The Livestock Conservancy states, “In a general sense, heritage animals are the animals that you’d find on your great-grandparents farms… These are animals that were bred over time to develop traits that made them suited to specific local environments… they tend to have better disease resistance, are well-adapted to their environments, and thrive in pasture-based settings.
…Today 21% of the world’s 8,000 livestock breeds are in danger of extinction. Modern agriculture has changed, causing many of these breeds to fall out of favor. Heritage breeds store a wealth of genetic resources that are important for our future and the future of our agricultural food system.”
Farmers, chefs, historians, scientists and consumers are working together to preserve heritage breeds. One of the most effective ways to preserve a heritage breed is through the marketplace. As more people enjoy the taste of the meat, the quality of wool, the easy upkeep and beauty of Tunis, more farmers will be encouraged to raise Tunis. Shepherds will improve their flocks, the gene pool will expand and the Tunis population will grow. It’s a win-win-win for this uniquely American sheep breed.