Local Animal Genetic Resources Research Articles

Genomic analysis of inbreeding level, kinship and breed relationships in Creole cattle from South America.

The conservation of animal genetic resources refers to measures taken to prevent the loss of genetic diversity in livestock populations, including the protection of breeds from extinction. Creole cattle populations have suffered a drastic reduction in recent decades owing to absorbent crosses or replacement with commercial breeds of European or Indian origin. Genetic characterization can serve as a source of information for conservation strategies to maintain genetic variation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the levels of inbreeding and kinship through the use of genomic information. A total of 903 DNAs from 13 cattle populations from Argentina, Bolivia and Uruguay were genotyped using an SNP panel of 48 K. Also, a dataset of 76 K SNPs from Peruvian Creole was included. Two inbreeding indices (FROH and Fhat2) and kinship relationships were calculated. In addition, effective population size (Ne), linkage disequilibrium, population composition and phylogenetic relationships were estimated. In Creole cattle, FROH ranged from 0.14 to 0.03, and Fhat2 was close to zero. The inferred Ne trends exhibited a decline toward the present for all populations, whereas Creole cattle presented a lower magnitude of Ne than foreign breeds. Cluster analysis clearly differentiated the taurine and Zebu components (K2) and showed that Bolivian Creole cattle presented Zebu gene introgression. Despite the population reduction, Creole populations did not present extreme values of consanguinity and kinship and maintain high levels of genetic diversity. The information obtained in this work may be useful for planning conservation programmes for these valuable local animal genetic resources.

Crossbreeding and its implication for small-scale animal agriculture in Africa: Outcomes, both positive and negative, and future prospects

<p>African animal genetic resources are diverse and have been the subject of crossbreeding for decades to improve local livestock and poultry populations. However, the literature on crossbreeding performance has been inconsistent, with many projects failing due to various reasons. This has led to mixed support and criticism for crossbreeding in small-scale animal agriculture. The review examines the achievements, problems, and future prospects for livestock and poultry genetic improvement through crossbreeding in Africa’s small-scale animal agriculture. Community-based Breeding Practices (CBBP) can be seen as a community livestock development strategy that mobilizes local animal genetic resources and boosts smallholder livestock producers’ ability to collaborate in resource-scarce communities. Genome sequencing is seen as the future cornerstone of promoting crossbreeding in Africa, but it should be based on consideration of the socioeconomic context of small-scale animal husbandry and local livestock production conditions. Smallholder farmers, who are the major custodians of local animal biodiversity, have faced challenges such as genotype and environmental interaction, lack of funding, poor laws, and lack of farmer participation. In conclusion, the review highlights the importance of phenomics and genomic prediction in improving animal genetic resources in Africa, but it also emphasizes the need for further research and development in this area. The study suggests that modern breeding technologies (genomics and phenomics) and training of smallholder livestock farmers in improved animal husbandry management practices can be used to enhance food and nutrition security for African rural households. This review examines the effects of crossbreeding through the decades on small-scale livestock farming in Africa, including positive and negative outcomes as well as future implications.<strong></strong></p>

Assessment of genetic diversity among native Algerian rabbit populations using microsatellite markers.

Having higher adaptability against abiotic stress, which is characterized in rural areas in developing countries, local farm animal genetic resources (FAGRs) are increasingly precarious for random and unsystematic crossing with exotic breeds. In this study, 85 microsatellite loci were utilized to assess genetic diversity among native Algerian rabbits (NARs) sampled from an area of 753 km (from north to south) and 919 km (from east to west). Those distances covered 25 significant geographical points in seven rural areas (El Taref, Mostaganem, Sidi Bel Abbès, M'Sila, Dar Chioukh, Faidh El Botma, and Laghouat). A total of 558 alleles were observed in this study. The highest genetic diversity was registered in the southern direction among NAR populations. The mean number of alleles per locus (MNa) and the inbreeding coefficient () were highest in Laghouat (4.482 and 0.232), while they were lowest in El Taref (4.000 and 0.149). In the current study, the number of private alleles (Pa) ranged from 9 to 23. In addition, the average of observed heterozygosity (0.427) was lower than the expected value (0.524) due to high levels of inbreeding. The discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), the neighbor-joining tree (NJ), and the analysis of STRUCTURE software confirmed the classification of populations according to geographical zones into four main groups (east, west, south, and middle). The results of the current study are useful for breeding improvement and conservation plan research in relation to local animal genetic resources in Algeria.

