Indigenous Animal Genetic Resources Research Articles

Assessment of performance and egg quality in laying hens of Spanish indigenous breed Black Castellana as compared with a selected white egg-layer strain

Indigenous animal genetic resources should be preserved because of their well adaptation to the environment, their tolerance to low food availability and their sociocultural importance. The characterization of the quality of the products generated by heritage breeds may bring more arguments to encourage the raising of these animals. This study aimed at evaluating the egg performance and quality of Spanish indigenous Black Castellana (BC) breed as compared with a selected strain (Lohmann LSL-Classic). Four groups of 30 hens were arranged: 1) Lohmann hens fed a control diet; 2) BC hens fed the control diet; 3) Lohmann hens fed a diet including linseed at 70 g/kg (omega-3 diet); 4) BC hens fed the omega-3 diet. Egg production was higher by 12.3% for Lohmann hens but, since BC eggs were heavier by 15.4%, no effect of genetics was found on daily egg mass. Feed intake was higher by 5.0% for BC hens. Nonetheless, no difference was detected for feed conversion ratio. Eggshell was thicker by 6.78% in Lohmann eggs. Haugh units did not differ among freshly laid and stored eggs in Lohmann hens, whereas Haugh units decreased in stored BC eggs (80.5 vs. 76.7 vs. 72.3 at 0, 14, and 30 d of storage). Yolks of BC eggs contained less fat (57.5 vs. 60.8% DM), more protein (32.8 vs. 31.9% DM) and more cholecalciferol (1.25 vs. 1.22 μg/g DM), and showed lower proportion of saturated fatty acids (29.0 vs. 37.0%) and higher proportions of monounsaturated (45.7 vs. 39.6%) and polyunsaturated (25.2 vs. 23.4%) fatty acids. Feeding the omega-3 diet reduced the yolk proportions of saturated (32.5 vs. 33.5%) and monounsaturated (42.0 vs. 43.3%) fatty acids and increased those of polyunsaturated (25.4 vs. 23.2%) and ω-3 (7.05 vs. 2.42%) fatty acids. No effect due to genetics or diet was found on yolk color score or on yolk content in cholesterol, cobalamin, retinol and γ-tocopherol. This study represents the first exhaustive characterization of eggs from Spanish indigenous Black Castellana breed.

Whole genome sequences of 70 indigenous Ethiopian cattle

Indigenous animal genetic resources play a crucial role in preserving global genetic diversity and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. In Ethiopia, the majority of the cattle population consists of indigenous breeds. Understanding the genetic architecture of these cattle breeds is essential for effective management and conservation efforts. In this study, we sequenced DNA samples from 70 animals from seven indigenous cattle breeds, generating about two terabytes of pair-end reads with an average coverage of 14X. The sequencing data were pre-processed and mapped to the cattle reference genome (ARS-UCD1.2) with an alignment rate of 99.2%. Finally, the variant calling process produced approximately 35 million high-quality SNPs. These data provide a deeper understanding of the genetic landscape, facilitate the identification of causal mutations, and enable the exploration of evolutionary patterns to assist cattle improvement and sustainable utilization, particularly in the face of unpredictable climate changes.

Phenotypic characterization of Guraghe and Jimma cattle breeds in Ethiopia: Implications for breed differentiation and in-situ conservation.

The aim of this study was to phenotypically characterize Guraghe and Jimma cattle breeds at the farm level and quantify the relationships between them. Eight morphometric measurements and sixteen morphological traits were recorded for a total of 313 (221 females and 92 males) randomly selected adult cattle from three purposively selected districts. Univariate and multivariate analysis procedures of Statistical Analysis Software (SAS 9.0) were used to analyze the data. Clear morphological and morphometric variations were not observed between the two cattle breeds. All of the studied cattle populations possessed straight-edged ears, a sloppy rump profile, and straight face and back profiles. Moreover, the majority of the studied cattle possess widely spaced curved horns, red-colored uniform body color patterns, and erected small humps located at the cervicothoracic position. In addition to their phenotypic similarities, multivariate analysis also failed to reveal significant differences between the two breeds. These results suggest the inseparable nature of the two cattle breeds. However, such similarities in phenotypic traits between the two cattle breeds do not necessarily indicate genetic similarities. Therefore, further genetic characterization is recommended to quantify the degree of genetic relationship between the breeds. In the meantime, it is recommended to design breed-specific in situ conservation as well as genetic improvement programs that consider cattle breeds as one. Furthermore, an inclusive and uniform breed name that can represent the two cattle populations is obtained from the country's steering committee for indigenous animal genetic resources.

