Conservation priorities for Ethiopian sheep breeds combining threat status, breed merits and contributions to genetic diversity

Abstract

-Prioritizing livestock breeds for conservation needs to incorporate both genetic and non-genetic aspects important for the survival of the breeds. Here, we apply a maximum-utility-strategy to prioritize 14 traditional Ethiopian sheep breeds based on their threat status, contributions to farmer livelihoods (current breed merits) and contributions to genetic diversity. Contributions of the breeds to genetic diversity were quantified using Eding's marker-estimated kinship approaches. Non-genetic aspects included threats (e.g. low population size, low preferences by farmers) and current merits (economic, ecological and cultural merits). Threat analysis identified eight of the 14 breeds as threatened. Analysis of current merits showed that sub-alpine and arid-lowland breeds contribute most to farmer livelihoods in comparison to other breeds. The highest contribution to the genetic diversity conserved was from the Simien breed. Simien showed high between-breed (low between-breed kinship = 0.04) as well as high within-breed diversity (low within-breed kinship = 0.09 and high H E = 0.73 and allelic richness = 6.83). We combined the results on threat status, current breed merits and contributions to genetic diversity to produce a ranking of the 14 breeds for conservation purposes. Our results balance the trade-offs between conserving breeds as insurance against future uncertainties and current sustainable utilization. The ranking of breeds provides a basis for conservation strategies for Ethiopian sheep and contributes to a regional or global conservation plan.conservation / sheep / diversity / threat status / breed merit *

Objectives, criteria and methods for using molecular genetic data in priority setting for conservation of animal genetic resources

“…Social and cultural aspects, such as farmers’ attachment to their breeds, as well as presence of conservation programmes, have been suggested when comparing African cattle breeds for degree of endangerment (Reist‐Marti et al. 2003; Gizaw et al. 2008).…”

“…Reist‐Marti et al. (2003), Gizaw et al. (2008) assigned values to some of these parameters and computed for African breeds relative extinction probabilities, as a sum of these values.…”

“…In addition, factors such as phenotypic performance, the presence of special traits, or a measure of cultural importance could be included as a measure of utility, U i , which has been proposed by Simianer et al. (2003) and applied by Gizaw et al. (2008).…”

Feed Intake, Digestibility, Growth Performance and Blood Profiles of Three Ethiopian Fat Tail Hair Sheep Fed Hay Supplemented with Two Levels of Concentrate Supplement

“…Blackhead Ogaden breed has fat rump tail [2] and inhabits the arid low land part of the country and widely distributed within 42˚E -48˚E longitudes and 3˚N -9˚N latitudes [17]. The breed is well adapted to heat, feed and water shortage and has long distance tracking ability [18] [19]. According to ESGPIP [20] BHO sheep is one of the most preferred sheep breed to Middle East export markets.…”

“…Horro breed inhabits tepid to cool wet highlands in range of altitude 1400 to 2000 m.a.s.l in North West Ethiopia between 35˚E and 38˚E longitudes and 6˚N and 10˚N latitudes [17]. The breed is characterized by long fat-tail and large size and is the most prolific and best meat producing breed under good environment [18]. Washera breed is characterized by wide fat tail, large body size, long and thin legs and long neck [21].…”