The objective of this review was to characterize the role of molecular genetics, opportunities and challenges to improve the productivity of dairy cattle in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, genetic improvement of the indigenous cattle for dairy production, focusing on crossbreeding, has been practiced for the last five decades, albeit with little success. Crossbreeding work in Ethiopia was initiated in the early 1950s. Genomic selection should be able to at least double the rate of genetic gain in the dairy industry, as it enables selection decisions to be based on genomic breeding values, which can ultimately be calculated from genetic marker information alone, rather than from pedigree and phenotypic information. There are opportunities for using molecular genetics to identify genes that influence milk production traits. The other major opportunities are indigenous livestock breeds in Ethiopia are a valuable source of genetic material because of their adaptation to harsh climatic conditions, their ability to better utilize the limited and poor quality feed resources and their tolerance to a range of diseases. The poor performance of the dairy sub-sector was attributed to socio-economic, infrastructure and technical constraints, inadequate research and extension activities and lack of policies relevant to the development of the dairy industry. Milk production was largely affected by a combination of factors namely; genetic make-up in terms of the use of improved breeds selected for milk production, a favorable nutritional environment and improved managerial practices. Therefore, establish operational strategy, evaluate applicability of technology, fulfill infrastructure, give training for farmers and experts should be the most important before implementing dairy cattle genetics improvements.

The objective of the study was to undertake herd management and breeding practices of indigenous sheep population in selected districts of South Wollo zone; Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia. Three districts were selected purposely based on their flock size, sheep production potential and their contribution to the farmers. About 180 households from Wogide, Borena and Legambo districts were used for household survey. The questionnaire was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. The parameters were analyzed using SPSS and SAS software. The breeding ewes had taken a major portion followed by lambs. Flock mixing practice would be a good opportunity for establishment of community-based breeding program as ram as it facilitates ram sharing which is one of the major component of community-based breeding program. In the study areas, all classes of the sheep were herded together during the day time though new born lambs were managed independently for some days near the house. About 25.48%, 35.56% and 39.06% of farmers in Wogide, Borena and Legambo sheep farmers were provided special management to their breeding ram while the remaining did not provide any management for their breeding ram, respectively. The survey discovered the high proportion of uncontrolled mating in the study areas. The main objectives of keeping sheep were for income generation followed by meat consumption and saving. Appearance/conformation, fast growth, coat colour, lambing interval, age at first sexual maturity and tail size were the most important traits for selection of breeding rams and ewes in the study areas. The most preferable colour in the study areas was white, red and gray and unwanted colour was black and black with white. An intervention to select best rams and culling of inferior ram would be suggested to enhance genetic gain. Keywords : Breeding practices, district, indigenous sheep, selection criteria, trait preferences

Mohammed N, Alemayehu K, Getachew T. 2017. On-farm phenotypic characterization of indigenous sheep and its crossbreed with exotic Awassi in selected district of South Wollo, Amhara, Ethiopia. Trop Drylands 1: 1-12. Selection of genetic resources is important to select desirable traits in breeding programs to improve the quality and production of livestock including sheep. This study aimed to investigate the phenotypic diversity of indigenous sheep breeds in selected districts of south Wollo highlands and to assess the effect of crossbreeding of Wollo sheep with exotic Awassi sheep on growth and morphological characters under stallholder management of eastern Amhara, Ethiopia. Three districts were selected purposely based on their sheep flock size, sheep production potential and their contribution to the farmers. Bodyweight and linear body measurements were taken from 525 mature indigenous sheep and Local x Awassi crossbred. Body weight and most of the linear body measurements of indigenous sheep population were significantly affected by the district. Crossbred had significantly higher body weight and body measurements than indigenous sheep in Legambo district. Sex had a significant effect on body weight, wither height, and rump height for Awassi crossbred. Body weight and all linear body measurements were significantly influenced by age group. Sex and age group interaction significantly affected body weight and most linear measurements of indigenous sheep, and significantly affected wither height and rump height of local x Awassi crossbred. There was a positive and strong correlation between body weight and chest girth of indigenous female sheep as well as between rump height, body length, chest girth, wither height, and body weight of indigenous male sheep. Positive and strong correlation between body weight and chest girth was observed for Awassi crossbred females. Chest girth and body length for indigenous and local x Awassi crossbred sheep could be used for the prediction of body weight. The body weight of local x Awassi crossbred (28.75±0.49 kg) was higher than the indigenous sheep (22.19±0.41 kg) in Legambo district. In conclusion, indigenous sheep have potential for improving livelihood and economy of smallholder farmers using crossbred in the study areas.