Genetics programmes can support vulnerable communities dependent on livestock.

Abstract

Some of the most vulnerable people in the world depend on small ruminants to support their sustenance and livelihoods. With lower per-unit “entry” costs than cattle, and an ability to thrive on a lower quality diet of mixed forages and crop residues than pigs and poultry, the role of small ruminants as an escape route from poverty and discrimination may have been under-estimated by many. In this issue of Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, three articles address the challenges faced by genetic improvement initiatives targeting vulnerable communities across India, Ethiopia and Brazil. Breeding programmes in countries with advanced economies are at the same time turning their attention to the new traits such as animal welfare and environmental impact that address threats to the social licence of a farm. Simultaneously, researchers are grappling with untapped “omic” and gene-editing technology opportunities for application in breeding programmes. The degree of contrast in approach and technology needs for application of genetic improvement in animal populations serving disadvantaged communities versus those being developed for industrial animal farming is remarkable and appears to be increasing. In Ethiopia, Haile et al (this issue) describe the growth and potential for community-based breeding programmes which take a bottom-up approach to achieve genetic gain. The principles are structured around avoiding negative selection and using well-proven recording and selection practices to make incremental gains in traits desired by the target communities. Lobo et al (this issue) describe how web-based database structures have been developed and implemented across an increasing number of programmes in Brazil and beyond. In India, Gowane et al. (this issue) describe the critical impact of cultural tradition and belief on livestock keeper practices as well as government policies that influence livestock. The pressure on cultural tradition, desire to maintain breed purity and livestock keeping practices that service ceremonial, insurance, bank account and status roles at the expense of productive performance are ever mounting. Disadvantaged people who depend on livestock need animals that can withstand severe environmental challenges and disease exposure, but which also are capable of consistent production to provide food and income to the household. The full cost of poor productivity in livestock is rapidly rising. Wasted grazing and other feed resources mean less opportunities for disadvantaged people. For the wealthy, improvement in livestock productivity will result in a reduced intensity of greenhouse gas emission. Alternative abatement options for reducing emissions such as deployment of policies and practices to remove the livestock altogether would result in a loss of high-quality food and massive social impacts. When one compares the challenges and approaches outlined in the three articles of this issue with the latest and greatest development in genetic and phenotyping technology, there is a clear need for bridging developments. On-the-ground infrastructure in marginalized communities targeted by development programmes will be a key to opening the way for the potential of new transformational genetic improvement technologies such as genomic selection and gene editing. Much more widespread data recording practices would help address an unanswered question relating to the role of lateral movement of germplasm across regions. Introduction of exotic germplasm through development and aid programmes has been widely recorded as a failure. Nevertheless, exotic breeds of cattle have had an obvious and often very positive impact in many intensive tropical agricultural systems. Such production systems have their germplasm mostly supplied by global breeding companies. With widespread data collection schemes resulting in knowledge about genotype–environment interaction, the risk associated with any decision on whether to introduce a new breed into a new region would be substantially alleviated. Livestock genetic improvement initiatives targeting disadvantaged communities are currently typically dependant on development programmes or government support. For many reasons, the breadth of impact in such efforts is frustratingly narrow. Internet, database and cloud computing developments could be the answer. Development programmes should quickly morph into a “train the trainer” philosophy. For example, peer-to-peer training on simple recording and data entry procedures should be effective, if the correct structures and training resources are easily available. Mobile devices that allow obvious recording errors to be captured at source, along with real-time uploading of data into cloud-based storage and analysis systems, should allow any initial failings in the recording process to be quickly identified and rectified. At the same time, real-time decision support should be possible. For example, a smart data capture system could immediately at the time of weighing detect the best males (from high-performing families) that should not be castrated and therefore remain as selection candidates. Livestock improvement programmes targeting industrial livestock production have had a stunning impact on the cost and quality of diets of many people throughout the world. But there are long timeframes for noticeable impact coupled with many additional challenges to achieving genetic progress. There are remarkable similarities in these challenges across diverse continents and cultures. Overcoming these challenges for livestock keepers in vulnerable communities should bring many additional allied benefits. In particular, the empowerment of women, who often take responsibility for household livestock, can lead to very positive social change. Creation of village institutions to support a co-ordinated approach to recording and selection of elite breeding males also fits with other community initiatives. These can include delivery of vaccination and castration services, co-ordinated marketing of products at improved prices, and promote improved management practices. These lead to village employment and wealth generation, which will help stem the flow of desperate people into already crowded and polluted cities. There are still many opportunities for genetic improvement programmes to improve the situation of the rural poor. A greater focus on performance recording technology, training and IT systems will create a powerful and much needed platform for new technologies, and generate data to support a wide range of community activities to empower hundreds of millions of very vulnerable people.