Bulgaria is dedicating efforts to conserve its local livestock breeds, including the Bulgarian Rhodope cattle and Rhodope tsigai sheep, in partnership with the Scientific Center for Animal Husbandry and Agriculture in Smolyan. The center is currently rearing 150 Bulgarian Rhodope cows, 400 Karakachan sheep, and maintaining 40 beehives. It also sells breeding material and processes dairy products. Since its inception in 1928, the center has focused on various aspects of animal husbandry, food quality, safety, and the potential impact on human health, also testing new treatments for bee diseases.