the principles outlined above, the "Catalogue" includes 33 species of livestock and poultry, comprising 17 traditional species and 16 special-purpose species. These animals are all domesticated and selectively bred by humans over long periods, forming established populations primarily used in agricultural production. They can thrive under controlled, human-managed breeding conditions, providing humans with valuable products such as meat, eggs, milk, fur, and fibers—or fulfilling needs like draft work or recreational activities.

Traditional livestock and poultry form a major component of China's animal husbandry production. Among them, species like pigs, cattle, sheep, horses, donkeys, and chickens have been domesticated for over 10,000 years, while others such as camels, rabbits, ducks, geese, pigeons, and quails boast domestication histories spanning at least a thousand years. Specialized livestock, meanwhile, serve as an important complement to traditional livestock farming. Some of these species were introduced from abroad; though their breeding in China is relatively recent, they already have centuries-old domestication histories elsewhere, with stable populations and safe production practices—examples include alpacas, turkeys, and ostriches. Others are native regional breeds with deep-rooted traditions in China, having developed robust industry systems over long periods—such as sika deer, red deer, and reindeer. Finally, there are non-food-oriented specialized species primarily raised for fur processing and export, where well-established domesticated varieties already exist, including mink, silver foxes, arctic foxes, and raccoon dogs—fur-bearing animals that play a significant role in the country's international trade.

Will the "Catalog" be adjusted during implementation?

This "Catalog" is not set in stone—it can be adjusted. In the course of livestock development and production practices, if there is a genuine need to include certain items in the Catalog, our ministry will, in accordance with the "Animal Husbandry Law," carefully evaluate and justify the decision based on actual development needs and scientific assessments, before making adjustments to the Catalog through the legally prescribed procedures.