Defining breeding goals and breeding strategies for improving livestock under various production systems in Africa: Concept and brief overview

Mrode, R., Mbah, D.A. and Ojango, J.M.K. 2025. Defining breeding goals and breeding strategies for improving livestock under various production systems in Africa: Concept and brief overview. IN: Ibeagha-Awemu, E.M., Peters, S.O., Djikeng, A. and Rege, J.E.O. (eds), African livestock genetic resources and sustainable breeding strategies: Unlocking a treasure trove and guide for improved productivity. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. 691–704.

This chapter presents an overview of the concept and functions of breeding goals in livestock improvement programs. The first section (Sect. 15.1 Breeding Goals in Livestock Improvement Programs) provides an overview of the definition and functions of breeding goals, critical elements required for their development, and variations in their adoption across different species. The section also outlines global and continental frameworks and intervention initiatives aimed to facilitate the wide adoption of breeding goals for the diverse species and breeds found in Africa. The second section (Sect. 15.2 Breeding Strategies and Livestock Improvement) presents the concept and options related to breeding strategies to realize the defined breeding goals. The section highlights essential elements for successful breeding strategies to increase productivity and incomes including livestock performance data, farmer participation, appropriate dissemination of outcomes, and continuous evaluation. Examples of breeding strategies for cattle and small ruminants are presented to highlight the integration of some of the essential elements of breeding strategies in the African context. The last section of this chapter (Sect. 15.3 Future Perspective) stresses the futuristic importance of breeding goals and strategies for livestock production in line with changing environments and global demands for products.