Irish Draught facing extinction unless breeding policies change

THE author of a report into the Irish Draught says that the breed could face extinction unless proposals are adopted that allow for greater diversity.

Dr Francis Kearney yesterday said current breeding policies are failing to ensure the long-term survival of the Irish Draught.

“In terms of diversity, the breed is dwindling and in-breeding is on the increase. Unless this trend is reversed, it could, ultimately, lead to extinction, as in-breeding reduces fertility, though this is a worst-case scenario,” said the geneticist with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), which undertook the study on behalf of the RDS Committee of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.