Community-based breedim - a sustainable way to improve small ruminant production indeveloping countries

摘要

Small ruminants are an excellent livelihood option for small and marginal farmers under current unstable agricultural conditions in developing countries. Self-sustaining breeding programs to improve the productivity of diverse small-ruminant germplasmavailable in India is crucial to enhance farmers1' income. Community-based breeding programs adopting open-nucleus breeding structure is proposed as an option for genetic improvement of small ruminants in developing countries. Ethiopia, Mexico, Boliviaand Peru obtained promising genetic improvement by adopting this approach. Understanding the set up of community based breeding program through lessons from above mentioned countries and refining the program that is suitable for each community will helpin achieving a sustainable improvement in small ruminant production.