Optimization and evaluation of alternative village-based breeding plans: the case of goats in Afar region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study aims to design and evaluate alternative village-based breeding plans for Afar goats in Aba’ala, Afar region, Ethiopia. The alternative breeding plans were designed and evaluated using ZPLAN+ computer program following the gene flow method and selection index procedures. Input parameters were sourced from a production system survey study, own-flock ranking exercises and literature. The breeding goal traits included six-month weight, daily milk yield and proportions of weaned kids. Four alternatives were designed based on the variation of the number of the traits in the selection index (recording) while keeping all traits in the aggregate breeding goal. Furthermore, the proposed alternative plans were evaluated by varying the years of breeding buck service period. Higher annual genetic gain was estimated for six-month weight (0.2983 kg) in alternative 4, for daily milk yield (0.0083 kg or 8.3 g) and proportion of lambs weaned (0.0142%) in alternative 1 when the years of buck use for breeding was set to two years. Higher selection accuracy was obtained in alternative 1 when all the traits were included in the selection index while lower selection accuracy was achieved in alternative 4 when six-month weight only was included in the selection index. The highest profit per doe per year was achieved in alternative 1 (1.221€) while the lowest was obtained in alternative 4 (0.885 €) when six-month weight only is included in the selection index. The simulation results gave an acceptable range of genetic gains with little difference across the alternatives. Therefore, village breeding programs with a few traits in the recording and two years of breeding buck use are deemed practicable. The proposed breeding plans should be part of the national development strategies and involvement of local research institutions and universities is very crucial to ensure adequate technical support.