The objective of this paper is to examine whether or not sheep crossbreeding is a feasible option to improve indigenous sheep breeds in developing countries using Ethiopian case as example. Continue reading
Productivity and profitability of meat and milk production from small ruminants are geared by reproductive performance. Females that fail to reproduce are only negatively impacting the environment. A major setback here is infertility but other reproductive-related problems are also important. A whole generation of easy-use, high resolution, portable ultrasound machines is now available to provide different levels of information which will translate into concrete management strategies. Continue reading
In 2015, ILRI scientists leading genetics projects in Nicaragua and Somaliland took a special interest in the (human) gender dimensions of their projects. Working with the Livestock and Fish Gender Initiative, livestock geneticists Julie Ojango and Karen Marshall decided to dig deeper to discover whether specific gender analysis integrated in their projects could help the communities they work with realize improved genetics gains in their animals. Continue reading
On 17-18 December 2015, a group of about 25 people gathered in Debre Birhan, Ethiopia, to devise the next steps for small ruminants breeding. This group comprised most of the country’s experts in sheep and goat breeding, from across the country. Continue reading
As part of the “More milk and meat through better breeds” project, seeking to increase the productivity of dual-purpose cattle in Nicaragua through the use of appropriate breed types and the application of best husbandry practices, the Livestock and Fish team held focus group discussions in the action sites of Matiguas and Camoapa (Nicaragua). The … Continue reading
Selected participant farmers drawn from community-based breeding programs in Doyogena, Horro, Menz and Bonga sites are gearing up to undertake phase 2 of their sheep fattening project that runs from 15 January to 15 April 2016. Continue reading
This blog post explains how WorldFish and its partners are supporting small-scale farmers to produce better strains of fish and get a greater return on their investment. Continue reading
Earlier this year, the Debre Birhan Agricultural Research Centre was awarded a gold medal for outstanding research on Menz sheep breeding from the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. Continue reading
This week, chick geneticists and researchers are meeting in Addis Ababa to set out plans and deliverables for the African Chicken Genetic Gains project. Continue reading
The Livestock and Fish CGIAR Research Program will be changing its Animal Health and Genetics Flagship leadership assignments. Continue reading
CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish 