West African Shorthorn Research Articles

Productive and reproductive performances of smallholder West African shorthorn Lagune cattle herds under village conditions in Southern Benin.

The West African shorthorn Lagune cattle has long been incriminated as of low productivity and subjected to gradual replacement or indiscriminate crossbreeding with zebu breeds. But there are still insufficient studies reporting the productive and reproductive performances of this breed under village conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the productive and reproductive performances of the Lagune cattle herds kept under village conditions in two agroecological zones in Southern Benin. Sixteen herds (seven in the Oueme Valley zone and nine in the Pobe zone), chosen from a previous retrospective survey, were regularly visited on a bi-monthly basis between January 2018 and February 2019. At the first visit to each selected herd, all animals present were identified, their ages determined through their dentition, and their breeding history recorded. At each subsequent visit, information on calving, birth weights, herd entries and exits, disease incidence, and changes in the physiological status of the animals were recorded. In addition, all suckling calves from birth to 6months of age were weighted and measured. The average age at first calving was 37.2 ± 3.5months and varied from 3 to 4years. With no significant variations between agroecological zones, the parturition rate, fertility rate, fecundity rate, and abortion rate were, respectively, 74.3% ± 10.7, 77.0% ± 12.0, 68.9% ± 9.1, and 2.7% ± 1.4. The overall annual mortality rate and perinatal mortality rate were 8.4% ± 3.1 and 7.3% ± 2.7, respectively. The annual offtake rate was 12.9% ± 4.3 and varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between zones. The average birth weight varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between sex and was 10.2 ± 0.7kg and 10.8 ± 0.9kg for female and male, respectively. The average daily body weight gain of calves, calculated over the period from birth to 6months of age, was 160.5 ± 8.5g/day. In addition to environmental conditions, individual farmers' management practices varied significantly among herds and probably influenced the recorded reproductive and productive performances. The estimates of reproductive parameters obtained in this study suggest a good reproductive ability of the Lagune breed which could be improved with better management conditions.

Unraveling Admixture, Inbreeding, and Recent Selection Signatures in West African Indigenous Cattle Populations in Benin.

The Dwarf Lagune and the Savannah Somba cattle in Benin are typical representatives of the endangered West African indigenous Shorthorn taurine. The Lagune was previously exported to African and European countries and bred as Dahomey cattle, whereas the Somba contributed to the formation of two indigenous hybrids known as Borgou and Pabli cattle. These breeds are affected by demographic, economic, and environmental pressures in local production systems. Considering current and historical genomic data, we applied a formal test of admixture, estimated admixture proportions, and computed genomic inbreeding coefficients to characterize the five breeds. Subsequently, we unraveled the most recent selection signatures using the cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity approach, based on the current and historical genotypes. Results from principal component analyses and high proportion of Lagune ancestry confirm the Lagune origin of the European Dahomey cattle. Moreover, the Dahomey cattle displayed neither indicine nor European taurine (EUT) background, but they shared on average 40% of autozygosity from common ancestors, dated approximately eight generations ago. The Lagune cattle presented inbreeding coefficients larger than 0.13; however, the Somba and the hybrids (Borgou and Pabli) were less inbred (≤0.08). We detected evidence of admixture in the Somba and Lagune cattle, but they exhibited a similar African taurine (AFT) ancestral proportion (≥96%) to historical populations, respectively. A moderate and stable AFT ancestral proportion (62%) was also inferred for less admixed hybrid cattle including the Pabli. In contrast, the current Borgou samples displayed a lower AFT ancestral proportion (47%) than historical samples (63%). Irrespective of the admixture proportions, the hybrid populations displayed more selection signatures related to economic traits (reproduction, growth, and milk) than the taurine. In contrast, the taurine, especially the Somba, presented several regions known to be associated with adaptive traits (immunity and feed efficiency). The identified subregion of bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA) class IIb (including DSB and BOLA-DYA) in Somba cattle is interestingly uncommon in other African breeds, suggesting further investigations to understand its association with specific adaptation to endemic diseases in Benin. Overall, our study provides deeper insights into recent evolutionary processes in the Beninese indigenous cattle and their aptitude for conservation and genetic improvement.

