Populationsanalysen bei Ziegenrassen in Kenia

Abstract: Contribution of the participating organisation The research work was conducted in co-operation of the University Hohenheim, the Agricultural University of Athens and Egerton University in Kenya. The two participating institutes of Hohenheim cooperated very close; they acted as one team with a common work programme and complementing budgets. Data and blood samples of three Kenyan goat breeds, the Small East African Goat, the Galla and the Boran, were collected. Collection took place in 24 locations covering most parts of the country where goat production was important. The sampling period was about 1 year; the duration of the whole project was 3 years. The objectives of the research work were - Evalution of performance, genetic constitution and genetic diversity of the indigenous goat breeds in Kenya (Small East African, Galla, Boran). - Analysis of relationships between genetic sstructure, productivity and environmental adaptation of these breeds (with a view to trypanotolerance) - Identification of reasons behind low productivity, e.g. limited genetic variability, high rate of inbreeding, lack of proper mating strategies, management deficiencies. - Recommendation of appropriate strategies for breed improvement.