2020 SCIENCELINE

O nline J ournal of A nimal and F eed R esearch

Volume 10, Issue 1: 17-24; January 25, 2020

ISSN 2228-7701

CONSERVATION-BASED BREEDING PROGRAM FOR INDIGENOUS

SHEEP BREEDS IN ETHIOPIA: THE WAY FORWARD

Meseret MOLLA

University of Gondar, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences P.O.Box 196, Ethiopia

Email: meseretmo@yahoo.com;

: 0000-0002-8028-110X

^Supporting Information

ABSTRACT: This paper review briefly Ethiopian sheep genetic resources, description of farming systems,

breeding objectives of the community, and to quantify threats with previous sheep genetic improvement and

conservation strategies in Ethiopia. Thus, the aims of this paper focus on the role of characterizing indigenous

sheep breed, including their threat status in genetic improvement programs. Indigenous sheep genetic

resources have contributed considerable portion to the integrated crop-livestock farming systems in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia endowed with a diverse sheep genetic resource maintained under different production systems.

Sheep research and development in Ethiopia has largely focused on characterization of sheep genetic

resources, description of farming systems and genetic improvements using crossbreeding and selection

within breed. In Ethiopia, there are a total of 14 traditional sheep populations in Ethiopia fall into six breed

groups based on DNA and morphological data. The main cause of threatening the sheep genetic resource in

Ethiopia is indiscriminate crossbreeding with exotic germplasm. Few research institutes and agricultural

universities are involved in the conservation and management of sheep breeds in Ethiopia. Currently the

emphasis is on village based rather than centre-based genetic improvement program. It is possible to

conserve sheep genetic resources in Ethiopia through quantifying past sheep characterization works and

developing breeding programs suitable to the conditions of smallholder farmers that increase the economic

values of indigenous sheep breeds.

Keywords: Conservation, Indigenous, Sheep, Smallholder farmer, Village breeding practice

INTRODUCTION

The issue of loss of diversity and conservation of farm animal genetic resources has gained momentum in the last few

decades. Correspondingly, there have been tremendous efforts globally to study genetic diversity in livestock species

addressing the needs of both development and conservation of animal genetic resources in the different parts of the

world. Livestock are essential components of Ethiopian agriculture and the country is reported to have the largest

livestock resource than any other African country. Ethiopia is recognized to possess one of the most diversified livestock

populations in Africa. The population of small ruminants owned by the country is estimated to be 56.6 million heads of

small ruminants (CSA, 2015 ). Of this number, the sheep population accounts for about 28 million heads. This livestock

sector has been contributing considerable portion to the economy of the country, and still promising to play significant

role in the economic development of the country. It is eminent that sheep products in the form of meat could play a

pivotal role as a good source of animal protein since they have short generation interval and affordable by resource poor

farmers (Markos, 2006; Tsegaye et al., 2013 ).

The sheep in the country is produced under an extensive low input subsistence system. Similar to other tropical

countries, studies noted that productivity of indigenous sheep in terms of meat has been limited by poor genetic potential

(Markos, 2006; ILRI, 201; Getahun, 2008 ). Among the various factors, absence of planned genetic improvement

programs for local breeds is one of the causes for losing their competitive advantage, especially where production

systems or external conditions are subject to change (Hiemstra et al., 2007 ).

Moreover, lack of adequate information on indigenous livestock genetic resources has been recognized to be a

serious constraint to effective prioritization and planning of sustainable breeding strategies and breed conservation

measures. As a result, a number of activities aimed at the characterization of the major livestock genetic resources have

been carried out by different governmental and non-governmental organizations (IBC, 2004 ).

This review paper provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on characterization of sheep genetic

resources, production system, existing breed management, traditional breeding practice and identification of important

traits of indigenous sheep breeds in Ethiopia. Finally, gaps in current knowledge are identified, and priorities for future

research are proposed.