The implications of herd entrustment practice for the sustainable use of cattle genetic resources in the (agro)-pastoral systems of West Africa: A case study from Benin

West African (agro)-pastoralists have been increasingly using extra-household labour for the management of their cattle herds. This paper seeks to identify the factors influencing cattle owners’ decision to entrust their animals and to analyse the effects of the entrustment practice on the management and sustainable use of the animal genetic diversity within herds. Two hundred and eleven cattle farmers, including absentee-owners (n = 90) who entrusted their animals to professional herders, and owner-managers (n = 121) who look themselves after their cattle, were randomly selected and surveyed in Boukombe district in northwest Benin, the origin of the West African shorthorn Somba cattle breed. Households' socio-economic data and information on herds’ characteristics and management practices were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The binary logistic regression technique was used to predict the adoption of entrustment by a given farmer in function of his herd’s and household's socio-economic characteristics. Effective population sizes and inbreeding rates for the communal non-entrusted and entrusted Somba populations were estimated and compared. The results revealed that the mode of acquisition of the initial stock, the total livestock units owned and the farmer’s ethnicity were the most important determinants of entrustment. The Somba indigenous cattle breed was threatened in entrusted herds by indiscriminate cross-breeding with Zebus. However, the non-entrusted population appeared to be more exposed to high inbreeding risks. While entrustment represents a good alternative for the efficient use of family labour, adequate strategies are needed to support this practice and encourage herd managers to adopt improved husbandry practices and sound breeding strategies.

Morphological divergence in the West African shorthorn Lagune cattle populations from Benin.

This study explored the potential role of agro-ecology in shaping the morphology of Lagune cattle population of Benin. A total of 708 adult Lagune cattle were sampled randomly from nine provenances in two agro-ecological zones (AEZs) and were assessed for eight qualitative and twelve linear body measurements. Data were analyzed using generalized linear model procedures (PROC GLM) followed by the multiple comparison of least square means (LSMEAN) according to the Tukey-Kramer method and multivariate analytical methods, including canonical discrimination analysis (CDA) and hierarchical ascendant classification. Irrespective of AEZ and sex, the body length (102.3 ± 9.31cm) was greater than the wither height (93.1 ± 7.39cm) and the body index smaller than 0.85. However, there were significant differences between the two AEZs for most of the measured morphometric and qualitative traits. Moreover, a male-biased sexual size dimorphism was recorded. The CDA based on only four basic body measurements (rump height, body length, heart girth, and ear length) and the calculated Mahalanobis distances suggest that the populations from the two AEZs are distinct and could be further considered ecotypes. Nevertheless, the overall moderate classification rate (70%) of the individual animals into their group of origin indicates interbreeding between the two populations. The pairwise Mahalanobis distances between provenances in the same AEZ were also significant. Together, these results provide supporting evidence for the existence of subdivisions in the Lagune cattle populations from South Benin. The high morphological diversity in the Lagune cattle recorded in the present study could serve as a starting point for the development of efficient selection and sound subpopulation management strategies but also for further phenotypic and genetic characterizations.

Determinants of Crossbreeding Practices by Cattle Farmers in South Benin, West Africa: Implications for the Sustainable Use of the Indigenous Lagune Cattle Population

