Breeding associations warn that Switzerland’s new animal breeding ordinance could jeopardise rare livestock breeds – and potentially push some closer to extinction. The Bündner Oberländer sheep, for example, has a long and fragile history. Its predecessor, the Tavetsch sheep, virtually died out in Switzerland decades ago. The current breed was rebuilt from the few surviving animals and similar types. Today, the Association for the Preservation of the Graubünden Oberland Sheep fears for its future. Asked whether the breed might become extinct, association president Ernst Oertle says: “Yes, it could. But I hope not. We are fighting back and doing everything we can to prevent this.” New assessments raise concerns The source of breeders’ worries is the revised federal animal breeding ordinance. The new rules make breeding assessments more complex – and therefore more expensive. In addition, assessments are likely to be carried out less frequently by association members and more often …