Breeding strategies for high input small ruminant systems
1996
Khusahry, M.Y. | Gayah, A.R. (Livesctock Research Centre, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)) | Abdullah, F.M.
Breeding strategies for improving small ruminant production with emphasis on high input systems entails the use of breed differences and selection in combination for improvement in overall production efficiency, emphasizing greater meat production per unit area. Such a system will depend heavily on the effective utilization and inter-relationships of various components of production, the ultimate determinants of success. Breeds and breeding systems are important components and are essential elements towards a desirable and economically viable production enterprise. In this context, the hair sheep breeds which have been brought into the region such as the Virgin Island St. Croix, Bali-Bali and the Barbados Black Belly are useful breeds for crossing and propagation. Their effective utility however, should take into consideration the need to develop basic industry structures for multiplication and dissemination of identified superior animals. Experiences in many parts of the region have indicated that the ranching system of production is not viable due to long payback periods and high capital costs of initial implementation. While the plantation sector, on the other hand, provides ample opportunities for small ruminant production, the attractiveness of such an enterprise depends on the premise that sustainability in production has to go hand in hand with effective utilization of heterosis and selection via workable breeding systems
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