While it is widely acknowledged that the small-sized West African Shorthorn taurine Lagune cattle is being increasingly crossbred with and replaced by large-sized zebus, little is known about the factors that influence farmers’ crossbreeding decisions and selection practices. But this information is necessary for the development of strategies towards a rationale use and conservation of this unique African genetic resource. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted, between September and November 2016, a questionnaire survey in the belt of this breed in South Benin. One hundred seventy-three cattle farms were surveyed. The binomial logistic regression approach was used to predict the likelihood of a Lagune cattle farmer to be willing to introduce zebus in his herd. The herds were composed of either Lagune only (82.1%), zebu only (4.0%), crossbred Lagune x zebu (1.2%), Lagune and zebu (9.2%) or Lagune and crossbred Lagune x zebu (3.5%). The low productivity of the Lagune cattle and the market demand for large-sized animals were the main farmers’ motivations for crossbreeding. Farmers raising large herds of Lagune cattle under control mating system were more likely to adopt crossbreeding. The risk of dilution of the Lagune breed could be reduced by increasing awareness among farmers, improving their technical skills in herd management and empowering them to develop legal institutions, by-laws and collective actions for sustainable breed management. Farmers who have already adopted crossbreeding should be provided with appropriate services and technical assistance, whereas breed conservation initiatives should mainly focus on small purebred herds kept under control mating.

Haematology of N'Dama and West African Shorthorn cattle herds under natural Trypanosoma vivax challenge in Ghana.

Background: Animal trypanosomosis is a major cause of economic loss in livestock production in Africa. A suggested control measure is to use breeds with traits of trypanotolerance. The study examines the effect of natural Trypanosoma vivax challenge on haematological parameters in two trypanotolerant cattle [N'Dama and West African Shorthorn (WASH)] herds. Methods:Trypanosoma vivax-specific primers were used to diagnose T. vivax infection in an N'Dama herd at Cape Coast in southern Ghana and a WASH herd at Chegbani in northern Ghana from May to July 2011 in a cross-sectional study. Levels of haematological parameters comprising packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) and total white blood cell (TWBC) counts; differential WBC counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and basophils); and RBC indices of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined in blood samples and then compared between infected and uninfected cattle. Results: We found that haematological indices for infected and uninfected animals in both breeds were within the normal range. However, the mean PCV values for T. vivax-infected WASH and N'Dama were lower in infected compared to uninfected animals. The difference was significant ( p< 0.05) in N'Dama but not in WASH. Conclusion: Despite the presence of infection by T. vivax, N'Dama and WASH cattle maintained their haematological parameters within acceptable normal ranges, which confirms their trypanotolerant trait. This highlights the need for low-input traditional African farmers in medium, high and severe tsetse challenge areas to be educated on the advantages of N'Dama and WASH breeds to increase their utilization in integrated tsetse and trypanosomosis control programmes.

Haematology of N’Dama and West African Shorthorn cattle herds under natural Trypanosoma vivax challenge in Ghana

Background: Animal trypanosomosis is a major cause of economic loss in livestock production in Africa. A suggested control measure is to use breeds with traits of trypanotolerance. The study examines the effect of natural Trypanosoma vivax challenge on haematological parameters in two trypanotolerant cattle [N’Dama and West African Shorthorn (WASH)] herds. Methods: Trypanosoma vivax-specific primers were used to diagnose T. vivax infection in an N’Dama herd at Cape Coast in southern Ghana and a WASH herd at Chegbani in northern Ghana from May to July 2011 in a cross-sectional study. Levels of haematological parameters comprising packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) and total white blood cell (TWBC) counts; differential WBC counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and basophils); and RBC indices of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined in blood samples and then compared between infected and uninfected cattle. Results: We found that haematological indices for infected and uninfected animals in both breeds were within the normal range. However, the mean PCV values for T. vivax-infected WASH and N’Dama were lower in infected compared to uninfected animals. The difference was significant ( p< 0.05) in N’Dama but not in WASH. Conclusion: Despite the presence of infection by T. vivax, N’Dama and WASH cattle maintained their haematological parameters within acceptable normal ranges, which confirms their trypanotolerant trait. This highlights the need for low-input traditional African farmers in medium, high and severe tsetse challenge areas to be educated on the advantages of N’Dama and WASH breeds to increase their utilization in integrated tsetse and trypanosomosis control programmes.

