Local animal resources and products in sustainable development: role and potential of equids
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The production of Equids in Europe is oriented towards sports and races which constitute the main economic activity. However, the preservation of old draft breeds of local horse populations and the growth in the population of asses in recent years are emerging fields. The main reason for this situation is the very deep-rooted image of equids in the culture of the industrialised countries, generating both non-material products and socio-economic benefits.
Equids are still multipurpose animals. They contribute to:
• the diversification of agricultural activities, products (production of riding horses, meat, and more rarely milk) and labour (ploughing, loading timber in the forest, harnessing, carriages);
• the utilisation of extensive areas (marginal lands) and the preservation of natural areas (natural parks or reserves);
• the development of agritourism in equestrian farms located in marginal and suburban areas.
All these activities contribute to the maintenance of population in rural areas, the creation of new relationships between citizens and the rural way of life, the preservation of rare breeds and traditional socio-cultural life and, in addition, to the supply of some animal products. The contribution of equids to such socio-economic activities is illustrated in this report by case studies of seven European countries.