Animal genetic resources for food and agriculture (AnGR) provide crucial options for the sustainable development of livestock production. The erosion of these resources globally, and particularly in many developing countries, has accelerated in recent years as a consequence of the rapid changes affecting livestock production systems (intensification and industrialization). Disease outbreaks, other disasters and emergencies, and the degradation of grazing land are also threats. FAO’s work in the field of AnGR management takes a broad approach – addressing technical, policy and institutional issues, and taking account of interactions with other aspects of natural resource management, production system dynamics and general economic development.