Phenotypic and genetic characterisation of the Fipa cattle in Rukwa region in the south-western highlands of Tanzania
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Date
2013
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Adequate characterization of Farm Animal Genetic Resources is a prerequisite for
successful sustainable utilisation and informed decision-making in national livestock
genetic improvement and conservation programmes. The Fipa cattle population found in
three districts (Sumbawanga rural. Sumbawanga urban and Nkasi) of Rukwa region in
the South-Western Highlands of Tanzania was characterised using two different broad
methods, i.e. phenotypic and molecular characterisation. Phenotypic characterisation
involved three studies. The first study involved description of socio-economic roles.
traditional management practices and production constraints of the Fipa cattle. The
second study involved assessment of desirable traits of the Fipa cattle strain including
farmers' perceptions and preferences on the strain's attributes, breeding management
practices and production performance of the Fipa cattle. The third study encompassed
description of phenotypic attributes, including production, reproductive and adaptive
traits of the Fipa cattle population. Molecular characterisation involved assessment of
within and between-populations genetic diversity of the Fipa cattle and establishment of
the genetic relationships of the Fipa and other indigenous cattle strains. All approaches
aimed at determining and describing the roles, traditional management practices.
production environment, production challenges, phenotypic traits, genetic diversity,
genetic distinctiveness and desirable traits of the Fipa cattle.
Description
PhD-Thesis
Keywords
South-western highlands, Fipa cattle, Cattle population