A review of some characteristics, socio-economic aspects and utilization of Zulu sheep: implications for conservation

Abstract

Zulu sheep are Nguni sheep of Zululand and are adapted to the harsh conditions of KwaZulu-Natal. They are used by rural farmers for economic purposes. Their numbers are declining, indicating a potential extinction threat. Knowledge of their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics is essential for conservation planning. In this review, there is a focus on the utilization, socio-economic aspects, phenotypic and genotypic characteristics as well as a proposed breeding programme. A survey has shown that rural farmers in the areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal prefer to keep this breed for its adaptability, resistance to diseases and meat quality. Zulu sheep are small-framed multi-coloured animals. Mature males weigh up to 38 kg and females up to 32 kg. Based on four morphological traits and live weight, phenotypic diversity between three populations was estimated at 48%. A genetic diversity between these three populations was estimated at 22%. Live weight of Zulu sheep can be estimated using the heart girth and wither height measurements. Scrotum circumference of young rams (up to 22 months old) is reliable for estimating the live weight. Animals that were characterized in the studies were grazed extensively and no supplements were provided. There is therefore a potential of weight increase if these animals are reared in a semi-extensive environment. An open nucleus breeding scheme is thus recommended for a sustainable use and conservation of this breed. For more conclusive results, larger numbers of phenotypic and genetic characteristics, in larger numbers of Zulu sheep populations, should be investigated.

Seasonal Variations in Semen Parameters of Zulu Rams Preserved at 10°C for 72 H During Breeding and Non-Breeding Season

“…Zulu sheep is a fat-tailed South African indigenous sheep along with BaPedi and Swazi breed, hardy and well adapting to harsh environmental conditions (Ramsay et al, 2000;Kunene et al, 2011). Zulu people brought this breed to the east coast of South Africa 200-400 AD ago hence named after Zulu tribe (Mavule et al, 2013;Du Toit, 2018).…”

An Update on South African Indigenous Sheep Breeds’ Extinction Status and Difficulties during Conservation Attempts: A Review

“…Zulu and BaPedi sheep are found in the wet, humid eastern coastal region, whereas Namaqua Afrikaner and the Damara are found in the drier northern region. The South African indigenous sheep play numerous roles in different ways ranging from the employment of rural farmers to food security and good investment [2,21,22]. Moreover, adapting to adverse environmental conditions made these breeds a significant contributor to the livelihood of farmers in Southern Africa [23].…”

A Comparative Study on the Reproductive Performance of South African Indigenous Sheep Breeds Following Oestrus Synchronization

“…Various authors such as Kunene et al (2009); Mavule et al (2013); Hasani et al (2018) documented a clear role of rearing these breeds in rural farmers where veterinary service and other inputs are lacking (Mavule et al, 2013). Despite the adaptive traits they built, they are however endangered (FAO-DAD-IS, 2020; Maqhashu et al, 2020) due to indiscriminate crossbreeding to improve growth rate and body weight size (Kunene et al, 2011). Furthermore, uncontrolled mating in rural areas is another factor found to ground genetic erosion of these breeds (Mavule et al, 2016;Selepe et al, 2018) that inhibits adaptive responses to harsh environmental conditions (Bijlsma and Loeschcke, 2012).…”

“…This will thus reduce the number of replacement ewes and rams, sink the selection intensity and complement inbreeding (Selepe et al, 2018). Previous studies in these breeds focused merely on the genetic makeup (Selepe et al, 2018), genetic diversity and population structure (Qwabe et al, 2013;Maqhashu et al, 2020), utilization (Kunene et al, 2011), morphological differentiation (Mavule et al, 2016) and implications for conservations (Soma et al, 2012). However, very little has been done on their reproductive performance.…”