Evaluation of alternative Breeding Strategies for Horro Cattle Herds in Western Oromia, Ethiopia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20372/star.v11i3.02Keywords:
Breeding goal traits, Genetic improvement, Horro cattle, Horro district, Production systemAbstract
In order to produce suitable breeding programmes that would maximise production and productivity of the breed handled under farmers' management conditions using a deterministic approach, various breeding schemes and tactics targeting Horro cattle breeds were studied. Age at first calving (AFC), yearling weight (YWt), milk yield (MiY), and calving interval (CI) were the breeding objectives assessed. To identify breeding goal traits and profile the production system, in-depth interviews and group discussions were used. The computer programme ZPLAN anticipated the genetic response of the planned breeding strategy. Based on the proportion of breeding bull selection, three alternative breeding schemes are employed. The selection proportions of 5%, 10%, and 15% were assessed in relation to the breeding bull section. With the exception of age at first calving, the current study's results showed that the anticipated annual genetic increases of the breeding objective qualities were positive. In general, an increase in annual monetary genetic gain of 44% was obtained by reducing the percentage of breeding bull selection from 15% to 5%. The study concludes that breeding strategies centred around villages or communities can significantly enhance the genetic makeup of Horro cattle breeds in the studied area.
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