Türkiye's indigenous genetic resource: Muradiye Kelebek pigeon

The current study was carried out to determine the morphological characteristics of the Muradiye kelebek pigeon, which has been reared for many years by breeders in the Muradiye region. The ages of pigeons were classified into two groups: 12-24 months (age group I) and 25-36 months (age group II). The male pigeons had a significantly higher trunk length (P<0.001), head width (P<0.05), beak length (P<0.001), beak depth (P<0.05), thoracic perimeter (P<0.001), and tarsus diameter (P<0.001) compared to the female pigeons. The body weight (P<0.001), chest width (P<0.05), and thoracic perimeter (P<0.01) values of age group II were higher than those of age group I. It was determined that most of the pigeons were grayish blue-eyed (69.90%) and non-crested (76.72%). It was determined that the head structure of the Muradiye kelebek pigeon was similar to the Edremit kelebek, Muradiye donek, Bursa oynarı, Thrace roller, and Alabadem pigeon genotypes. The spotted plumage color of the Muradiye butterfly pigeon and the other three genotypes (jackal plumage in the Thrace roller, speckled plumage in the Edremit kelebek pigeon, and red/black galaca in the Muradiye donek pigeon) may be a common trait. Since these genotypes share some phenotypic characteristics, the phylogenetic relationships between the Muradiye butterfly pigeon and the other five pigeon genotypes (Edremit kelebek, Muradiye donek, Alabadem, Bursa oynarı, and Thrace roller) should be determined by molecular studies.

Climate Change's Impact on Agriculture and Food Security: An Opportunity to Showcase African Animal Genetic Resources

One of the current issues facing humanity is ensuring sustained global food security in the face of devastating effects of climate change; this challenge is particularly pressing on the African continent. Here, I present an opinion piece identifying local animal genetic resources as "African leverage point" that provide the highest chances to cushion rural fork to climate change, enhance environmental sustainability and food security in Africa. When it comes to boosting food production, coping with climate change, or bolstering the delivery of a wide range of ecosystem services, I believe that African animal genetic resources are essential alternatives for the sustainable growth of the livestock industry and its contribution to food security. Africa needs to address the support and development of indigenous animal genetic resources in order to meet the basic food needs of more than 1 billion people, address numerous environmental issues with continental implications, and focus on more effective and resilient food systems with the greatest impact on food security. The indigenous animal resources diversity and support actions to this unique group could provide a boost in protein that is lacking to constitute healthy diets in Africa. The priorities of nonprofit organizations, foundations, governments, citizens' groups, and companies can be influenced by this leverage point in the African food system. Due to continuous food insecurity, which appears to be becoming worse with climate change and makes it even harder to accomplish the SDGs on the continent, Africa has paid a hefty price for being misled about the worth of its own animal genetic resources. To the contrary, it is highly improbable that a strategy to improve food security and rural livelihoods that undermines the utilization of indigenous animal genetic resources will be viable in long-term. If Africa makes an effort, is committed, and fully commits resources to putting indigenous animal genetic resources at the forefront of combating food insecurity and accelerating the achievement of SDGs, it can achieve more under the adverse prevailing climate change induce environmental conditions. Our personal opinion is that we would not have had the ongoing food problems, even in the face of climate change, if Africa had over the years implemented the necessary mechanisms to develop and promote local animal genetic resources. What lies ahead in terms of climate change effect on food security in Africa is anyone's guess – but whatever it is, promoting continental adapted indigenous animal genetic resources portfolio is ready to handle it. Development and promotion of African animal genetic resources should be part of a continental strategy to transform smallholder animal production by 2050, in line with the goals of achieving the SGDs, to improve rural household food security, and bringing rural economy prosperity, resilience, sustainability, and all other desired animal related food outcomes for rural healthy diets. African animal genetic resources are the most important but underutilized resource to address the issue of ongoing food insecurity. The responsible use of local animal genetic resources through climate smart animal husbandry practices also contributes to food security, rural development and increased employment opportunities. African genetic improvement programs involving indigenous animal genetic resources must be considered as regards to local agriculture and livestock development aspirations, appropriateness to local reality and livelihood security, as well as environmental friendliness. Animal agriculture will fill in the enormous gaps in the continent's food supply if this animal group receives adequate attention and is used integrated properly in crop and livestock systems which characterize smallholder farming sector in Africa. Because they have evolved over time to accommodate the various climatic conditions and environmental pressures on the continent, Africa's native animal genetic resources are particularly resilient. Indirectly, the impact of climate change offers a chance to use native animal genetics from Africa. The use of local animal genetic diversity has the potential to substantially improve Africa's food security landscape hence should be given special consideration for sociocultural, environmental, and economic aspects, and with regard for smallholder farmer-specific factors of interest. African animal genetic resources have contributed significantly to the food and nutrition security aspects of the millions of people in their communities of origin and custody in Africa. The purpose of the perception piece is to educate the reader about the fundamental mechanisms that control the use of continental animal genetic resources and how the outlook for these mechanisms can be manipulated in the future for the benefit of improving food security in Africa. The discussion provides in-depth insight into the pertinent literature in understanding the significance of local animal genetic resources in terms of their contribution to food security in Africa.