Haematology of N’Dama and West African Short Horn cattle herds under natural Trypanosoma vivax challenge in Ghana

Background: Animal trypanosomosis is a major cause of economic loss in livestock production in Africa. A suggested control measure is to use breeds with traits of trypanotolerance. The study examines the effect of natural Trypanosoma vivax challenge on haematological parameters in two trypanotolerant cattle [N’Dama and West African Short Horn (WASH)] herds. Methods: T. vivax-specific primers were used to diagnose T. vivax infection in an N’Dama herd at Cape Coast in southern Ghana and a WASH herd at Chegbani in northern Ghana from May to July 2011 in a cross-sectional study. Levels of haematological parameters comprising packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and total red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts; differential WBC counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and basophils); and RBC indices of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined in blood samples and then compared between infected and uninfected cattle. Results: We found that haematological indices for infected and uninfected animals in both breeds were within the normal range. However, the mean PCV values for T. vivax-infected WASH and N’Dama were lower in infected compared to uninfected animals. The difference was significant (p&lt; 0.05) in N’Dama but not in WASH. The RBC indices were higher in infected N’Dama compared to infected WASH with a significant difference in total RBC (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude from our findings that despite the presence of infection by T. vivax, N’Dama and WASH cattle maintained their haematological parameters within acceptable normal ranges, and this underscores the need for routine diagnosis and treatment so that such trypanotolerant cattle do not serve as potential reservoirs of trypanosome parasites.

Estimation of live bodyweight from linear body measurements and body condition score in the West African Savannah Shorthorn cattle in North-West Benin

This study was undertaken to provide easy and optimal live bodyweight (LW) estimate models for the West African Shorthorn Somba cattle breed under field conditions using morphometric traits. Based ...

Sex and site differences in urinary excretion of conjugated pyrene metabolites in the West African Shorthorn cattle.

Industrialization, economic and population growth rates in Ghana have increased the release of contaminants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the environment through which humans and animals are exposed. Cattle is reported to be exposed to high levels of PAHs through feed and inhalation. Once exposed, PAHs are metabolized and excreted in urine, feces or bile. In a previous study, cattle in Ghana was reported to excrete high levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyr) due to high exposure to the parent compound, pyrene. 1-OHPyr is further metabolized to glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the sex and site differences in urinary excretion of conjugated pyrene metabolites using cattle urine collected from rural and urban sites of the Ashanti region, Ghana. From the results, geometric mean concentration adjusted by specific gravity indicated that 1-OHPyreneGlucuronide (PyG) was the most abundant conjugate followed by PyrenediolSulfate (M3). The sum of conjugated pyrene metabolites and sum of both conjugated and deconjugated pyrene metabolites correlated significantly with PyG, PydiolSulfate (M2) and PydiolSulfate (M3). The study revealed no significant difference in urinary excretion of conjugated pyrene metabolites between rural and urban sites. This indicated that similar to urban sites, cattle in rural sites were exposed to high levels of pyrene. There was no significant difference in urinary concentrations of conjugated pyrene metabolites between sexes.

Relationship between haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume in cattle blood samples.

A convention that has been adopted in medicine is to estimate haemoglobin (HB) concentration as a third of packed cell volume (PCV) or vice versa. The present research set out to determine whether a proportional relationship exists between PCV and Hb concentration in cattle blood samples, and to assess the validity of the convention of estimating Hb concentration as a third of PCV. A total of 440 cattle in Ghana from four breeds (Ndama, 110; West African Short Horn, 110; Zebu, 110 and Sanga, 110) were bled for haematological analysis, specifically packed cell volume, using the microhaematocrit technique and haemoglobin concentration using the cyanmethaemoglobin method. Means, standard deviations, standard errors of mean and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Trendline analyses generated linear regression equations from scatterplots. For all the cattle, a significant and consistent relationship (r = 0.74) was found between Hb concentration and PCV (%). This was expressed as Hb concentration (g/dL) = 0.28 PCV + 3.11. When the Hb concentration was estimated by calculating it as a third of PCV, the relationship was expressed in linear regression as Hb concentration (g/dL) = 0.83 calculated Hb + 3.11. The difference in the means of determined (12.2 g/dL) and calculated (10.9 g/dL) Hb concentrations for all cattle was significant (p < 0.001), whereas the difference in the means of determined Hb and corrected calculated Hb was not significant. In conclusion, a simplified relationship of Hb (g/dL) = (0.3 PCV) + 3 may provide a better estimate of Hb concentration from the PCV of cattle.

