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Zootechnics
EU zootechnical policy is based on the idea that satisfactory results in animal breeding depend to a large extent on the use of domestic animals of high genetic quality. The Union’s zootechnical legislation therefore aims to promote the free trade in breeding animals and their genetic material, while also taking into account the sustainability of breeding programmes and the preservation of genetic resources.
The framework is designed to secure two core objectives: first, the free movement of breeding animals and their germinal products within the Union and, second, the legal right of entry in a breeding book—such as a herd-book, flock book or studbook—for animals of the same breed. These goals are intended to support both the internal market and the integrity of recognised breeding systems.
To achieve those aims, EU rules lay down harmonised requirements for the recognition of breeders’ associations and breeding organisations, the entry of purebred breeding animals in breeding books, the issuing of pedigree certificates, the carrying out of performance testing and genetic evaluation, and the rules governing acceptance for breeding. In this way, the zootechnical framework links trade, breed registration, genetic assessment and breeding quality within a single regulatory system.
The Commission also explains that the central legislative instrument is the Animal Breeding Regulation, which provides a single legal framework for the breeding, trade and entry into the Union of breeding animals of the bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species, together with their germinal products. Overall, EU zootechnics policy is intended to combine market integration, breeding quality and the conservation of animal genetic resources in a common EU system.
The framework is designed to secure two core objectives: first, the free movement of breeding animals and their germinal products within the Union and, second, the legal right of entry in a breeding book—such as a herd-book, flock book or studbook—for animals of the same breed. These goals are intended to support both the internal market and the integrity of recognised breeding systems.
To achieve those aims, EU rules lay down harmonised requirements for the recognition of breeders’ associations and breeding organisations, the entry of purebred breeding animals in breeding books, the issuing of pedigree certificates, the carrying out of performance testing and genetic evaluation, and the rules governing acceptance for breeding. In this way, the zootechnical framework links trade, breed registration, genetic assessment and breeding quality within a single regulatory system.
The Commission also explains that the central legislative instrument is the Animal Breeding Regulation, which provides a single legal framework for the breeding, trade and entry into the Union of breeding animals of the bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species, together with their germinal products. Overall, EU zootechnics policy is intended to combine market integration, breeding quality and the conservation of animal genetic resources in a common EU system.
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