Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted in communal and small-scale Nguni cattle enterprises to determine preferential traits for improvement under low-input cattle breeding programs. Forty-one farmers participated in ranking six specific traits of breeding bulls and cows. Kruskal-Wallis test and ordinal logistic regression were used to determine mean ranks of traits and odds ratios of predictors (enterprise ownership, gender, farmer age, education level, agriculture training) on specified trait ranks, respectively. Preferential traits for breeding bulls were in the order; aggression and mating behaviour (1.86), tick and disease resistance (1.90), body condition score (2.69), scrotal circumference (4.52), body size and conformation (4.71) and coat colour (5.02). For breeding cows,preferential order were; tick and disease resistance (1.55), reproductive efficiency (2.02), body condition score (3.14), body size and conformation (4.21), coat colour (4.74) and milk yield (5.31). Less old farmers (< 50 years) and those from communal enterprises preferred bull coat colour more than scrotal circumference. Farmers with primary education and those with formal agriculture training had the least odds ratio estimates on the poorly ranked bull coat colour. The informally trained farmers, older age group (> 50 years), females and those from small-scale enterprises had odds ratio estimates less than one for the sixth ranked milk yield in Nguni cows. It was concluded that trait preference in breeding bulls and cows is significantly influenced by socio-economic and demographic factors. It is recommended to consider farmer preferences in trait selection and designing communal breeding programs.
Highlights
Recent studies in the rural communities of South Africa practicing low-input animal agriculture have highlighted the concern of cattle breeding practices (Mapiye et al, 2009; Tada et al, 2012), a high bulling rate, and a high number of young bulls, heifers and young cows (Nqenoet al., 2010; Tada et al, 2013)
There were no significant association attributed to enterprise ownership pattern with regard to agricultural practices, sources of income, formal training in agriculture, and age of farmers (p > 0.05)
A significant majority (>50%) of the farmers responsible for the Nguni cattle in the enterprises were above 50 years of age in both communal and small-scale enterprises
Summary
Recent studies in the rural communities of South Africa practicing low-input animal agriculture have highlighted the concern of cattle breeding practices (Mapiye et al, 2009; Tada et al, 2012), a high bulling rate, and a high number of young bulls, heifers and young cows (Nqenoet al., 2010; Tada et al, 2013). The Nguni, an indigenous cattle breed in South Africa,found in rural areas have not undergone the intensive selection programs that are used for the exotic and commercially-oriented breeds (Nguni Cattle Breed Society, 2011). This can bebecause of the uneasiness and rigorous nature of standard performance data collection. Animal performance recording systems have been known for long to affect genetic improvement programs with negative results in the communal areas of most developing countries (Kahiet al., 2003). The potential to alleviate poverty and improve food security through livestock development interventions in the smallholder sectors of most developing countries was hampered by lack of participation in the planning and designing of breeding programs by the community (Kahiet al., 2003; Wollny, 2003; Roessleret al., 2008)
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