Over-use of high-yielding breeds of farm animals is affecting the indigenous livestock. The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources report by the FAO warns this trend weakens genetic diversity and can affect global food supply.

Around 20 per cent of indigenous breeds are classified as at risk. During the last six years 62 breeds have become extinct worldwide. The report surveyed farm animals in 169 countries and found nearly 70 per cent of the world's remaining indigenous livestock breeds are in developing countries. Such breeds are declining in India, a country with well-established livestock gene banks.

The report was presented at the First International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources in Switzerland last month.