The adoption of new technologies that speed up genetic gains are leading to further improvements in livestock productivity. Ghibe valley, southwest Ethiopia (photo credit: ILRI/Stevie Mann)

The experience of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and partner geneticists in 2015–2016 clearly demonstrates the positive benefits to smallholder farmers of the application of new breeding and genomic approaches, leading to more productive and climate- and disease resilient livestock. However, it is when these new technologies are combined with improved management practices that they are translated into enhanced food security and higher incomes for smallholder farmers. These are the findings from the genetics research and interventions, presented in the ILRI Corporate report 2015–2016: highlights on Livestock genetics and breeding.

The findings in the report are presented in line with the three objectives set out in the ILRI strategy 2013–2022:

1. Develop, test, adapt and promote science-based practices that—being sustainable and scalable—achieve better lives through livestock.
2. Provide compelling scientific evidence in ways that persuade decision-makers—from farms to boardrooms and parliaments—that smarter policies and bigger livestock investments can deliver significant socio-economic, health and environmental dividends to both poor nations and households.
3. Increase capacity among ILRI’s key stakeholders and the institute itself so that they can make better use of livestock science and investments for better lives through livestock.

Science into practice

As recent disease outbreaks have shown, avian flu can be costly and a serious risk to human health. Using new genomic tools, ILRI and partner scientists in China pioneered the development of special chicken lines that advance understanding of the genetic basis of disease resistance and that will inform future research in discovering more effective vaccines to avian pathogens.

Evidence-based decision-making

New technologies and approaches to the mass artificial insemination of cows were tested in Ethiopia and scaled out by national partners resulting in marked increase in the efficiency of the process. About 600,000 cows were inseminated over a four-year period in four regions. Initially, conception rates were much lower than those achieved in the research trials. Working closely with the authorities, ILRI has recently produced more efficient protocols, identified improved technologies and promoted their uptake together with improved husbandry, resulting in a 50% increase in conception rates.

Capacity development

A range of multimedia tools, including the Animal Genetics Training Resource also boosted the skills base of geneticists, addressing opportunities to improve livestock breeding in tropical regions. This resource has recently been adapted in several African and European universities to train masters students on issues related to animal genetic resources in tropical production systems.

Download the highlights chapter or the full ILRI Corporate report 2015–2016