Center for Poultry Biodiversity

Preserving genetic diversity is vital for the long-term health and resilience of animals. Genetic diversity can help birds adapt to changing environmental conditions and improve overall survival rates.

Chickens and other poultry are not only a source of food, but they also represent a cultural heritage with historical and traditional significance in many regions. The preservation of various chickens also helps to maintain traditional agricultural practices.

Various chicken genotypes may be better suited to certain local conditions and agricultural practices. This diversity can support sustainable agricultural systems and reduce dependence on single genetics that may be more susceptible to disease or environmental change.

Some breeds of chickens are rare and threatened with extinction. Our Poultry Biodiversity Center focuses on preserving endangered breeds.

For the poultry industry, a diverse gene pool is essential to create healthier, more productive and efficient chicken strains. Maintaining this diversity can contribute to the long-term sustainability of the poultry sector.

Mission

Learning and Awareness

The Center for Poultry Biodiversity is a fundamental tool for students to acquire skills. This center is present in classes of courses such as "Poultry Production", "Animal Physiology" and "Animal Production Systems in the Tropics" at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia. Activities such as the "Open Day of the University of Lisbon", "Summer at ULisboa", "Futurália" are held at the Poultry Biodiversity Center. The Center is also open to enthusiasts and breeders of ornamental breeds.