Genetische und phänotypische Charakterisierung und Design eines Zuchtprogrammes für eine lokale Rinderrasse im Nord-Westen von Äthiopien
Abstract
Indigenous cattle breeds in Ethiopia are a valuable source of genetic material because of their adaptation to harsh climatic conditions, their ability to better utilize the limited and poor quality feed resources and their tolerance to a range of diseases found in these regions. Unfortunately, inadequate attention has been given to evaluating these resources or to setting up realistic and optimum breeding goals for their improvement. Little attention is given to identify, characterize and conserve the diversity of the cattle genotypes. One good example in this regard is a cattle breed found by Zewdu (2004) and suggested to be termed as "Mahibere – Slassie composite". This is a cattle population maintained within the territories of an Orthodox Christian Monastery in isolation for over 350 years. The Monastery is located in North Western Ethiopia, near the border with the Sudan. At present the herd size is estimated to be around 3000. Indicative performance reports confirmed that the breed is exceptionally good in terms of its milk production potential in comparison with cattle populations maintained by farmers in the region. The overall goal of this research is to fully characterize the cattle genotype "Mahibere – Slassie composite" both on-farm phenotypic and genotypic (estimate genetic diversity within the population and distance to other Ethiopian cattle breeds via the use of microsatellites) level and finally to design jointly with the owners a suitable breeding strategy so that the breed will be conserved and improved. Thus, its potential could be utilized in a sustainable manner for the benefit of the monastery and other farmers.
Rind phänotypische Charakterisierung genetische Charakterisierung Zuchtprogramm Äthiopien
Publikationen
Mitarbeiter*innen
Johann Sölkner
Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Johann Sölkner
johann.soelkner@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-93201, 93231
Projektleiter*in
01.08.2008 - 31.07.2010
Maria Wurzinger
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Maria Wurzinger
maria.wurzinger@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-93001, 93220, 93414
Projektmitarbeiter*in
01.08.2008 - 31.07.2010
BOKU Partner
Externe Partner
International Livestock Research Institute
Tadelle Dessie MSc
Partner
North Gondar Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Zewdu Wuletaw Msc
Partner