Improvement of villager N'Dama cattle husbandry practices: the example of Madina-Diassa in the south of Mali.

摘要

A project for improvement of N'Dama cattle, started in 1973, is described. Initially, this led to the establishment of a ranch with 1800 cattle, on which genetic improvement procedures were implemented, principally selection for growth rate. However, because of the high recurrent costs of maintaining this herd most of these cattle were transferred in 1991 to surrounding village herds. Data are tabulated on reproductive traits, mortality and veterinary costs in the ranch herd and in herds after transfer. Fertility and mortality were slightly higher after transfer.