Sustainable Management of Animal Genetic Resources to Improve Low-Input Livestock Production: Insights into Local Beninese Cattle Populations

Sèyi Fridaïus Ulrich Vanvanhossou, Luc Hippolyte Dossa and Sven König
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Sèyi Fridaïus Ulrich Vanvanhossou: Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany
Luc Hippolyte Dossa: School of Science and Technics of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, 03 BP 2819 Jéricho Cotonou, Benin
Sven König: Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 17, 1-20

Abstract: Persistent food insecurity, along with climate change pressures, urges on the definition of suitable strategies to support the transformation of low-input livestock farming in developing countries. Advances in genomics and information technologies are valuable opportunities for achieving the required improvement, but their implementation implies access to technical and financial resources with appropriate adjustment in the local context. Addressing extensive cattle production in Benin, we focus on animal genetic resources (AnGR) and corresponding approaches aiming for a durable breeding improvement based on sustainable management strategies. Specifically, smallholder breeding goals are revised, and novel strategies for proper organization, sound data collection, and scientific investigations are explored. Further emphasis addresses the enhancement of farmer management practices, including valuable traditional knowledge; and breeding strategies to improve animal performances considering robustness and further traits favored by the farmers. Against such a background, it is imperative that political, institutional, and scientific collaborations reinforce research capacities and technical and financial resources. In the given context, the current review article provides policymakers and national and international researchers with practical guidance based on scientific criteria for a smallholder livestock amelioration in Benin, scalable to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: smallholder cattle farming; genetic improvement; indigenous breeds; breeding goals; community-based breeding program; climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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