The role of cross-border transhumance in influencing resident herders’ cattle husbandry practices and use of genetic resources

For centuries, the humid West African coastal country of Benin attracts cattle herders from neighboring Sahelian countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso and Nigeria. Each year, several thousands of cattle are trekked over hundreds of kilometers to Benin following established and non-established transhumance corridors. This cross-border mobility has been shown to play an important role in ensuring the productivity of the transhumant herds through adequate late dry season access to pastoral resources. Yet, its effects on the traditional agro-pastoral production systems that are encountered along the routes in Benin have never been explicitly investigated. Therefore, we collected socio-economic household data, herd characteristics and management data from 104 resident herders and 38 transhumant herders in 2 vegetation zones of Benin. To determine whether or not the proximity to transhumance corridors affects sedentary production systems, characteristics of cattle herds and farmers’ management practices were compared between villages close to (within a 25 km buffer) and far from (outside a 25 km buffer) transhumance corridors within and between vegetation zones using non-parametric statistical tests. Existing relationships between resident and transhumant herders were also identified and characterized. Subsequently, herd characteristics and management practices were compared between resident herders having relationships with transhumant herders and those without. Herd sizes of resident herders living close to transhumance corridors were larger (P < 0.01) than those of their counterparts living far away. Also, proximity to transhumance corridors had positive effects on herd management practices. The relationships between resident and transhumant herders were governed by a variety of interests including encampment/manuring contracts, exploitation of grazing lands and watering points, trading and bartering of cattle. This exchange of cattle is an important driver of change in the breed composition of local herds and represents an opportunity for resident herders to enhance their herds’ productivity through crossbreeding. However, the mere replacement or indiscriminate crossbreeding of local cattle breeds with those kept by transhumant herders threatens the sustainability of the traditional resident herding systems by increasing the risk of genetic erosion and loss of valuable adaptive traits in indigenous animal genetic resources.

Indigenous Tswana pig production characteristics and management practices in southern districts of Botswana.