Citation: Molla M (2020). Conservation-based breeding program for indigenous sheep breeds in Ethiopia: the way forward. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(1): 17-24.

www.ojafr.ir

LITERATURE REVIEW

Sheep genetic resources of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the countries in the world, which has contributed richly to the global livestock gene pool. Estimates

indicated that about 99.9% of the total sheep population in Ethiopia is indigenous breeds (CSA, 2015 ). According to

(Solomon et al., 2007b; Solomon et al., 2008a ), Ethiopian sheep are classified into 15 traditional sheep populations,

which fall into four breed groups and nine breeds based on diversity analysis using microsatellite markers and

morphological diversity.

Exotic breeds represent a very insignificant proportion of the national flock and some of the exotic sheep breeds that

have been introduced into the country include: Dorper, Merino, Romney, Corriedale, Hampshire, Awassi, and Blue de Main.

Only very few of these or their crosses are seen either in rural or urban areas. Some were limited to research stations

while others have been and are still being distributed to farmers (Sisay, 2009; Solomon and Tesfaye, 2009). Sisay (2009 )

phenotypic ally characterized local sheep population of Amhara National Regional State of Ethiopia into five distinct major

groups.

Figure 1 - Geographic distribution of Ethiopian sheep breeds (Solomon, 2008)

Abergelle

CHS

NWHS

RVS

NWHS

CHS

NWHS

CHS

NWHS

RVS

NWHS

RVS

CHS

NWHS

CHS

NWHS

Figure 2 - Agro-ecological distribution of the five major sheep types in the Amhara region. CHS: Central Highland sheep;

NWHS: North-western Highland sheep; RVS: Rift Valley (Afar) sheep ; Abergelle: Abergelle sheep; NWLS: North-western Lowland

(Gumez) sheep.

Citation: Molla M (2020). Conservation-based breeding program for indigenous sheep breeds in Ethiopia: the way forward. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(1): 17-24.

www.ojafr.ir

This diversity is relevant in terms of specific adaptation to the various agro-ecological zones where the breeds exist,

for instance attributes like heat tolerance, disease resistance and drought tolerance. These characters help the breeds to

survive and produce under prevailing environmental challenges of the different agro-ecological zones of the country.

Despite presence of sizeable amount of information to describe the sheep types in Ethiopia, there is still gap to be filled in

terms of comprehensive characterization of the sheep population at district level as an input to prioritize for conservation

and development of breeding program towards sustainable utilization (Solomon et al., 2011d; Solomon et al., 2013;

Tesfaye et al., 2016 ). The gaps which require comprehensive characterization like in specific areas which have production

system and production environment change in areas in which the current climate change affect the adaptation of certain

breeds which initiate the community to cross with other adaptable breed in the neighboring areas. This will be used as an

input to prioritize for conservation and development of breeding program towards sustainable utilization. The importance

of genetic diversity has not been given adequate attention for the sustainable utilization of various breed by different

stakeholders including the community in the past and even at present. There is limited location specific information on

components of characterization including description of the production system and environment, performance levels of

the breeds, and farmers breeding practices and objectives and the threat status of indigenous sheep population in the

country (Solomonet al., 2011d ).

The loss of genetic variation within and between breeds is detrimental not only from the perspectives of adaptability

but also for utility since lost genes may be of future economic interest. The reasons for loss of genetic diversity within and

between breed are many, including the low productivity of the local breeds, neglect the potential of good indigenous

breeds, lack of well-defined breeding objectives, inappropriate development policies and management strategies, disease

outbreaks, various types of disasters and emergencies (FAO, 2007b ). Therefore, research and development on

conservation of sheep genetic resources in developing countries and particularly in Ethiopia is the most crucial and

urgently needed (Solomon et al., 2013 ). Thus, location specific characterization on the production system, farmers

breeding practices, identification of breeding objective traits in participatory manner and performance evaluation of the

breeds should be conducted. There is also a need to verify the threat status of endangered livestock breeds and take

measures to conserve them. The information generated might be required to design sustainable conservation-based

utilization programs.

Characterization of Sheep Production Systems

Sheep production systems in Ethiopia are predominantly traditional (Markos, 2006; Solomon et al., 2010b ).

