CGSpaceA Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs
    View Item 
    •   CGSpace Home
    • International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
    • ILRI archive
    • View Item
       
    • CGSpace Home
    • International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
    • ILRI archive
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Trends in genetic composition of livestock with respect to trypanotolerance and desirable economic traits with special emphasis on mixed farming systems in West and Central Africa

    Thumbnail
    Authors
    Agyemang, K.
    Rege, J.E.O.
    Date
    2004
    Language
    en
    Type
    Conference Paper
    Accessibility
    Open Access
    Usage rights
    Other
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Share
    
    Permanent link to cite or share this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/49722
    Google URL: https://books.google.com.et/books?id=72k1wM23wc4C
    Abstract/Description
    Over the last two to three decades, West Africa has witnessed considerable changes in land use. Unprecedented increases in human population combined with changes in climatic patterns have reduced per capita arable land traditionally available for agricultural production. In the livestock sub-sector, these trends are profoundly affecting not only the density of livestock but also the species and breed composition as well as animal husbandry practices. Using trypanotolerant livestock as an example, the trends in the genetic composition of livestock in West and Central Africa from the 1970s to 2000 are examined. Trypanotolerant cattle populations in countries considered as their home of 'origin' increased substantially, on average by 2.7% per annum from 1985 to 1998, whereas declines averaging -2.2% per annum were recorded in countries where such cattle have been introduced in the last 60 years. The extent of crossbreeding between trypano-susceptible zebu breeds and trypanotolerant cattle was larger in coastal semi-arid, coastal subhumid and humid countries than in inland Sahel and inland forest countries. The drivers of the observed changes are believed to be associated with human population, climate, market forces and government policy. The impacts of some of these drivers were analysed in brief case studies from the West African region. It is concluded that the genetic compositions of livestock populations are changing in some parts of the region where reduction of tsetse populations and increase in human populations have made it possible for the trypano-susceptible breeds to move into areas previously occupied by trypanotolerant breeds. However, due to the fact that trypanotolerant livestock have been shown to have equal or higher productivity than trypano-susceptible breeds, even in zero to low tsetse-challenge areas, and that they have the ability to tolerate other major diseases, they will continue to be an important part of mixed production systems in West Africa, irrespective of presence or absence of tsetse flies in the region. Policies on breed improvement and conservation, habitat preservation, and trade in indigenous livestock are needed to promote proper management and use of trypano-susceptible stock.
    AGROVOC Keywords
    mixed farming; genotypes; trypanosomiasis; disease resistance; genetic resistance; economics; livestock; farming systems; glossinidae; geographical distribution; cattle; livestock numbers; sheep [caprinae]; goats [caprinae]; human population
    Subjects
    FARMING SYSTEMS; TRYPANOSOMIASIS; GENETICS; LIVESTOCK; CATTLE; SHEEP; GOATS;
    Regions
    Africa; Western Africa; Central Africa
    Collections
    • ILRI archive [4978]

    AboutPrivacy StatementSend Feedback
     

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    Browse

    All of CGSpaceCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesBy AGROVOC keywordBy ILRI subjectBy CCAFS subjectBy RegionBy CountryBy SubregionBy CRP subjectBy River basinBy Output typeBy Bioversity subjectBy CIAT subjectBy CIP subjectBy CGIAR System subjectBy Alliance Bioversity–CIAT subjectThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesBy AGROVOC keywordBy ILRI subjectBy CCAFS subjectBy RegionBy CountryBy SubregionBy CRP subjectBy River basinBy Output typeBy Bioversity subjectBy CIAT subjectBy CIP subjectBy CGIAR System subjectBy Alliance Bioversity–CIAT subject

    Statistics

    Most Popular ItemsStatistics by CountryMost Popular Authors

    AboutPrivacy StatementSend Feedback