The increasing world population has resulted in increased demand for animal protein. In response, livestock farmers have focused on high producing commercial breeds at the expense of indigenous breeds. Native breeds are usually well adapted to local environmental conditions and can tolerate diseases, heat, water, and food shortages. This qualifies native breeds as important sources of genetic diversity that can be leveraged to improve productivity and resilience and to support genetic resource conservation and livestock improvement efforts.
These traits of indigenous breeds have been targeted and exploited by smallholder farmers who have bred these animals for generations. Currently, competition from more productive breeds and crossbreeding with exotic breeds coupled with neglect and lack of investment has put these valuable genetic resources at risk of extinction.
Objectives
This study will use whole genome sequence data to investigate the genetic basis of traits in the five native cattle breeds and identify genes and genomic regions that have been targeted for selection. Genetic diversity will be described following standard parameters and selective sweep analysis will be done to identify the signatures of adaptation.
This will provide a scientific explanation for the breeding decisions that have been taken by local breeders for generations, contribute to biodiversity and conservation efforts and improvement of breeding programs.
Research team
Rodney Okwasiimire, Pekka Uimari, Juha Kantanen, Kisun Pokharel
Collaborating Institutions
Natural Resources Institute, Luke, Finland
Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
Makerere University, Uganda
Funding
University of Helsinki, Finland