With the access of leading agronomists tomajor political posts under the Consulate, the State developed a specific policy concerning « useful animals ». Concentrating on sheep, horses, and to a lesser degree, cattle, this program aimed at the regeneration of French breeds. A plan for importing animals coming from occupied or conquered countries was implemented. National farms were created to improve the breeds and to organize crossbreading with indigenous animals. Yet, at the end of the Empire, the results of this undertakingwere disappointing.The scientific uncertainties, the limited support afforded by notables to this project, and in addition, the political and economic circumstances, help to explain this fact.