In late 2016, the CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish produced several synthesis products, including a series of briefs on livestock genetics work carried out between 2012 and 2016.
Implementing sustainable livestock and fish breeding programs requires careful consideration of the species in question, their specific biological constraints, the production environment and the trait preferences of farmers, as well as a careful selection and use of innovative technology. Successful breeding programs rely on livestock keepers as co-owners of breeding programs as such programs are meant for them and they benefit from their full participation.
This brief outlines how breeding programs need the support of appropriate policies and public–private partnerships (research institutes, cooperatives, agribusiness etc.) that secure access to markets and supporting services. To succeed, breeding programs, particularly those in low input systems, need significant government support.
Haile, A., Komen, H., Mwai, O. and Benzie, J. 2016. Delivering animal breeding programs in developing countries: Some lessons from the Livestock and Fish program. Livestock and Fish Brief 12. Nairobi, Kenya: ILRI.