Indigenous animal genetic resources are vital in agriculture especially in the era of climate change because they are adapted to the harsh local conditions. Therefore, their conservation through utilisation is necessary. Indigenous Tswana pigs are one of the animal genetic resources that need to be protected from becoming extinct. The aim of this study was to determine the population of Tswana pigs, their production characteristics and management practices in the southern districts of Botswana. A survey was done in 15 villages in Kweneng, Kgatleng and South East districts of southern Botswana. A combination of purposive and convenience sampling methods was used to select villages and households where the survey was conducted. A questionnaire with closed- and opened-ended questions was administered to 71 indigenous pig farmers. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics procedure, frequency procedure and principal component analysis. The study established that indigenous Tswana pigs are mainly kept and managed by middle-aged and elderly women with lower level of education and no formal employment. These farmers keep Tswana pigs alongside other livestock species. The population of indigenous Tswana pigs in the surveyed districts is 620. Farmers keep indigenous pigs for cash and for home consumption. The pigs are kept in the backyard and fed kitchen leftovers and others are left to scavenge for feeds. Farmers do not put much effort in attending the health of the indigenous pigs; hence, their ignorance of the parasites and diseases affecting the pigs.

Editorial: Advances in Farm Animal Genomic Resources.

Editorial: Advances in Farm Animal Genomic Resources.

Population genetic structure, linkage disequilibrium and effective population size of conserved and extensively raised village chicken populations of Southern Africa.

Extensively raised village chickens are considered a valuable source of biodiversity, with genetic variability developed over thousands of years that ought to be characterized and utilized. Surveys that can reveal a population's genetic structure and provide an insight into its demographic history will give valuable information that can be used to manage and conserve important indigenous animal genetic resources. This study reports population diversity and structure, linkage disequilibrium and effective population sizes of Southern African village chickens and conservation flocks from South Africa. DNA samples from 312 chickens from South African village and conservation flocks (n = 146), Malawi (n = 30) and Zimbabwe (n = 136) were genotyped using the Illumina iSelect chicken SNP60K BeadChip. Population genetic structure analysis distinguished the four conservation flocks from the village chicken populations. Of the four flocks, the Ovambo clustered closer to the village chickens particularly those sampled from South Africa. Clustering of the village chickens followed a geographic gradient whereby South African chickens were closer to those from Zimbabwe than to chickens from Malawi. Different conservation flocks seemed to have maintained different components of the ancestral genomes with a higher proportion of village chicken diversity found in the Ovambo population. Overall population LD averaged over chromosomes ranged from 0.03 ± 0.07 to 0.58 ± 0.41 and averaged 0.15 ± 0.16. Higher LD, ranging from 0.29 to 0.36, was observed between SNP markers that were less than 10 kb apart in the conservation flocks. LD in the conservation flocks steadily decreased to 0.15 (PK) and 0.24 (VD) at SNP marker interval of 500 kb. Genomewide LD decay in the village chickens from Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa followed a similar trend as the conservation flocks although the mean LD values for the investigated SNP intervals were lower. The results suggest low effective population sizes particularly in the conservation flocks. The utility and limitations of the iselect chicken SNP60K in village chicken populations is discussed.

Phenotypic and genetic parameters for production traits of local chickens in Ghana

Characterization of indigenous animal genetic resources is a first step in providing much needed information for the conservation and utilization of useful genotypes for future needs. The study was undertaken to estimate heritability of traits of economic importance in local chicken populations from the forest and savannah zones of Ghana. A restricted maximum likelihood animal model was applied to growth data of local chickens from hatch to 40 weeks to estimate heritability, phenotypic and genotypic correlations of body weight and shank length. Heritability, phenotypic and genotypic correlations were also calculated for egg number and egg weight. High genetic and phenotypic correlations were obtained between body weight and shank length. Average heritability estimates were 0.54, 0.42, 0.30 and 0.47 for body weight, shank length, egg number and egg weight, respectively. These moderate-to-high heritability estimates indicate that these traits could be targeted in genetic improvement programmes for local chickens.

