LIVESTOCK sailors and reverted back to the wild type during the past 150 years. “They are the only pigs in the world that don’t carry a virus that makes all other pigs unsuitable for transplanting their organs into humans. The Society caught some of these pigs when they were being eradicated by DOC to preserve the island’s flora and fauna. They are now bred in quarantine and good things are happening. “The Arapawa Island goats are probably derived from the English milk goat and they are no longer present in England but they are here. There are also numerous feral sheep breeds that are resistant to footrot, flystrike and have no lambing problems. They are hardy with their resistant genetics and they need to be preserved.” When the auction first started there was no trademe or online sales. It was the place for people to buy and sell their livestock and it is still going strong today. It is also a lifestyle heritage day. People have their animals on display and it is a day for the public to see a vast variety of poultry and rare livestock. The entry also gets them into Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. It is the only auction of rare breeds of its type regularly held in New Zealand and is a major fundraiser for the Society which uses the funds in a variety of ways. People come from all over the country and in some cases
CANTERBURY FARMING
February 2016
45
CHILDREN HOLDING A BABY CHICKEN FROM THE CHICK DISPLAY
AUCKLAND ISLAND PIGLETS ARE AMONGST THE VARIETY OF ANIMALS SEEN AT THE AUCTION stock is sold via phone link to clients. Mr Willis says a signature project was the expansion of the only Raglan Romney flock of sheep now left in New Zealand. “The flock had a very narrow genetic base, but for tunately the Society had semen stored in its Genebank, which we were able to use to help rejuvenate the breed. We used this to help stop inbreeding and expand the flock. “Enderby Island cattle and rabbits are all unique New Zealand breeds which also would have been eradicated
by DOC to protect the island if the society didn’t step in and bring some out to save the breeds. “During the day people exchange livestock, plan matings, complete forward ordering and get valuable information from each other which all goes towards an expansion of genetic preservation which is the backbone of the society. “Most vendors turn up with vehicles and trailers full of livestock, and leave with them filled with livestock. “The ability to source, exchange and barter, is a key function and value of the day.”
Sponsorship by individuals and businesses is also an essential component of the success of the day. Livestock includes breeds of sheep and cattle such as Damara, Awassi, and Galloway, along with rabbits, pigs, llamas, and goats. The poultry section range from doves and pigeons, through to chickens of all descriptions, geese, ducks, pheasants and guinea fowl. “We have seen a number of younger bidders in recent years who are serious in their purchasing and will have an influence on the conservation of such breeds in the future.”
Rare Breeds Auction and Heritage Lifestyle Day
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch. Sunday 13 March 2016 from 10am. Poultry and Livestock Auction, Displays, Raffle, Stalls. Details at
www.rarebreeds.co.nz
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