According to the degree of integration with crop production, level of input, agro-ecology, relation to land and type of

commodity to be produced and mobility, the traditional sheep production system can be sub divided into five systems

(Solomon et al., 2008a ). These are subalpine sheep–cereal system, highland cereal–livestock system, highland perennial

crop system, lowland crop–livestock system or agro-pastoral system and pastoral production system. A brief account of

these systems as indicated in the literatures is discussed below.

A) The subalpine sheep–cereal system

This system is found in the highland areas (above 3000 m.a.s.l.) of Ethiopia where the major crops grown are barley

and pulses such as faba beans and lentils. Sheep are the dominant livestock species and reared mainly for source of

income, meat, manure, skin and coarse wool (Tesfaye et al., 2010; Shigdaf et al., 2013; Mesfin et al., 2014b). In the

subalpine system, numbers of sheep in a flock are larger, typically comprising 10-30 animals (Markos, 2006; Solomon et

al., 2010b; Tesfaye et al., 2010 ). The maintenance of pure-bred Menz sheep flocks at Debre Berhan Research Centre and

community based breeding programs at Debre Berhan and Menz area are the conservation attempts made in this

production systems (Solomon et al., 2013 ).

B) Highland cereal–livestock system

The system covers an area with an altitude between 2000 to 3000 m.a.s.l. and characterized by adequate rainfall

and moderate temperature which is suitable for cereal production. In this system, sheep production is found in

association with the different agricultural production systems which vary in potentials, intensity of the mixed farming

operation and natural resources including grazing and livestock resources (Samuel, 2005 ). According to Dereje and

Tesfaye (2008 ), sheep are kept in small flocks and provide cash income, meat, manure and skins. On-station

improvement of Horro sheep at Bako Agricultural research center is primarily used as the active breeding of Horro sheep

populations (Duguma et al., 2010 ). In addition, in situ conservation of Horro sheep through community based breeding

programa at Bako and Shambu area is also use as part of an ongoing livelihood and conservation strategy in the

production system (Tadele et al., 2012 ).

C) Highland perennial crop system

This system is common in the Highlands with an altitude range of 1500 to 2000 m.a.s.l. In this farming system,

livestock holdings are small, the topography is uneven and inter-cropping is practiced (Zewdu et al., 2012 ). Under this

system livestock production is of minor importance and is characterized by cultivation of a combination of cash and

subsistence crops such as inset and fruit, chat, coffee and tea (Belete, 2009 ). The integration of crop-livestock mixed

Citation: Molla M (2020). Conservation-based breeding program for indigenous sheep breeds in Ethiopia: the way forward. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(1): 17-24.

www.ojafr.ir

farming is lower in the perennial system. Sheep are kept by smallholders, graze and rear together with goat and/or other

livestock species such as cattle (Zewdu et al., 2012 ).

D) Lowland crop–livestock system or agro-pastoral system:

This system found in the sub-moist/moist lowland areas (≤ 1000 m.a.s.l.) with higher rainfall to support short

season crops (cereals, sesame and cotton) compared to the pastoral system and it is characterized by less integration

with crop production (Tesfaye et al., 2010 ). This production system is associated with the purely livestock based nomadic

and transhumance pastoral production systems dependent largely on range, primarily using natural vegetation. In the

lowlands of Ethiopia, livestock is comprised of large flocks and herds of sheep, goats, cattle and camels and it is mainly

transhumant. Extensive livestock keeping is the backbone of the economies of this system (Fekerte, 2008 ).

E) Pastoral production system:

This system is located in the arid and semi-arid lowland areas (≤ 1000 m.a.s.l.) where livestock rearing is the

mainstay of people (Markos, 2006 ). It is characterized by high mobility in search of grazing and water. In this system,

extensive livestock production is mostly the sole source of livelihood with little or no cropping (Solomon et al., 2010b ).

