Genetic analyses of N’Dama cattle breed selection schemes

Bosso, N.A.; van der Waaij, E.H.; Kahi, A.K.; van Arendonk, J.A.M.

Genetic analyses of N’Dama cattle breed selection schemes

2009

Bosso, N.A. | van der Waaij, E.H. | Kahi, A.K. | van Arendonk, J.A.M.

Data from the nucleus herd at the International Trypanotolerance Centre (ITC) in The Gambia were used to evaluate the current N'Dama cattle breeding scheme implemented in a low input production system. Opportunities were investigated to further improve the breeding scheme through a comparison of alternatives to the current selection strategy. A deterministic simulation model was used to demonstrate the genetic and economic benefits of the different schemes. The breeding goal consisted of daily weight gain (from 15 to 36 months of age under high tsetse challenge conditions, DWG, g/day) and milk yield (milk off-take in the first 100 days of lactation, MY, kg). Substantial genetic response per year of 3.40 kg in MY and 0.25 g/day in DWG could be achieved. Simulation results showed that early selection of nucleus sires resulted in relatively higher genetic and economic responses compared to all other schemes investigated. For a practical breeding scheme (low input system), the scheme based on early selection of nucleus sires should be recommended since this leads to the best improvements in the overall breeding goal

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