Characterization, Inventory and Monitoring of trends in indigenous livestock Dr. E. D. Ilatsia D. N. Kamiti 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group1

Presentation Outline  Characterization, inventory and monitoring  Importance  Status  Tools 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group2

Questions  Why are we here?  Where do we want to go?  How do we get there? 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group3

Characterization Encompasses all activities associated with the identification, quantitative and qualitative description, and documentation of breed populations and the natural habitats and production systems to which they are or are not adapted. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group4

Characterization…  The aim is to obtain better knowledge of AnGR, of their present and potential future uses for food and agriculture in defined environments, and their current state as distinct breed populations (FAO, 1984; Rege, 1992).  It provides the baseline information as well as the criteria that will be used to establish and update the inventory. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group5

Inventory Inventory of species and breeds, their population sizes, geographic distribution and possibly their genetic diversity is generally undertaken as a first step in any national programme for the management of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group6

Monitoring  A systematic set of activities undertaken to document changes over time in the size, structure, characteristics and distribution of livestock populations, along with changes to their production environments (including their management)  As use and management of animal genetic resources are dynamic processes, monitoring the status of a population has to be done on a regular basis. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group7

Monitoring…  Monitoring should be conducted at least once per generation of the species, particularly for breeds classified as at risk or potentially at risk  This monitoring should serve as the basis for national early warning 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group8

Importance of characterization and monitoring “you can’t manage what you don’t measure” Effective management of AnGR is needed to achieve development objectives e.g. food and livelihood security, sustainable utilization of natural resources, etc. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group9

1. Enhance knowledge of population size and structure  Comprehensive breed inventories and data on the size and structure of breed populations are prerequisites for effective management of AnGR. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group10

2. Enhance knowledge of breeds’ geographical distribution  Breeds that are very restricted in their distribution are likely to be particularly vulnerable to some threats (e.g. disease epidemics).  If such breeds are identified, steps can be taken to address these vulnerabilities.  Therefore, breed distributions need to be mapped and then monitored over time. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group11

3. Enhance knowledge of breeds’ characteristics  It is essential to their use and development.  Many local breeds have unique traits that make them well adapted to harsh production conditions.  If breeds are not characterized, opportunities to use and develop them to improve livestock production may be overlooked 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group12

4. Enhance knowledge of breeds’ production environments  Effectively matching breeds to production environments is an important means of avoiding the costly mistakes that may occur when breeds are introduced to new areas 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group13

5. Identify and monitor threats to animal genetic resources  Threats to AnGR are many and diverse.  Ensuring that action is taken to protect breeds from extinction requires that these threats be identified. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group14

6. Document cultural aspects of livestock production and breed utilization  Understanding these roles is important in the planning and implementation of interventions aimed at promoting better use and development of AnGR.  It is also important for understanding the distinctiveness of particular livestock populations. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group15

7. Support strategic planning for the sustainable utilization  Without good knowledge of AnGR, decision-makers will be unable to develop strategic plans for sustainable use and development.  The information gained from monitoring is important for identifying trends that need to be addressed, and provides a basis for assessing progress in the implementation of existing plans and policies. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group16

8. Improve priority setting for conservation programmes  The limited availability of resources for conservation programmes to protect breeds that are at risk means that priority setting is necessary.  Decisions as to which breeds to target for conservation require up-to date information on the risk status of all the breeds under consideration and on any unique characteristics that the breeds may possess. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group17

9. Meet international obligations  Within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), countries are obliged to report on the status of their national biodiversity.  It calls on countries to identify and monitor their biodiversity.  It recognizes that these activities are fundamental to the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group18

Current status  According to The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, population size is missing for over two-thirds of African breed populations.  The gaps in data and information are obstacles to the effective sharing of data and information within and between countries. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group19

Tools for characterization  Surveying  Monitoring  Molecular genetic characterization  Information systems 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group20

Surveying  It is undertaken to systematically collect data needed to identify breed populations and describe their observable characteristics, geographical distribution, uses and general husbandry, as well as their production environments.  Full baseline surveys need to be undertaken once; some elements of the survey may be repeated when significant changes are observed in the livestock sector. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group21

Monitoring  Changes in population size and structure need to be documented regularly for all breeds.  At present, most national livestock censuses do not contain breed-level data, and so regular reporting of breed population numbers does not take place. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group22

Molecular genetic characterization  Characterization at the molecular genetic level is undertaken mainly to explore genetic diversity within and between animal populations, and to determine genetic relationships among such populations. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group23

Information systems  An information system normally includes hardware, software (applications), organized data (information) and facilities for communication (e.g. GIS, POPREP, VORTEX).  Collectively they contain important information for decision- making, research, training, planning and evaluation of programmes, progress reporting and public awareness. 23-Oct-15Animal Breeding and Genomics Group24