Livestock, including small ruminant production is associated with the purely livestock based nomadic and transhumance

pastoral production systems based largely on range, primarily using natural vegetation. The variability of rainfall is the

greatest threat to crop production. Sheep are kept by nearly all pastoralists, often in mixed flocks with goat (Solomonet

al., 2008a; Tesfayeet al., 2010 ).

Definition of Breeding Objectives

Defining breeding objectives involves identifying breeding-objective traits, deriving their relative importance, and

constructing the aggregate genotype that can subsequently be translated into a selection index (Solomon et al., 2008a

and Kosgey et al., 2008 ). Definition of breeding objectives traits is the basis for designing appropriate animals breeding

programs (Sölkner et al., 1998; Gemeda et al., 2010 and Wurzinger et al., 2011 ). In smallholder and pastoral

communities, breeding goals are multi-functional incorporating both tangible and intangible benefits of sheep keeping.

Therefore, when defining animal breeding objectives in low input systems, the needs and interests of the target group

should be incorporate to increase the success of breed improvement programs (Kosgey et al., 2008 and Tesfaye et al.,

2010 ). Lack of participation of farmers in defining the breeding objective was the main reason for failure of many

livestock improvement programs in the tropics (Wurzinger et al., 2011 ).

Participatory approaches of defining breeding objectives have been described by a number of studies (Kahsa, 2009;

Solomon et al., 2010b; Tesfaye et al., 2010; Zewdu et al., 2012 ). Such approaches have been used for mixed crop-

livestock and pastoral systems for definition of breeding objectives in goats and in sheep (Grume et al., 2013 and Tadelle

et al., 2012 ). Participatory approaches have also been used in determining objectives of keeping dairy goats and for

studies of farming systems for small ruminants in Kenya (Kosgey et al., 2008 ). Gemeda et al. (2010) recommended five

alternative approaches (direct ranking, workshops, choice cards, own and group flock ranking) to identify the breeding

objectives and the breeding objective traits in pastoral and smallholder subsistence system. Direct ranking using

structured interviews with the sheep owners have often been used when identifying traits of importance for a breeding

program (Ilatsia, 2011 ).

After listing of preferred traits, there should be a score assigning for each of the traits or trait categories. Ranking of

animals from own flock implies grading of own animals based on reproduction and production performances. The sheep

owners are asked to rank their own animals (female and males) from the 1st (best), 2nd (second best) and 3rd (poorest),

and should indicate reasons for their ranking (Sölkner et al., 1998; Gemeda et al., 2010 ). After receiving detailed

information from the owners, body weight and other linear body measurements are taken on each individual ranked

animal. Gemeda et al. (2010) also suggested that a combination of methods can be used to extract breeding objectives of

the community. The information obtained through these methods can be used to design village-based selection breeding

programs.

The diverse traits (body size, color, milk yield, lamb survival, twinning, walk ability, lambing interval and longevity) as

the selection criteria during direct-ranking for breeding animals are well documented in many research reports (Grume et

al., 2013; Tesfaye et al., 2010; Zewduet al., 2012; Gemeda et al., 2010; Tadelle et al., 2012). According to Grume et al.

(2013) and Tadelle et al. (2012) and Solomon (2014 ), productive and reproductive traits were frequently mentioned

during the own flock-rankings for breeding animals. Moreover, Zewdu (2008 ) also argued in favor of including

reproductive traits not only based on economics of production, but also because of its influence in genetic improvement

through selection intensity. Gemeda et al. (2010), Kahsa (2009 ) and Zander et al. (2009) reported that choice

experiments are important for identifying selection criteria in subsistence production systems and evaluated cattle and

sheep trait preferences of pastoralists and smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Previous breeding objective traits

identification studies (Tadelle et al., 2012 and Berhanuet al., 2012) indicated that body size, body conformation, twinning,

color and beauty related traits were considered as important traits of preference for breeding animals during group

animal ranking experiments.