Cattle in the West African savanna: evidence from 1st millennium CE Kirikongo, Burkina Faso

The West African sahel and savanna are today home to diverse cattle breeds derived from complex social, political and environmental processes over at least the past four thousand years. Current evidence from the sahel and its floodplains indicates multiple sizes of cattle over time that may correspond to modern breeds. However, little is known about the cattle further south in the savanna, such as the West African Shorthorn. These humpless cattle are well adapted to the environmental conditions of more humid zones, including their significant resistance to trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness. In this paper I present new archaeozoological data from the Iron Age village of Kirikongo, Burkina Faso (100–1700 CE) that indicate the presence of small cattle in the 1st millennium CE similar in size to West African Shorthorn. These results are contextualized through comparisons with other archaeological sites and environmental data in Central West Africa, suggesting that small cattle are generally associated with the savanna environment over time, and their distributions may have oscillated with climatic changes. Lastly, interregional processes are assessed given Kirikongo’s evidence for small savanna cattle in western Burkina Faso and their subsequent adoption in the Inland Niger Delta of Mali.

Bovine trypanosomosis in the Upper West Region of Ghana: Entomological, parasitological and serological cross-sectional surveys

Baseline surveys were conducted in the Upper West Region of Ghana to assess the distribution and densities of tsetse species, as well as the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis. The entomological survey was designed to cover the suitable tsetse habitats along the three main rivers in the study area (i.e. Black Volta, Kulpawn and Sissili). Results indicated the presence of Glossina tachinoides in all three river basins, whilst Glossina palpalis gambiensis was only found close to the southern limit of the study area. A random sampling of 1800 cattle of the West African Short Horn, Sanga and Zebu breeds from 36 randomly selected grid cells covering the study area showed substantial differences between parasitological and serological prevalences. The average parasitological prevalence was estimated at 2.5% (95% CI: 1.06–5.77) with the majority of the infections due to Trypanosoma vivax. Most of the infected cattle were found close to the major river systems. The serological prevalence, measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), test was 19% (95% CI: 14.03–25.35). Cattle with anti-trypanosomal antibodies were also found throughout the study area.

A review of studies on breed evaluation and genetic improvement of cattle in Ghana

A review of some major cattle breed evaluation and genetic improvement experiments, particularly in the post-independence period up to 1990, was made. There was no clearly defined policy on genetic improvement of livestock during the period; hence, breed improvement efforts were uncoordinated. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Faculties of Agriculture at the universities and the Animal Research Institute were the major organizations that showed interest in breed evaluation and genetic improvement of cattle in Ghana. The programmes involved the use of Zebu × Taurine (e.g. White Fulani × West African Shorthorn) crossbreds, exotic × local (e. g. Friesian × Sanga), or purebred exotics (e. g. Friesian). The exotics and their crossses had better growth rates and milk yields than the local or indigenous breeds. The former genetic groups also had poorer adaptation to the local environment. It was concluded that the very elaborate breed evaluation and genetic improvement experiments conducted by the universities were limited to stations, resulting in little or no impact on the production system. The experiments of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture were the most successful, as the Sanga progeny from the Zebu × Taurine crossbreeding projects was adopted by farmers in all cattle-rearing regions in the country. It was also concluded that, from point of view of adaptation and expenditure required for importation, genetic improvement of cattle should be based on the available adapted indigenous breeds, namely West African Shorthorn and the Sanga. Within breed selection and crossbreeding, including the use of exotics, were available options. The need for clear breeding objectives was emphasized.

