Science Saving Oldest Horse Breeds

Suffolk Punch Stallions - Oldest Horse Breed in UK


Source:  Stock image of Suffolk Punch Stallions

Dates Back to Early 16th Century and Near Extinction
They're known in the United Kingdom as Suffolk Punch Stallions.  They're Britain's oldest horse breed, dating back to the early 16th century.  They're strong work horses, used to plough the fields.  But they are critically endangered and closing in on extinction.  Fortunately, technology, expertise and science are the cavalry and they're riding in for a rescue.

New Saving Partnership
A new partnership has formed between three UK entities:  Stallion AI Services, Cogent UK and Twemlows Stud to manage Suffolk Punch sperm and give the UK's oldest horse breed a chance for survival.  They're utilizing the latest science, technology and genetics and working in conjunction with the UK's Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

Twelve More Endangered Horse Breeds in the UK
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust hopes the process will be used to save twelve other endangered horse breeds, including the Shetland Pony and the Welsh Pony and also endangered livestock breeds.  The process involves collecting and freezing semen from 25 top-of-the-line Suffolk Punch Stallions.  It's then stored in a gene bank to ensure the breed's survival and genetic biodiversity in the breed.  The Stallions have to be registered and have at least a three generation pedigree.  The process is designed to save the UK's oldest horse breed and is being implemented for other endangered horse breeds and livestock.

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