Open nucleus breeding programme in the Lake Victoria crescent region of Uganda

During the diagnostic survey carried out by the Livestock Systems Research Program, farmers identified among others lack of suitable genotypes for their production systems as a major cause of low production in dairy cattle. The best systematic way as recommended by many authors of tackling this problem in developing countries is through the use of Open Nucleus Breeding Schemes. A deterministic simulation with ZPLAN is to be used in finding an optimal genetic plan for recommendation in developing vital genotypes to meet present and future demands for the high/medium input - high/medium output production systems. Data from the Herd/Milk Recording Scheme is to be used. The program will encompass the Holstein-Friesian and Ankole cattle population in the Lake Victoria crescent region of Uganda.