Gayo horse reproduction performance as local animal genetic resources in Southeast Aceh, Aceh Province

The objective of this research was to analyze the reproductive performance of the Gayo horse as an animal genetic resources in Southeast Aceh. This research has conducted in Southeast Aceh. The study used a survey method. The choice of research location has done intentionally (purposive sampling). The total population of Gayo horses scattered in Southeast Aceh currently is 102 tails and the number of samples taken in this study is 24 individuals with the minimum requirement that respondents keep horses that have at least given birth 2 times. The required data in this study were the reproductive performance characteristics of Gayo horses including (1) estrus cycle, (2) length of time in estrus, (3) first mating age, (4) gestation period, (5) foaling interval and (6) postpartum mating. The data obtained from this research that the average length of estrus cycle in the range of 21-25 days with an average of 22.58±1.18 days, the length of time in estrus varied in the range of 4-17 days with an average 8.92±3.35 days, while age at first mating ranged from 24-36 months with an average of 30.25±5.15 months, furthermore gestational age had an average of 333.63±4.83 days with a range of 326-345 days, foaling interval is 470,25±11.86 days with a range of 458-480 days and postpartum mating an average of 136.63±7.03 days with a range of 122-150 days. The data obtained identified that the reproductive performance of Gayo horses in Southeast Aceh Regency is in normal condition.

Gayo horse development strategy as a cultural value of local animal genetic resources in Southeast Aceh

Gayo horse is one of the livestock commodities developed in Southeast Aceh. This is supported by the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic o f Indonesia. number 1054/Kpts/SR.120/10/2014 which stipulates the gayo horse as an animal genetic resource for the local Indonesian horse family with distribution in the d i s t r i c t s of Central Aceh, Bener Meriah, Gayo Lues and Southeast Aceh. This study aims to determine the role of the existence of the gayo horse for the Alas tribe that has cultural value and is prospective and to determine the strategy for developing the gayo horse in the area of Southeast A c e h Regency. Collecting data using survey method. The research location was determined using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 30 respondents of Gayo horse breeders based on the research instrument. Data analysis used descriptive statistics. The results showed that the characteristics of breeders were male with the highest average in the age group of 45-65 years, the lack of breeders in the productive age range was influenced by the influence of outside culture which was very fast in eroding the noble values of the area. The average number of breeders in the research location has experience of raising horses for 10–20 years (17%) and the number of horse ownership under 5 has the highest percentage (36%) 40% have high school education, and 88% are breeder’s horses have never attended technical training in the field of animal husbandry, 92% o f breeders keep gayo horses as a means of cultural ceremonies. The prospect of gayo horses in Southeast Aceh Regency is very high because it is very closely related to community activities that are still closely related to cultural activities that also use horses as mounts during traditional events such as pemamanan, turun mandi and antat takhuh with an average of ceremonial activities reaching 15-40 times per month for 11 months per year. Through the approach of cultural values, it is one of the efforts to maintain and maintain the existence of the gayo horse species in Southeast Aceh Regency.

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.

Climate Change Impact on Small-Scale Animal Agriculture: Livestock Water & Food Security in Africa

Water is essential for food security and animal agricultural productivity, but it is becoming more scarce due to climate change. The interaction between climate change and livestock water resources has received little attention from researchers, despite the significance of small-scale animal husbandry for the rural poor in Africa and the size of the changes that are anticipated to have an impact on smallholder livestock systems. Threats to livestock water are undoubtedly one of the most significant environmental issues that have impacted food security on the continent, given their links to small-scale animal husbandry and the detrimental impacts on productivity. In order to balance the negative effects of climate change scenarios for sustainable animal productivity and contribute to food security through small-scale animal agriculture, the most climate-smart and resilient agricultural water practices and technologies must be used. Changes in rainfall and a decline in the biomass available for grazing and rangelands as a result of water stress brought on by the climate would have the most severe effects. This is due to the rain-fed nature of small-scale livestock farming. The local animal genetic resources are essential for animal productivity and food security in Africa, particularly in areas where livestock water is becoming scarce owing to climate change. Research and development goals on the effects of climate change on livestock water, animal productivity, and food security may need to be reviewed if demands of vulnerable small-scale animal producers are to be successfully addressed in the future decades. It is best to use an interdisciplinary approach to comprehend the relationships between small-scale animal husbandry, food security, and climate change. By navigating the complexities of climate adaptation, small-scale livestock farmers can manage livestock water scarcity by taking adaptation measures that are in line with evolving climate impacts and associated means of implementation based on pertinent and useful knowledge that takes into account a blend of traditional and modern water science. In this paper, an effort is made to close some significant information gaps and shed light on how water-induced stress impacts small-scale animal production, which has an effect on food security.

