In Mayotte, local populations of ruminants are well adapted to the difficult breeding conditions of the island. The importation of animals and artificial insemination with European breeds, has led to a policy of crossbreeding and a decrease of the size of the local breeds herds. The work carried out by CIRAD, INRAE and the Chamber of Agriculture enabled the characterization of local bovine, ovine and caprine breeds. These three populations are a reservoir of adaptive genes. The conservation of domestic breeds is often considered from a genetic and zootechnical perspective. However, the choice of breeds follows along socio-economic dimensions. Two studies questioned the perception that breeders have of local breeds. The first study aimed at understanding the factors that influence the preservation or abandon of the Mahoran zebu breed. Sixty farmers were surveyed through semi-structured interviews. The data collected made it possible to describe the diversity of cattle farms in five types: (T1) small traditional farms; (T2) small precarious farms; (T3) farms specialized in dairy production; (T4) intermediate farms between tradition and intensification; (T5) farms in transition. The zebu is used for its ease of breeding and its resistance, in addition to its heritage and cultural value (T1, T2). It is of economic interest for crossbreeding (T3, T4) and ¾ of the breeders note the superior quality of its meat. The second study which is based on comprehensive interviews carried out on 19 farms on the island, explore the link between the functions assigned by the farmer to his small ruminant herd and the choice of its genetic composition. Both of these studies help to define the design of the conservation programs of the ruminant breeds in Mayotte, based on farmers perspectives.