Citation: Molla M (2020). Conservation-based breeding program for indigenous sheep breeds in Ethiopia: the way forward. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(1): 17-24.

www.ojafr.ir

Genetic Improvement and Conservation Strategies

Livestock productivity can be increased through genetic improvement. Strategies for genetic improvement of

livestock mainly involve the decision on the use of genetic variation within a breed (selective breeding) or between breeds

(crossbreeding) (FAO, 2007b; Philipsson, 2000 ). The sheep breeding strategies adopted in Ethiopia over the last several

decades largely focused on importing exotic breeds for cross-breeding (Markos, 2006; Solomon et al., 2013; Tesfaye et

al., 2016 ). However, study of Solomon et al. (2013) and Tesfaye et al. (2010 ) indicated that the impact of decades of this

program is negligible.

This has been due to poor involvement of stakeholders and implementing livestock improvement programs without

taking into consideration the needs of farmers (Markos, 2006; Gemeda et al., 2010 and Tadelle et al., 2012 ). The

distribution of the improved genotypes of these programs was indiscriminate and unplanned, resulting in failure of the

breeding programs and threatened to dilute the sheep genetic diversity in the country (Solomon et al., 2011d ). There are

also well documented examples of unsuccessful projects using exotic breeds (Taberlet et al., 2011 ) in developing

countries. Therefore, appropriate conservation-based breeding strategies are needed to avoid indiscriminate

crossbreeding as well as to improve sheep production and productivity of the locally adapted breeds like Gumz sheep.

Philipsson (2000) suggested that in order to increase livestock productivity in developing countries like Ethiopia, diversity

within indigenous breeds should be efficiently exploited. Open nucleus schemes and community/village-breeding

programs are being increasingly advocated for traditional production systems (Zewdu, 2008 ). Although the indigenous

livestock genetic resources of Ethiopia have high within breed genetic variations (Solomon et al., 2008a) and desirable

characteristics, there has been little effort to improve the genetic merits of the local livestock genetic resources using the

within breed genetic variation. However, in Ethiopia, like in the other parts of the developing countries small flock sizes,

lack of animal identification, lack of performance and pedigree recording, low level of literacy and organizational

shortcomings and flock mobility have been major constraints that hinders within breed selection (Markos, 2006; Solomon

and Tesfaye, 2009 ). To overcome these problems, nucleus breeding schemes have been suggested as tools for small

ruminant genetic improvement programs in tropical countries (Markos, 2006; Mueller, 2006 ). The scheme could be

utilized for conservation of genetic resources through improvement and proper utilization. This scheme can serve for both

pure-breeding and crossbreeding, and dissemination of improved genetic materials allowing conservation and

improvement of the indigenous sheep breeds. However, implementation of nucleus breeding schemes in low-input

environments has proven to be difficult because of requirement of long term commitment of sponsors and involvement of

farmers (Solomon and Tesfaye, 2009; Kosgey et al., 2008 ). Village based breeding schemes have also been suggested as

an alternative to nucleus scheme. Recently, community based breeding strategy has been gained momentum for

increasing productivity of indigenous sheep of Ethiopia (Solomon et al., 2013; Gemeda et al., 2010; Tadelle et al., 2012 ),

as a means to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers as well as to conserve the existing genetic diversity through

utilization. Community (village)-based breeding schemes is also a recently suggested viable option for the genetic

improvement programs of small ruminants in low-input, smallholder production systems in the tropics (Kosgey et al.,

2008; Wurzinger et al., 2011 ).

A) Central Nucleus Breeding Schemes

Sheep production in developing regions is generally characterized by small flock size, uncontrolled mating, and the

absence of pedigree and performance recording (Markos, 2006; Solomon and Tesfaye, 2009 ). These characteristics

limited the implementation of effective genetic improvement programs. To overcome these problems, nucleus breeding

schemes have been suggested for tropical countries, in which genetic improvement is centrally organized in a population

maintained in research institutes or government farms. The open nucleus breeding scheme offers a simple procedure for

producing and disseminating breeding stock of high breeding value. Based on breeding values for the breeding goal traits,

ewes born to superior rams would be selected and bought for transfer to nucleus flock. Nucleus flocks will be set-up in the

governmental breeding ranches. Subsequent genetic evaluations and selection for superior rams would be undertaken in

the nucleus flocks where animals from different sources are evaluated in the same environment. Dissemination of

superior rams to participating farmers will be made on cost recovery basis. Several studies indicated the significance of

using open nucleus breeding scheme to increase the rate of genetic gain (Philipsson, 2000; Yapi-Gnoare, 2001 ). Markos

