China strengthens protection of native horse breeds

Horses have played a vital role in human civilization, contributing to transportation, agriculture, warfare and scientific research for thousands of years. In recent years, China has increased efforts to protect its native horse breeds as part of a broader push to safeguard livestock genetic resources, with tangible progress reported by official authorities.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China has established a comprehensive national system for the protection of livestock and poultry genetic resources, including horses and other domesticated animals. The system combines in-situ conservation of live populations with long-term preservation of genetic material, aiming to prevent the loss of valuable native breeds and safeguard biodiversity.

China's National Catalogue of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, released by the National Committee for Livestock Genetic Resources, identifies multiple indigenous horse breeds from different regions of the country. These local breeds, shaped by diverse ecological conditions, are considered an important part of China's agricultural heritage and biological diversity. The catalogue provides a scientific basis for classifying, managing and protecting the nation's livestock genetic resources.

Protection efforts focus on both live conservation and technological support. Official information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs shows that China has established a national gene bank system for livestock genetic resources. Using technologies such as cryopreservation of semen, embryos and somatic cells, genetic material from key livestock species, including horses, is being securely preserved for long-term use.

Institutional safeguards have also been strengthened. Several native horse breeds have been included in the National List of Protected Livestock Genetic Resources, making them eligible for policy and financial support. Under this framework, central and local governments provide targeted funding to conservation units to carry out population monitoring, breeding management and scientific research.

Experts say China's growing emphasis on systematic, science-based conservation of horse genetic resources not only helps preserve native breeds but also contributes to global efforts to protect agricultural biodiversity.