dairy genetics east africa project objectives and sites
DESCRIPTION
Presented by Okeyo Mwai at the Launch of the Dairy Genetics East Africa Project (DGEA), ILRI Campus, Nairobi, 9 February 2011TRANSCRIPT
Dairy Genetics East AfricaProject Objectives & Sites
Presented by Okeyo Mwai (ILRI)
at the Launch of the Dairy Genetics East Africa ProjectILRI campus, Nairobi, 9 February 2011
Problem Statement
Although past & current dairy improvement programs have clear livelihood potential & integrated approach (i.e. linking to markets; improving management and improving genetics)
They lack clear genetic strategy!
- default is often to upgrade to exotics
Even when conditions are unsuitable!
“no one-size-fits-all situations”
Similar challenges but
different “strategies”
Different
Environments-
different genetics!
Who among these is happier?
Objectives
1) Determine appropriate cattle genotypes for smallholder dairy farmers in Eastern Africa
2) Develop partnership and business model to sustainably deliver the desired germplasm to smallholders
The approach◦Application of high density snp technology to determine breed composition of cows owned by small-holders
◦Combine this with traditional and participatory appraisal of animal and farm performance
◦Development of a partnership including a fully articulated business model ready to implement delivery of germplasm in a subsequent phase
Some facts:
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
Harsh Poor Good
Production environment
Yie
ld (
l) Indigenous
X-bred
Exotic
Huge interaction between genetics & environment
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
Harsh Poor Good
Production environment
Yie
ld (
l) Indigenous
X-bred
Exotic
Change genotype but don’t change management
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
Harsh Poor Good
Production environment
Yie
ld (
l) Indigenous
X-bred
Exotic
Change management but don’t change genetics
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
Harsh Poor Good
Production environment
Yie
ld (
l) Indigenous
X-bred
Exotic
Change management and genotype
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
Harsh Poor Good
Production environment
Yie
ld (
l) Indigenous
X-bred
Exotic
Change management and genotype
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
Harsh Poor Good
Production environment
Yie
ld (
l) Indigenous
X-bred
Exotic
Optimum genotype depends on environment
Site Selection
Criteria for sites:◦Range of genotypes within sites: we
need sites with a reasonable “mix” of breeds
◦Agro ecological zones: sub-tropical through temperate AEZ
◦Logistics (accessibility): Easier logistics and access = lower costs and faster implementation
◦Relevant range of production levels and farming systems
Thank you