Carcass characteristics of tropical beef cattle breeds (West African shorthorn, sanga and zebu) in Ghana.

In Ghana, butchering is one of the most common and lucrative jobs in villages, towns, and cities as a major source of employment and wealth creation for mostly traditional butchers. Though there is an ever changing meat processing standard internationally, butchers in Ghana on the other hand are still holding tight to their old practices and customs. Live animals are bought based on visual assessment and not by weight. Some of the butchers sell their products without weighing. There are no suitable weighing scales to determine live and carcass weights. This preliminary study was conducted using 35 animals to provide a means of a more accurate estimation of live and carcass weights of three tropical cattle beef cattle; the Zebu (Plate1), the humpless West African shorthorn (WASH) (Plate2) and the Sanga (Ghana Sanga), a crossbreed between WASH and Zebu (Plate3). Their live and carcasses weights and the weights of their major carcass components and offal were used to provide information on their carcass characteristics. The carcass components used were: empty carcass, fore-and hind-quarters and filet, internal offal (heart, liver, lungs, spleen, kidney and the rumen) and external offal (head, tail, legs and skin). In terms of live weight, the Zebu was significantly (P< 0.001) heavier (309 Kg), than the Sanga (202 Kg) and the WASH (162Kg). Consequently, the zebu had a heavier (P< 0.001) carcass weight (156kg) than the Sanga (93kg) whilst the WASH had the least carcass weight (73kg) (P< 0.001). All the major carcass components of the Zebu were significantly (P< 0.001) heavier than that in the Sanga and the WASH. Correlations on all the three breeds demonstrate high positive relationships between carcass components and the live and carcass weights. In all the three breeds, the fore-quarters constituted higher percentages (average 53.7%) of the carcass weights than the hind-quarters (average 46.3%). Those carcass components (fore- and hind-quarters, head and legs), which were positively correlated to live weight could be used to predict the live weights of these animals. The offal (heart, liver and spleen), which are positively correlated to the carcass weight could also be used to estimate or predict the carcass weights. Due to their small size, the beef performance of the WASH is generally low, although the dressing percentages are similar to those of the Sanga and the Zebu.Key words: Carcass, offal, Sanga, Zebu hind-quarters

Animal production and genetic resources in Guinea Bissau: I – Northern Cacheu Province

A survey of the animal production systems and genetic resources was conducted in Northern Cacheu Province, Guinea Bissau. Animal owners and their families, village chiefs, shepherds and local officials were interviewed. The vast majority of the population is dedicated to very small-scale subsistence farming where animal ownership has an important role in both food supply, ceremonial events and as form of cash reserve. Cattle (N'Dama and West African Shorthorn breeds) are owned by the two larger ethnic groups in the area, the Felupes and the Balantas that have however different management practices. Sheep are relatively scarce whereas goats (West African Dwarf) are the most important small ruminant species for both ethnic groups. Pigs (crioulo breed) and dwarf chickens play a very important role as they are the only species regularly used in trade at the village level.

Animal production and genetic resources in Guinea Bissau: II–Tombali province

A survey of the animal production systems and genetic resources was conducted in Tombali Province, Guinea Bissau. Animal owners and their families, village chiefs, shepherds and local officials were interviewed. The vast majority of the population is dedicated to very small-scale subsistence farming where animal ownership has an important role in both food supply, ceremonial events and as form of cash reserve. Animal production in the area is characterized by the existence of several ethnic groups: Balanta, Nalú, Sosso, Biafada and Fula. Only Balanta raise cattle (N'Dama and West African Shorthorn) and pig (crioulo breed) whereas all ethnic groups own goats (West African Dwarf), chickens and ducks. Sheep are limited to specific areas and ethnic groups. The survey is intended to serve as a basis to possible agricultural and animal production development projects in this area.