Threats, attempts and opportunities of conserving indigenous animal genetic resources in Ethiopia

Loss of genetic diversity among animal populations occurs due to genetic introgression, crossbreeding, inbreeding, climate change and its related factors. Therefore, the objective of the study was to quantify threats, previous conservation attempts and opportunities of conserving indigenous animal genetic resources in Ethiopia. The consequences of genetic introgressions include reduced survival and fitness of the first and second generations, accelerated growth rate, decreased predator avoidance behaviors and increased agonistic behaviors. Inbreeding allows rare, harmful recessive alleles to become expressed in the homozygous form, with resulting harmful effects and reduces genetic variability and performances on the offspring. The cause threatening the survival of the adapted indigenous animal breeds in Ethiopia is indiscriminate crossbreeding with exotic germplasm. On the other hand, due to climate changes, indigenous animal breeds are changing their distribution patterns. Animals specially the wild are shifting their ranges, altering their phenology, changes in population dynamics, and some are facing extinction, or have become extinct. Different organizations have made attempts to conserve 3 indigenous cattle breeds and one sheep breed in Ethiopia. Their attempts are failing due to the gaps of information for sustainable utilization and conservation of animal genetic resources. Setting priorities to conserve, develop and utilize the available genetic resources as well as ex situ conservation can be taken as an opportunity for the maintenance of nucleus flocks as a repository of the pure breed. Key words: Climate change, crossbreeding, genetic introgression, inbreeding, Ethiopia.

Current state of knowledge on indigenous chicken genetic resources of the tropics: domestication, distribution and documentation of information on the genetic resources

This paper covers the domestication and distribution of chickens in different parts of the world and describes the global data bases containing information on chicken genetic resources. The review shows the dispersion of chickens from the putative centres of domestication to different parts of the world, although introduction of the domesticated chicken into Africa is poorly documented. Currently, there are three globally accessible data bases containing information on chickens; however none of these provide a comprehensive system for systematically classifying domestic chickens in developing countries in terms of their present-day uses, potential for the future and distribution within and across countries. Such a system should be developed to include indigenous chicken genetic resources at the same level of detail as for other farm animals. The data management systems should incorporate all available information at the molecular level. Such information is important not only for discerning the existing diversity but also for making decisions on conservation priorities. Addressing the gaps in information on indigenous chicken genetic resources should primarily be the focus on the Domestic Animal Genetic Resources Information System (DAGRIS). DAGRIS, as a virtual library of indigenous animal genetic resources in developing countries, could play a leading role in delivering systematic information on the diversity, distribution and classification of domestic chicken in the tropics.

South African sheep breeds: Population genetic structure and conservation implications

This paper details the population genetic structure of South African indigenous, locally developed and introduced breeds using microsatellite markers, and the conservation implications of these results. Blood samples from 622 sheep, comprising 20 breeds, were collected from different regions in South Africa. All animals were genotyped at 12 microsatellite loci. Average unbiased heterozygosity (Hz) was lowest in the fat-rumped breeds (0.466); compared to higher average Hz values of 0.555 and 0.598 in the composite and indigenous fat-tailed breeds; and still higher values of 0.659 and 0.662 in Karakul and the wool breeds respectively. Analysis of patterns of differentiation showed that the average Fst value between fat-rumped and the fat-tailed indigenous breeds was 0.180, with an average Fst=0.184 between indigenous fat-tailed and wool types, and a higher average Fst value of 0.260 between fat-rumped and wool type breeds. Fst values within breeds were generally lower. Results from both Bayesian analysis (STRUCTURE) and a neighbor-joining tree based on standard genetic distance confirmed the known patterns of relationships among these groups and (in some instances) breeds. The results of this study also suggest that the indigenous breeds studied have some uniqueness, which may well translate to local adaptation over time. These results thus provide additional support for programs aimed at the conservation of indigenous and locally developed breeds, in line with international programs that emphasize the conservation of indigenous animal genetic resources.

