An Update on South African Indigenous Sheep Breeds’ Extinction Status and Difficulties during Conservation Attempts: A Review

Abstract

South African indigenous breeds’ population is decreasing at a time when their genetic material is mandatory due to the rising climate change and global warming. South African indigenous sheep breeds include Namaqua Afrikaner, Zulu, BaPedi, and Damara sheep. These breeds are the most preferred breeds by rural farmers in South Africa due to their adaptability, low feed, and veterinary requirements. However, since they are characterized by small body sizes, farmers tend to crossbreed them with exotic breeds. An early survey conducted in Kwa-Zulu Natal revealed a 7.5% decline in Zulu sheep between 2008–2011. It has recently been observed that the population left is genotypically mixed with exotic genetic material due to uncontrolled breeding techniques that rural farmers apply. Therefore, the aim of this review is to address the present status, difficulties, and conservation approaches applied to save these breeds. However, this review will be limited to the current extinction status as it appears in the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) system, data from recent studies, difficulties limiting the conservation success of these breeds, and the current conservation approaches in use to conserve these breeds.

A systematic review on the prospects of X- and Y-sexed semen in ruminant livestock: implications for conservation, a South African perspective

“…South African indigenous sheep have been used to develop locally developed breeds with the purpose of tackling adaptation challenges faced by exotic breeds ( 10 ). For instance, Ronderib Afrikaner has been used to develop Afrino and Van Rooy ( 9 ), while Damara was used to develop Meatmaster, and Bapedi was used to develop Bosvelder ( 20 ).…”

“…There are recently introduced ARTs to conserve endangered species such as estrous synchronization, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer ( 10 ). The pre-selection of the sex plays an important role in increasing genetic gain and the selection of the desired sex ( 11 ).…”

Selenium efficiency in preserving sperm quality and testicular characteristics of South African indigenous Zulu Rams exposed to heat stress

“…Small stock (sheep & goats) plays a vital role in the global food and wool production in tropical and subtropical areas which are greatly affected by harsh climatic conditions (Ngcobo et al, 2022). Sheep are a major source of revenue and the backbone of many South African rural communities.…”

Seasonal Variations in Semen Quality, Testosterone Levels, and Scrotal Size following Dietary Flaxseed Oil and Ascorbic Acid in South African Indigenous Rams

“…Therefore, these factors will require a strategy in the agricultural sector to mitigate these challenges, including the improvement and conservation of indigenous genetic materials for future use or the development of adapted breeds for meat purposes. Mavule et al [ 3 ] stated that South African indigenous sheep can walk longer distances in search of food and water and have a clear role in developing locally developed meat-type breeds [ 4 ].…”

“…South African indigenous sheep breeds (Zulu, BaPedi, and Namaqua Afrikaner) are facing the threat of extinction [ 5 ]. The South African government has set up conservation programs for these breeds [ 4 ]. However, conservation programs aiming to maintain genetic diversity with reproductive biotechnology require a basic understanding of reproductive biology and how it is influenced by environmental factors [ 6 ].…”