The conservation and sustainable use of the diversity of livestock breeds is regulated in the European and national zoo-technical legislation. The national Animal Breeding Act has the goal to support the animal breeding for the species horse, donkey, cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig also by making public funds available, in such a way that:

1.The performance of the animals is maintained and improved, taking into account animal health,

2.The economic viability, in particular the competitiveness, of livestock production is improved,

3. The products obtained from the animals meet the quality requirements imposed on them; and

4. The genetic diversity is conserved.

In the zoo-technical legislation is regulated that breeding programmes for livestock breeds are developed and implemented by breeders' associations. The Animal Breeding Act also regulates which livestock breeds are considered indigenous.

The zoo-technical legislation also contains obligations to publish certain information. This information is provided by the IBV on the TGRDEU website.

For other animal species, such as poultry and rabbits, the zoo-technical legislation does not apply.

In addition to zoo-technical legislation, the conservation and sustainable use of the diversity of livestock breeds is also influenced by the veterinary legislation, the Community Market Organisation and rules on subsidies. Other areas of agricultural and trade policy, research policy and development cooperation as well as environmental and nature conservation policy at national level are also relevant.