Unlocking the potential of sheep and goat genetics in developing countries

Abstract

Sheep and goats are vital components of agricultural landscapes in developed and developing countries, with Asia and Africa jointly hosting 94% and 77% of global goat and sheep populations, respectively. Despite their importance, these regions grapple with heightened food insecurity, transitioning from traditional pastoralism to cultivating cereal crops and food trees. Decreased rangelands have led to including grains in animal feed, escalating production costs. The once-prevalent mixed farming practice, involving three or more species, regulating livestock systems and farm-level production strategies, has declined. While successful selection and crossbreeding initiatives exist, many developing countries lack cohesive breeding strategies and programs to boost sheep and goat productivity. Farmer organizations often lack empowerment for efficient meat and milk production. Addressing these challenges requires exploring pathways to unlock the genetic potential of these animals. Proposed solutions advocate for an integrated approach involving "selection" and "crossbreeding" strategies, with organized consortiums comprising breeders, community-based associations, commercial enterprises, or governmental agencies. For successful implementation, international organizations must play a crucial role by providing essential support and resources. This collaborative effort holds the potential to enhance resilience, sustainability, and overall sheep and goats productivity, contributing to the global fight against food insecurity.