Genomic Tools for the Characterization of Local Animal Genetic Resources: Application in Mascaruna Goat.

Simple SummaryThe Analysis of genomic data is an important resource for the effective management of small and endangered populations. The aim of this work was to study the genomic structure of a local goat named Mascaruna. Overall, the results indicate moderate genetic variability and a defined population structure and represent a starting point for the creation of monitoring and conservation plans.Italy contains a large number of local goat populations, some of which do not have a recognized genetic structure. The “Mascaruna” is a goat population reared for milk production in Sicily. In this study, a total of 72 individuals were genotyped with the Illumina Goat_IGGC_65K_v2 BeadChip with the aim to characterize the genetic diversity, population structure and relatedness with another 31 Italian goat populations. The results displayed a moderate level of genetic variability for Mascaruna, in concordance with the estimated values for Italian goats. Runs of homozygosity islands are linked to genes involved in milk production, immune response and local adaptation. Population structure analyses separated Mascaruna from the other goat populations, indicating a clear genetic differentiation. Although they are not conclusive, our current results represent a starting point for the creation of monitoring and conservation plans. Additional analyses and a wider sampling would contribute to refine and validate these results. Finally, our study describing the diversity and structure of Mascaruna confirms the usefulness of applied genomic analyses as valid tools for the study of the local uncharacterized genetic resources.

Strategies of promoting sustainable use and conservation of indigenous chicken breeds in Zambia: lessons from low-income countries

This review explores innovative and sustainable strategies for conservation and use of village or indigenous chickens (IC) ( Gallus domesticus) in Zambia with lessons in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Small scale farmers (SSF) have kept IC for hundreds of years to meet their households’ nutritional needs, incomes, social-cultural and religious uses. The commitment exhibited by SSF to keeping indigenous animals has made them the major custodians of essential animal genetic resources in most low-income regions. Between 1991 and 2012, private breeders invested over US$95 million in Zambia’s commercial poultry sector resulting in over 100% increase in the annual production of day-old chicks to 65 million. However, high production costs and low market access hindered the participation of rural farmers hence their continued dependence on IC breeds. The future of IC genetic resources is threatened due to their rapid erosion. In the 2015 biodiversity status report, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, an international body of the United Nations highlighted that over 3.5% of chicken breeds were extinct, nearly 33% were at high risk, and over 67% were of unknown status. Poultry diseases, lack of sustainable conservation strategies and poor use have significantly contributed to these losses. For example, in 2012, 60% of village chickens were reportedly diseased in parts of SSA. If these challenges are not mitigated, the loss of IC genetic resources and the adverse impact on rural communities is inevitable. Further, future research and breeding programs on commercial chickens may be limited due to the erosion of IC genetic resources. This paper reviews lessons and contributes to previous studies that demonstrated how community-based breeding programs and researcher-community-stakeholder engagements potentially enhanced sustainability, adoption of innovative ideas and conservation of local animal genetic resources in selected low-income countries. Further, suggest strategies to promote judicious use and conservation of IC breeds in Zambia.

Evaluation of scrotal circumference and testosterone levels at different ages of Gayo buffalo as local animal genetic resources

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the scrotum circumference and testosterone levels at various ages of the Gayo buffalo. This study involved 10 Gayo buffalo with four different age groups I: (1.0–2.0), II (2.1–3.0), III (3.1–4.0), IV (4.1–5.0). Blood serum sampling, measurement of scrotal circumference, and age were carried out in Central Aceh regency. The analysis of blood serum testosterone levels was carried out in the physiology laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universitas Syiah Kuala. Data on testosterone levels, scrotal circumference, and age were analyzed for variance and continued with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test for data with significant differences. Simple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between scrotal circumference, age, and testosterone levels. The results of the analysis in the age group and the concentration of the hormone testosterone showed significant differences (P <0.05). The age group of 3.1 to 4.0 years was significantly different from the age group of 1.0–2.0, 2.1–3.0 years, and 4.1–5.0 years. The results of the analysis on the scrotal circumference and testosterone concentration showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in various age groups. There was a significant relationship (P<0.05) between the concentration of the testosterone hormone with age and scrotal circumference, with a regression equation Y= 1.009-0.076X1+0.002X2, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 1 and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 1. These results indicated that scrotal circumference and age greatly influenced the concentration of the testosterone hormone of Gayo buffalo. The conclusion was that age affected the scrotal circumference, but it did not affect the concentration of the testosterone hormone. Gayo buffalo aged 3.1–4.0 and 4.1–5.0 years had a stronger correlation than Gayo buffalo aged 1.0–2.0 and 2.1–3.0 years to scrotal circumference and testosterone concentration.

