Sustainable Management of Animal Genetic Resources to Improve Low-Input Livestock Production: Insights into Local Beninese Cattle Populations

Abstract

Persistent food insecurity, along with climate change pressures, urges on the definition of suitable strategies to support the transformation of low-input livestock farming in developing countries. Advances in genomics and information technologies are valuable opportunities for achieving the required improvement, but their implementation implies access to technical and financial resources with appropriate adjustment in the local context. Addressing extensive cattle production in Benin, we focus on animal genetic resources (AnGR) and corresponding approaches aiming for a durable breeding improvement based on sustainable management strategies. Specifically, smallholder breeding goals are revised, and novel strategies for proper organization, sound data collection, and scientific investigations are explored. Further emphasis addresses the enhancement of farmer management practices, including valuable traditional knowledge; and breeding strategies to improve animal performances considering robustness and further traits favored by the farmers. Against such a background, it is imperative that political, institutional, and scientific collaborations reinforce research capacities and technical and financial resources. In the given context, the current review article provides policymakers and national and international researchers with practical guidance based on scientific criteria for a smallholder livestock amelioration in Benin, scalable to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Exploiting morphobiometric and genomic variability of African indigenous camel populations-A review

“…These include facilitating the conduct of appropriate high quality research targeting the needs of the herders, marketers and consumers; policy and development interventions; legal frameworks, infrastructural supports (good roads, access to potable water and electricity), and giving incentives to herders in terms of credit facilities and inputs. Such assistance can be made possible by national, regional and international relevant institutions including donor agencies and developmental organizations ( Leroy et al, 2015 ; Bediye et al, 2018 ; Vanvanhossou et al, 2021 ).…”

First DNA Sequencing in Beninese Indigenous Cattle Breeds Captures New Milk Protein Variants

“…Sixty-seven animals consisting of 20 Lagune, 20 Somba, 27 crossbreeds (including Borgou and Pabli animals) were selected within a large dataset of Beninese indigenous cattle sampled between 2016 and 2017 [45]. The Lagune and the Somba are two representatives of West African taurine, while the Borgou and Pabli are the products of crossbreeding, i.e., Somba × White Fulani (Zebu) and Somba × Borgou, respectively [6]. The relationships between the animals were minimized by considering only one sample per herd and per village.…”

“…Also, crossbreeding between local taurine and zebu breeds is increasingly practiced by small-scale farmers [4]. However, neither selection strategies nor proper documentation on the characteristics of the local breeds exist as a basis for optimized crossbreeding practices [5,6]. Imported exotic breeds are challenged due to their inferior adaptation to local harsh environments, implying increased disease frequencies and ongoing declines in productivity.…”

The Influence of Trait Preferences and Breeding Practices on Local Chicken Genetic Resource Conservation in Igunga District, Tanzania

“…Increasing temperatures and humidity stimulate further environmental stressors, such as infectious and noninfectious chicken disease outbreaks or seasonal fluctuations in feed resources. Local chickens, like any other local animal genetic resource, have adapted to diverse stressful tropical environments by undergoing centuries of natural and artificial selection [8]. These chickens have acquired a range of unique adaptive traits, such as resistance to disease and heat, tolerance to water and ability to cope with poorquality feed [9].…”