When a race has a very small population (for example, less than 100 females or 10 breeding-males), a well-defined system must be set up to monitor and manage its genetic diversity. Other than emergency situations where all animals must be conserved, a conservative-management programme could be started.

Below we present a simplified version of the recommended method for a programme designed to restrict genetic shift and increase inbreeding resulting in the loss of certain traits (which may be favourable) and the fixation of the rare ones (which may be unfavourable). The method proposes :

• dividing the population into similar groups (at least 6) and mating breeding-males with females from other families (this is where artificial insemination comes into its own),
• using as large a number of males as possible in the mating plan and a high turnover,
• standardising the families' numbers, in other words not concentrating on the offspring of particular breeding-male.

More and more entities are taking part in these programmes alongside the breeders : conservatory farms, agricultural schools, zoological gardens, aquaria, national parks, etc. They are actively involved in designing and implementing projects for using landraces. In some cases, departemental or regional assistance is provided.