Livestock resources and their conservation facing climate change

Objective: To analyze the importance of local livestock resources facing climate change.&#x0D; Methodology: A review of studies referenced in scientific databases disclosed in the livestock sector and animal genetic resources was made within the context of climate change.&#x0D; Results: Livestock breeding is an economic activity that contributes to the food security of the country; in view of its importance, technologies and necessary changes to perform this according to the accelerated changes that occur in the environment, brought by human activity, should be implemented.&#x0D; Implications: Using highly productive races that depend on external inputs and are not adapted to face the effects of climate change, make it a priority to appraise the use of local races that contribute to production under adverse conditions that prevail in warm weathers in the inter-tropical zone.&#x0D; Conclusions: Adapted local race breeders should preserve local animal genetic resources so that they perform as a climate change adaptation alternative that will have repercussions on livestock production systems.

Caracterización zoométrica y evaluación de la condición corporal en la raza camellar canaria

La conservación, mejora y uso racional de los recursos genéticos animales locales y su diversidad son propósitos prioritarios a nivel nacional e internacional de evidente carácter legítimo. Reconocida en situación de amenaza, la raza camellar canaria (Camelus dromedarius) se encuentra marginalmente reducida a las islas orientales del archipiélago. Su uso queda restringido fundamentalmente a la explotación turística y, de forma esporádica, a labores variadas en el ámbito agropecuario. La caracterización morfoestructural y zoométrica del camello canario es una tarea clave que permitirá la identificación de aquellos caracteres o rasgos fenotípicos implicados en la actividad productivo-económica de estos animales con el fin de recuperar posibles nuevos nichos funcionales. La presente propuesta metodológica se enmarca en un contexto de oportunidad y resurgimiento de una potencial industria de producción con el asentamiento de las bases para un programa de recuperación y cría selectiva de esta raza camellar a través de su sustentabilidad funcional.

La diversidad de los animales criollos en el mercado de San Francisco El Alto, Totonicapán

El Mercado de San Francisco El Alto ofrece la mayor oferta pecuaria de la Región del Occidente de Guatemala,funciona los días viernes de cada semana, con asistencia de comerciantes nacionales y de países vecinos, en ventas al mayoreo de los productos. El archivo de la Municipalidad reporta un movimiento de diez a doce millones de quetzales semanales. Correspondiendo más de la mitad de dicho ingreso a la compra venta de animales. La ubicación del municipio es estratégica, comunicada por la Carretera Interamericana, a distancias cortas de los municipios y departamentos de Totonicapán; a quien pertenece; Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango y San Marcos, por estudios realizados se conoce que los vendedores “intermediarios” de animales vivos, se movilizan en todas las plazas de mercadeo pecuario del Occidente, dentro de un calendario semanal que lo permite. El sondeo inicial consistió en 3 visitas al mercado de San Francisco, pudiendo documentar la mayor oferta en porcinos, aves (gallinas, pavos y patos),ovinos, vacunos, caprinos, equinos y caninos de varias razas y encastes en ese orden; prevalecen los fenotipos de razas modernas en los mamíferos y criollas en las aves, de las cuales también se ofrecen huevos fértiles y los productos de especies marinas deshidratados o en harina. si se compara la presencia de las razas modernas o “mejoradas”de 30 años a la fecha, se observa un incremento, debido a la erosión de las Razas Criollas Locales; animales que fenotípicamente muestran su origen y tienen preferencia especial por degustación de personas conocedoras,además se considera resistencia a algunas enfermedades. Sin embargo, se observan problemas de parasitosis,nutrición y consanguinidad que limitan la expresión del verdadero potencial de las razas criollas locales, como se observa en las fotografías del estudio. La procedencia de los vendedores-compradores de razas domésticas, se puede determinar para propósitos de asistencia técnica o rescate de Recursos Zoogenéticos Locales de cara a proyectos específicos. Esta comunicación pretende promover estudios y proyectos a entidades de investigación, educación yde transferencia tecnológica. Considerando las razas locales criollas un patrimonio para ser desarrollado e insertarlo dentro de sus programas, además realizar actividades en mercados similares en Guatemala.