West African shorthorn breeders association in the Saboba-Chereponi District of Ghana: formation, expectations and perceptions of members in participatory breed Development

The data presented in this paper are from surveys carried out in five communities namely Chegbani, Konkonzoli, Kuntuli, Nasom and Sambuli to assess aspects of the expectations and perceptions of West African Shorthorn Breeders Association (WASHBA) members in the Saboba-Chereponi District in the Northern Region of Ghana. The West African Shorthorn (WASH) is the dominant cattle breed in Ghana but the biggest threat to the WASH is from the numerically strong but ill - adapted Zebu, which is used for crossbreeding and is eroding the WASH genes. The WASH now constitutes only about 46% of the national herd. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Animal Research Institute (ARI) adopted the Open Nucleus Breeding Scheme for animal breeding. This decision was based on the fact that cattle herds in Ghana are generally small and basic infrastructure for recording of performance and pedigree are non-existent. The adopted nationally accepted ONBS and the formation of WASHBA, thus involving community members in the development process, provides opportunities to halt the observed genetic erosion of the WASH. This is perceived in its conservation and improvement for integration in the farming systems and reduces rural poverty. In a decade five WASHBA groups emerged and are functional with similar formative experiences. Expectations from some WASHBA members were quite high and missed the principle of endogenous development. However, thus far many of the groups perceive having gained some benefits developing around the WASH cattle. The role of community based groups as partners in Research and Development to move rural agriculture forward is established in this study. Ghana Journal of Development Studies Vol.1(2) 2004: 50-69

Does breed matter to cattle farmers and buyers?: Evidence from West Africa

World agriculture is based on a small number of animal species and a decreasing number of breeds within each species. Several breeds of West African shorthorn cattle ( Bos taurus brachyceros) are now at high risk of extinction due to interbreeding. The West African shorthorn breeds are particularly important resources because of their superior abilities to resist diseases, particularly trypanosomosis, and be productive under high humidity, heat stress, water restriction and with poor quality feed. An analysis of farmers' breeding practices and breed preferences in a sample area in southwest Nigeria confirmed a strong trend away from trypanotolerant breeds, especially Muturu, and identified the traits farmers find least desirable in these breeds relative to zebu ( Bos indicus) breeds. An analysis of cattle market prices found that buyers have preferences for specific breeds for specific purposes and that though in general price differences due to breed are small, in some cases, buyers pay significantly different prices for certain breeds consistent with their preferences. The best hopes for increased utilization of breeds at risk such as Muturu is likely in other areas of West Africa, for example in southeast Nigeria, where the Muturu is better suited to the farming systems and there is a large market for this breed to provide incentives.

Does Breed Matter to Cattle Farmers and Buyers? Evidence from West Africa

World agriculture is based on a small number of animal species and a decreasing number of breeds within each species. Several breeds of West African shorthorn cattle (Bos taurus brachyceros) are now at high risk of extinction due to interbreeding. The West African shorthorn breeds are particularly important resources because of their superior abilities to resist diseases, particularly trypanosomosis, and be productive under high humidity, heat stress, water restriction and with poor quality feed. An analysis of farmers' breeding practices and breed preferences in a sample area in southwest Nigeria confirmed a strong trend away from trypanotolerant breeds, especially Muturu, and identified the traits farmers find least desirable in these breeds relative to zebu (Bos indicus) breeds. An analysis of cattle market prices found that buyers have preferences for specific breeds for specific purposes and that though in general price differences due to breed are small, in some cases buyers pay significantly different prices for certain breeds consistent with their preferences. The best hopes for increased utilization of breeds at risk such as Muturu is likely in other areas of West Africa, for example in southeast Nigeria, where the Muturu is better suited to the farming systems and there is a large market for this breed to provide incentives.