Indigenous knowledge in selection for breeding longhorn Ankole cattle in Western Tanzania
| dc.contributor.author | Byamungu,Noely | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-10-02T11:39:56Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-10-02T11:39:56Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2006 | |
| dc.description | Dissertation | |
| dc.description.abstract | For decades pastoralists in Western Tanzania have been using indigenous knowledge in selection for breeding longhorn Ankole cattle. Indigenous knowledge in breeding Ankole cattle has not been documented regardless of the fact that its existence is acknowledged worldwide. This study interviewed 60 Ankole cattle keepers and conducted village level workshops in order to document the traditional lifestyle of Ankole cattle keepers, indigenous knowledge concerning animal husbandry practices and potential ofthe Ankole breed. Furthermore, the study conducted a hypothetical experiment with 111 Ankole cattle owners to determine traits (animal profile) preferred by Ankole cattle keepers for qualifying animals for breeding. The study revealed that, 95% of Ankole cattle keepers in Western Tanzania are still pastoralists. Further the study revealed that the pastoralists had Ankole cows producing more milk (6.9 litres/day at average) compared to other indigenous cattle breed in East Africa producing 3.1 litres/day at average. The study also found that Ankole bulls are determinants for phenotypic expression and performances of herds. Hypothetical choice experiment results revealed that, there are specific combinations of traits preference for breeding stocks used in selection for breeding long horned Ankole cattle. The combined traits qualifying animal as a breeding bull are: long white horns, dark red coat colour, large body size, docile and in line with high milk yield ancestors. For cows, the best combination of traits involves high milk yield (above 41itres/day) and high fecundity (yearly calving after puberty). Hence the recommendations from the study focus on the right combination between indigenous knowledge and formal knowledge aiming atimproving performances and conservation of unique Ankole cattle breed not only in Western Tanzania but also, in other places where Ankole cattle breed is found. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/7075 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Sokoine University of Agriculture | |
| dc.subject | Breeding longhorn | |
| dc.subject | Ankole cattle | |
| dc.subject | Cattle | |
| dc.subject | Animal husbandry | |
| dc.title | Indigenous knowledge in selection for breeding longhorn Ankole cattle in Western Tanzania | |
| dc.type | Thesis |