Simulated alternative breeding schemes for optimizing Begait goat improvement programs in Western Tigray, northern Ethiopia

Abstract

In the absence of well-designed national animal genetic improvement schemes, achieving and monitoring genetic gains is difficult. The objective of the present study was to evaluate three alternative breeding schemes for Begait goat breed in Ethiopia. The breeding schemes were: a) government ranch breeding scheme b) commercial breeding scheme and c) cooperative village breeding scheme. The breeding schemes differed in the number of tiers (two tiers in the case of a and b, one tier in case of scheme c), flock size and selection method. The breeding schemes were compared for annual genetic and economic gains in addition to operational feasibility. Analyses were performed by using ZPLAN computer program, which uses a deterministic approach to estimate genetic and economic gains in breeding programs. The results indicated that the annual genetic and economic gains increased with increased flock size and use of Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) based selection method. The predicted genetic and economic gains were slightly higher under scheme a and b as compared to scheme c. The trait of greater economic impact was six month weight (6 MW) in all schemes. Nevertheless, scheme a seems more operationally feasible when compared to the other schemes. This is as the regional government showed high interest in the maintenance and development of Begait goat, sheep and cattle breeds. Government also planned to export meat by the end of Growth and Transformation Plane III and roadmap has been already developed for these animal breeds. Apparently, these are good opportunities which would make the development and implementation of the breeding program for Begait goat more feasible in the short-term when the public sector is involved.