WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Kefyalew Alemayehu*

ABSTRACT

Genetic improvement activities involved in small ruminants need to be coordinated across institutions in the national system (development, research and education institutions) as well as across international development partner institutions involved in similar activities. In Ethiopia, stand-alone genetic improvement initiatives as short-term projects should not be allowed. Such initiatives need to be registered and be part of a breeding program of National Animal Genetic Improvement Institute (NAGII), which is a newly established institute of the county. The current estimates indicated that the Ethiopian indigenous population of sheep and goats are 58.6 million with vast diversity. The genetic diversity exists between and within breeds which can provide the raw materials for trait selection and breed improvements as well as for the adaptation of the changing environments and changing demands. Production and reproductive performances of the small ruminants in the country remains low. To improve performances, exotic sheep breeds were introduced to the country in different times. However, the absence of national database and poor recording systems are the critical reason which hinders the trends of the genetic improvement made and many others. Recent trends show that unless focused on candidate genes for trait selection like milk and meat traits, the expected genetic improvement may not be achieved. For instance, the candidate genes and traits for milk production in goats can help for selection. In goat milk ,the four caseins; ?s1, ?s2, ? and ?-casein coded by four closely linked autosomal genes, namely CSN1S1, CSN1S2, CSN2 and CSN3 genes, respectively were identified and mapped to chromosome 6. These genes that encode the major milk proteins are thought as candidate genes for the observed variation in protein composition. Therefore, small ruminant trait selection and genetic improvement in Ethiopia can be achieved through focusing on trait specific candidate genes and this will enhance the production and productivity.

[Full Text Article] [Download Certificate]