Indigenous animal genetic resources of Sri Lanka. Status, potential and opportunities. Edited by Pradeepa Silva. A publication of the UNEP/GEF/ILRI – FAnGR Asia Project of Sri Lanka implemented by the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Published in 2010, 168 pp. ISBN: 976-955-589-120-2

Indigenous animal genetic resources of Sri Lanka. Status, potential and opportunities. Edited by Pradeepa Silva. A publication of the UNEP/GEF/ILRI – FAnGR Asia Project of Sri Lanka implemented by the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Published in 2010, 168 pp. ISBN: 976-955-589-120-2

Implicit Prices of Indigenous Bull Traits in Crop-Livestock Mixed Production Systems of Ethiopia*

Abstract: This study examines the bull trait preferences of cattle buyers and estimates the relative willingness to pay for the preferred attributes. Data were generated using choice experiment method in five markets in central Ethiopia. Standard and Heterogeneity in Mean (H-M) Random Parameters Logit (RPL) models were used to analyze buyers’ preferences for traits, while kernel density estimators were employed to examine the distribution of the willingness to pay for the individual traits. The results show that cattle buyers of central Ethiopia assign high values for good traction potential, big body size, disease resistance, calf vigor, and for places of origin when choosing bulls in the market. The preferences cattle buyers have for these attributes do vary essentially due to differences in occupation, education and age. The main implication of the findings is the necessity of identification and reckoning of trait preferences while designing crossbreeding efforts meant to sustain development of cattle production. Comprehensive and informed approach in this regard will also contribute in reducing the erosion of the genetic diversity of the indigenous animal genetic resources.

Genetic diversity of Forest and Savannah chicken populations of Ghana as estimated by microsatellite markers

The characterization of indigenous animal genetic resources is a requisite step in providing needed information for the conservation of useful genotypes against future needs. Thus, in this study, 22 microsatellite markers were used to genotype 114 local chickens from the Forest (n = 59) and Savannah (n = 55) eco-zones of Ghana and the results compared to those of the ancestral red junglefowl (n = 15) and two European commercial chicken populations--a broiler (n = 25) and white leghorn (n = 25). A total of 171 alleles were observed, with an average of 7.8 alleles per locus. The local Ghanaian chickens showed higher diversity in terms of the observed number of alleles per locus (6.6) and observed heterozygosity (0.568) compared with the combined control populations (6.0 and 0.458, respectively). However, Wright's F-statistics revealed negligible genetic differentiation (F(ST)) in local Ghanaian chicken populations. In addition, 65% of the Savannah chickens were inferred to be more likely from the Forest, suggesting a south-north dispersal of chickens from their probable original location in the Forest zone to the Savannah areas. It is concluded that the Forest and Savannah chickens of Ghana are a single, randomly mating unselected population, characterized by high genetic diversity and constitute a valuable resource for conservation and improvement.

Animal genetic resource trade flows: Economic assessment

Throughout human history, livestock producers have relied on a vibrant international exchange of genetic resources to achieve improvements in the quality and productivity of their animals. In recent years, however, some observers have argued that changes in the legal, technological, and economic environment now imply that international exchanges of animal genetic resources (AnGR) systematically benefit rich countries at the expense of poor countries. It is argued that international flows of AnGR are displacing the indigenous animal genetic resources of developing countries, and also that the genetic wealth of the developing world is being expropriated by rich countries. In reaction, there have been growing calls for limitations and/or barriers to the exchange of animal genetic resources. These discussions, however, seem to be based on limited information about the magnitude and direction of current trade flows in AnGR. This paper offers an analysis of AnGR trade flows from 1990 to 2005. The paper draws on national-level data from 150 countries that reported information to the United Nations Statistics Division. Three major trade categories were evaluated: live cattle and pigs for breeding, and cattle semen. Over the period studied, Europe and North America were the primary exporters of genetic resources for the species evaluated. OECD countries accounted for 98.7, 92.5, and 95% of cattle semen, live cattle, and swine exports in 2005, respectively. In evaluating the direction of trade between developed (North) and developing (South) countries, North–North trade had the largest magnitude, followed by North–South, South–South, and South–North. The data do not support the notion that Southern genetic resources are being used on a large scale in the North. We believe that importation from South to North is limited by the vast discrepancies in production efficiency and production systems between countries in the North and South. Given the low volume of South–North exchange, it seems doubtful that sufficient revenues could be acquired through a “benefit-sharing mechanism” to have any substantial impact on in situ or ex situ conservation efforts, or to generate benefits for poor livestock keepers in developing countries. We question whether global agreements or restrictions on trade will achieve the desired goal of conserving rare breeds and threatened genetic resources. We also doubt whether these agreements will succeed in improving the well-being of the poor. We suggest that resources instead be urgently employed for conservation and that more direct measures should be taken to aid poor farmers, ranchers, and herders in their efforts to conserve genetic resources.

