Abstract:
This study was conducted to determine the functions and desirable attributes of Tarime cattle found in northern part
of Tanzania. Farmers’ breed preferences and willingness to pay for Tarime cattle conservation were also assessed. A
structured questionnaire was administered to 120 household heads keeping Tarime cattle in Tarime
district.ref SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT
The results indicated that 75.8% of the respondents depended on crop and livestock production and only 10%
depended on livestock production alone as the main source of income. With regard to provision of food, both crop
production and livestock keeping were equally important. Most farmers (85.9%) preferred to keep Tarime cattle
rather than exotic dairy cattle and their crosses. The desirable attributes of Tarime cattle were good tolerance to
diseases (73.4%), good draught animals (65%), good and taste meat (30.8%) and better milk quality (14.2%). The
purposes for keeping cattle were ranked in the following order: provision of draught power, dowry payment, milk,
income and security against future uncertainties. Farmers practiced controlled breeding in order to maintain the
genetic purity of their breed. This was done by choosing the best bulls for mating and castrating or selling young
bulls which are not needed for breeding. Bulls for breeding were selected mainly based on size. Farmers were
willing to pay between TShs. 28,290.00 (~ US$ 22) and 159,000.00 (~ US$ 122) per year for conservation project.
The willingness to pay was influenced by level of income, use of cattle for dowry payments and the ability of cattle
to survive in harsh conditions and to resist diseases.
It is concluded that the livestock keepers in Tarime district prefer Tarime cattle to exotic dairy cattle. The preference
of indigenous cattle by most farmers should be viewed as the most favourable starting point for conservation of
Tarime cattle through sustainable utilization.
