Comment Valoriser Les Ressources Genetiques Animales Locales Dans Des Systemes D'Elevage Durables ? Exemple Du Bovin Cr E

• Published in: IDEAS Working Paper Series from RePEc
• Main Authors: Naves, Michel, Farant, Alain, Barclais, Sony
• Format: Paper
• Language: English
• Published: St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis 01.01.2005

Crossbreedings have been used for years, with the purpose of the genetic improvement of the local herd. They involve imported animals of some specialised breeds, selected according to individual production criterias, with the purpose of a short term improvement of the production level. But they cause a fall in adaptative traits, and can finally lead to a lower productivity than expected. Generally practiced without any clear genetic objective, they endangered the local genetic resources. The results obtained by INRA show that exists a genetic variability for the production traits in the local Creole cattle population, that could be exploited through selection. A breeding program of the Creole cattle has been implemented, with the purpose to improve the growth and the live morphology of animals, while maintaining the maternal qualities and adaptation to tropical environment. Several issues can be expected. On one hand, the improvement of the productive characters of the local breed would lead to a higher economic valuation of the retailed products. On other hand, hardiness and maternel qualities are traits of major importance for all breeders, including those using crossbreedings. A certified production subsector could also been implemented, based on the abilities of the local breed, to meet the demand of consumers of quality and safe products. Finally, this breeding program will also contribute to the in situ conservation of this genetic resource.