A developing country perspective on recent developments in animal breeders and intellectual property rights

Animal breeding and genetics have changed markedly, resembling those that have already taken place in the plant sector. These changes are going to be larger with sequenced genomes, transgenic livestock and cloned animals. Animal scientists have now started to protect their intellectual property and these protective measures have alarmed other scientists and the public. The challenge for developing countries is to guard against bio-piracy of their indigenous animal genetic resources, and to safeguard technologies that they have been using. A second concern is the export of genetic material to countries that did not ratify the Convention on Biodiversity. The first operational conflict resulted from a patent on a “Method of Bovine Herd Management”. The patent claims rights to a practice that has been public knowledge for nearly 100 years. The novel idea within the patent is the specific mathematical model and procedures developed for analysis of test day yields. Monsanto has recently applied for a series of patents on pig breeding in some 160 countries, whereas researchers in New Zealand and Australia obtained a patent for the Booroola gene. The east African Boran cattle breed has also been patented in Australia. Currently developing countries risk losing their intellectual property on indigenous livestock while research institutions require a stable regulatory framework in which to operate. There should be a balance between the needs of developed and developing countries and interim measures should be put in place in anticipation of the development of a legal framework on animal genetic resources. Keywords : keyword; keyword; keyword South African Journal of Animal Science Vol. 36 (5) 2006: pp.22-25

Valuing indigenous cattle breeds in Kenya: an empirical comparison of stated and revealed preference value estimates

In this study we compare revealed and stated-preference approaches to value traits of cattle in Kenya. The premise is that much can be learnt about non-market values of indigenous animal genetic resources (AnGR) from the use of multi-attribute stated-preference methods, if these compare well with revealed-preference results. The objective is to investigate the performance of choice experiments (CEs) in Maasai cattle trading, by conducting an external test of preference consistency. We compare value estimates for cattle attributes from CEs data with those from hedonic analysis of actual transactions by the same population of traders, in the same markets and over the same period. If CEs perform well, they can be used to investigate values of those genetically-determined livestock traits currently not prominent in pastoralists’ populations, but desirable candidates for breeding or conservation programmes (e.g. disease resistance). The results indicate that CE estimates pass the external test and appear to be adequately precise in estimating values for cattle traits that are relevant in market transactions for Maasai traders. Accounting for taste and variance heterogeneity does not change this conclusion. CEs may, therefore, be a promising tool for valuing phenotypic traits expressed by indigenous AnGR.

Valuing Indigenous Cattle Breeds in Kenya: An Empirical Comparison of Stated and Revealed Preference Value Estimates

In this study we compare revealed and stated-preference approaches to value live-stock traits of cattle in Kenya. The premise is that much can be learnt about non-market values of indigenous animal genetic resources (AnGRs) from the use of multi-attribute stated-preference methods, if these compare well with revealed-preference results. The objective is to investigate the performance of choice experiments (CEs) in Maasai cattle trading, by conducting an external test of preference consistency. This involves comparing value estimates for cattle attributes derived from CEs data with those obtained using a hedonic analysis of actual transactions by the same population of traders, in the same markets and over the same period. If CEs perform well, they can be used to investigate values of those genetically-determined livestock traits currently not prominent in pastoralists' populations, but desirable candidates for breeding or conservation programmes (e.g. disease resistance). It is argued that these methods are important in developing countries where livestock are kept for economic reasons and for cultural and risk management functions which are critical to livelihood strategies, but not valued by markets. The results indicate that CEs estimates pass the external test and appear to be adequately precise in estimating values for cattle traits that are relevant in market transactions for Maasai traders. They may be, therefore, a promising tool for valuing phenotypic traits expressed by indigenous AnGRs.