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Genetic improvement of small ruminants in low-input, smallholder production systems: technical and infrastructural issues

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Title Genetic improvement of small ruminants in low-input, smallholder production systems: technical and infrastructural issues
 
Creator Kosgey, I.S.
Okeyo Mwai, Ally
 
Subject ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES
ANIMAL PRODUCTION
 
Description A.M. Okeyo is ILRI author
Small ruminants (i.e., sheep and goats) are ubiquitous, and contribute significantly to the subsistence, economic and social livelihoods of a large human population in low-input, smallholder production systems in developing countries. Increasing human population, urbanization and incomes, coupled with changing consumer preferences are creating more demand for these animals and their products. This demand can effectively be met by substantially increasing the productivity of these animals. Integrated effort in terms of management, health, genetic improvement and product technology to enhance production and decrease wastage is, therefore, desirable. Efficient genetic improvement programs can boost output and profitability for the smallholders. However, there is a lack of information on sustainable conventional genetic improvement programs under smallholder production circumstances. Consequently, methods for implementing and the factors influencing the success of genetic improvement programs should be studied. This review focuses on the technical and infrastructural issues affecting the genetic improvement of small ruminants in low-input, smallholder production systems. It is concluded that a key step is to identify existing structures, institutions, and indigenous breeding practices, and, to build upon these foundation programs where there are opportunities for sustainable genetic improvement.
 
Date 2010-04-13T04:50:39Z
2010-04-13T04:50:39Z
2007-06-15
 
Type Journal Article
 
Identifier Kosgey, I.S.; Okeyo, A.M. 2007. Genetic improvement of small ruminants in low input, smallholder production systems: technical and infrastructural issues. Small Ruminant Research 70(1):76-88.
0921-4488
http://hdl.handle.net/10568/1198
 
Language en
 
Source Small Ruminant Research