(2006), has also been presented a plan for the indigenous Horro sheep open-nucleus breeding scheme in Ethiopia. This

scheme could be utilized for conservation of genetic resources (including breeds, desirable genes, genotypes, etc) through

improvement and proper utilization (Markos, 2006; Philipsson, 2000 ). This scheme can serve for both pure-breeding and

crossbreeding and dissemination of improved genetic materials allowing conservation and improvement of the

indigenous sheep breeds. On-station breed evaluation work of some well-known sheep types has been undertaken. These

include the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institutes (EARI) evaluation program on Afar, Black Head Somali (BHS), Menz

and Horro sheep. Major emphasis in all of these studies was on meat production and wool (Menz sheep) production.

Results in a nucleus flock of Menz sheep indicated that genetic progress of 0.29 kg and 0.34 kg (Solomon et al., 2014a )

in a six month weight was achieved. Selection in the Horro sheep nucleus flock did not result in appreciable genetic

improvement and the breeding program shows no progress (Solomon and Duguma, 2000; Solomon et al., 2007a ).

Whereas results of selection in the nucleus flocks of Afar and BHS sheep remain unreported.

Citation: Molla M (2020). Conservation-based breeding program for indigenous sheep breeds in Ethiopia: the way forward. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(1): 17-24.

www.ojafr.ir

B) Village based Breeding Schemes

A community-based breeding program refers to village-based breeding activities planned, designed, and

implemented by smallholder farmers, individually or cooperatively, to effect genetic improvement in their flocks and

conserve indigenous genetic resources (Sölkner et al., 1998). The design of these programs considers description of the

production system, definition of the breeding objective traits of the farmer and assessment of alternative schemes

(Mueller, 2006; Baker and Gray, 2004; Sölkner-Rollefson, 2003; Aynalem et al., 2008 ). Solomon et al. (2011c,d) showed

that this new community-based or village centered approach in animal breeding can be used for smallholder system as

this ensures the full participation of the farmers and is more sustainable in the long term as it is less dependent from

external inputs. This program is also intended to overcome the problems of genotype–environment interaction, avoid the

genetic lag between nucleus and village populations, and are appropriate for in situ conservation of indigenous animal

genetic resources (Solomon et al., 2011d ). Village based breeding scheme had been tried in a number of areas (for

example, on Menz sheep in DebreBerhan and MehalMeda area, Horro sheep in Shambu areas, Afar sheep in Afar area

and Bonga sheep in Bonga area) and has been found successful in improving the growth performance of the sheep

(Gemeda et al., 2010; Tadelle et al., 2012). For instance, body weights of Menz sheep at birth, 3 and 6 months of age

increased by 0.42, 2.29 and 2.46 kg, respectively, in the third generation over the base generations. However, genetic

progresses in lamb survival and litter size were low on the local Menz sheep breeds (Tadelle et al., 2012).

CONCLUSION

It is clear that information in production systems, breeding objective traits and improvement breeding programs from

numerous research projects have been reviewed. Currently available information could help decision-makers formulate in

better way sustainable development programs for conservation and utilization of sheep genetic resources. While inventory

of species and breeds, their population sizes and geographic distribution for the management of animal genetic resources

remains poor. There are also gaps in research and development efforts. Thus, the next step should focus on designing of

breeding strategies suitable for smallholder production system for sustainable management of diversity among promising

and widely used local breeds.

DECLARATIONS

Corresponding author

Meseret Molla; Email: meseretmo@yahoo.com

Acknowledgement

I would like to express my great acknowledgement to Dr. Yohannes Dagnew for his support in sharing the materials

to write this review article.

Authors’ contribution

I fully engaged in the reviewing processes of this paper.

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