BREEDING STRATEGIES FOR MARGINAL REGIONS IN THE TROPICS AND SUBTROPICS

The transferability of methods of animal breeding developed in industrialized countries to marginal regions in the tropics and subtropics is questioned. Approaches of planning of breeding, methods of crossbreeding and possibilities of evaluation and genetic development of local populations for these conditions are analyzed on the basis of literature and own research results. Within the planning process special attention is paid to the description of production conditions, definition of breeding goals, choice of selection criteria as well as choice of breeding method and populations. The main constraint for planning of breeding for marginal regions is identified to be improper definition of breeding goals. This is due to insufficient description of prevailing production conditions and articulation of demands by local farmers. Tests of crossbreeding methods should be integrated into the most important process of evaluation and genetic development of local populations. Another priority should be the development of concepts for organization of breeding work and transfer of genetic gain to breeding stocks on farms. Prerequisite for a purposeful application of breeding methods is an enhanced collaboration between breeders and sociologists as well as economists, assuring a direct involvement of farmers.