Future opportunities and concerns in smallholder livestock production systems in Africa

Smallholder livestock production systems continue to play a key role in African agriculture. Although smallholder livestock production systems have had their own share of success, the truth of the matter is that more needs to be done to make them more vibrant, sustainable and reliable. With this in mind, achieving sustainable smallholder livestock production with emphasis on satisfying basic human needs, improving people’s standard of living, enhancing food security and reducing poverty pose a surmountable task in Africa. There are many measures which need to be explored with the aim of making the smallholder livestock systemsbecome driving forces of African economies. Some of the strategic steps that can be adopted for future viable smallholder livestock production systems include and not limited to the following: promotion of gender equality and equity in smallholder livestock production systems, and intensifying activities that support or encourage the utilization of indigenous livestock genetic resources in smallholder livestock production systems. This becomes crucial in the context of climate change and variability.The need to improve the diversity and response capacity of smallholder livestock production systems to enhance resilience is criticalTherefore, it is against this background that livestock species that remarkably possess distinctive qualities enabling them to excel efficiently in the context of the uncertainties of climatic variability need to be promoted to reduce vulnerability in smallholder livestock production systems. The use of adaptive genotypes such as the local animal genetic resources may sustain smallholder livestock production and enhance adaptive capacity of smallholder livestock production systems. The integration of micro livestock into the mainstream smallholder livestock production system also may play a pivotal role in complementing conventional smallholder livestock production systemsin enhancing food security and reducing poverty. Simultaneously, planning for women’s participation does, in fact, improve the likelihood that women contribute to smallholder livestock production and improve livestock productivity. The recognition of the role women play in smallholder livestock production systems is fundamental to agricultural and rural development in Africa. Thus improving the status of women within the household and at the community level would deliver significant improvements to smallholder livestock production systems and food security.

Comparing local and cosmopolitan cattle breeds on added values for milk and cheese production and their predicted methane emissions

The aim of this study was to compare added values for milk yield and predicted methane emissions of cows from local and cosmopolitan breeds reared in Italian circumstances. A number of studies showed that milk from local breeds is more suitable to be processed into cheese than that of cosmopolitan populations, so that the development of payment systems which account for the added values of milk destined to cheese production could support the conservation and valorization of local animal genetic resources. Also, the link of local breeds with traditions and the environment might partially compensate their low milk production. Breeders of Burlina, Reggiana, Rendena and Valdostana cows sell products in niche markets and they realize an extra added values per kg of milk of 66 percent, compared with Holstein Friesian. Market-oriented strategies to payment systems that include the added values of milk yield could enhance profitability and interest in rearing and safeguarding of local animal genetic resources; but, not all countries can apply these market strategies. Therefore, other alternative strategies to enrich the added values of milk production might be based on the differences in greenhouse gases emissions among breeds. Indeed, local animal genetic resources are expected reducing the greenhouse gases emissions because of their lowest metabolic body weight, respect to high selected animals. Individual methane emissions might be indirectly calculated using dry matter intake; the latter can be estimated using milk and fat production, and body weight. A reduction of 10 percent of daily methane emissions per kg of metabolic body weight is expected for local compared with cosmopolitan breeds. In average, no differences were found among local and cosmopolitan breeds in terms of daily methane emission per kg of milk yield. In conclusion, animal genetic resources needs to be evaluated not only per unit of output but for other direct and indirect units of output related to social and human returns.

Opportunities and Challenges in Use of Imported Livestock than Utilization of Local Animal Genetic Resources in Zimbabwe: a Review

This is a review paper that looks at opportunities and challenges of using imported livestock than utilization of local genetic resources such as cattle, sheep, goats, pig and poultry in Zimbabwe. Considerable debate on the exploitation of imported livestock than utilization of local genetic resources on livestock development has been going on since the last decades. The systems of livestock production are described and the roles of exotic and indigenous livestock are highlighted. The reports on livestock utilization tend to favor the use of exotic livestock for commercial production. However, it emerges that farmers acknowledge the wide differences in performance between exotic and indigenous livestock which should take into account the farming environment and level of management. The adverse environmental stresses may limit productivity in exotic livestock. The review paper therefore, concludes that exploitation of indigenous livestock must be related to define production and marketing environments, but also any genetic improvement should allow for likely future market demands.

NOTE ON THE FOUNDING OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF THE EARLY DOMESTICATED ANIMALS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

SUMMARYSouth Africa is a major livestock region of the African continent and a country rich in local animal genetic resources (AnGR). Archaeological research and the important rock paintings found in the region confirm the existence of domesticated ruminant populations, at least baclc to 300 AD. The dwindling of the pool of AnGR in recent years justifies the creation of ACEDA, which can and should play a major role in AnGR conservation policy and activities.