The present study aimed at assessing genetic diversity in selected local livestock breeds in Northern Germany, and furthermore, examining some of the indices used in describing diversity in populations. The study begun with an assessment of genetic diversity in the German Angler (RVA) and Red-and-white dual-purpose (RDN) cattle breeds. Analyses of the RVA and RDN pedigrees, consisting of 93,078 and 184,358 records, respectively, revealed a number of Red Holstein (RH) sires that were influential in these breeds. Even ...