Definition: The science of changing the genetic composition of animals to enhance desirable characteristics, thereby improving productivity and sustainability in livestock farming.

AIMS OF LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT

• High-quality Products:
  • Aim to produce superior milk, meat, and wool, meeting market demands for quality.
• Increased Production Capacity:
  • Enhance the output of animals, leading to greater efficiency in meat and dairy production.
• Disease and Parasite Resistance:
  • Develop breeds that are less susceptible to diseases, reducing mortality rates and improving overall herd health.
• Tolerance to Environmental Stress:
  • Select for traits that enable animals to thrive in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or drought.

METHODS OF LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT

1. Breeding:
   • Involves the controlled mating of selected animals to produce offspring with desired traits.
   • Selection Criteria: Animals are chosen based on inherited genetic traits and performance.
   • Emphasizes good management practices, such as nutrition and healthcare, to support the breeding process.
2. Introduction of Exotic Breeds:
   • Involves importing purebred animals known for superior qualities from other countries.
   • Example: Importing dairy breeds such as Friesians and Jerseys into Malawi.
   • This can be achieved through:
     • Importing superior semen, bulls, or embryos.
     • Using imported males or harvested semen to breed with local females.
3. Artificial Insemination (AI):
   • A technique that involves the mating of female animals using harvested semen.
   • AI allows for the genetic improvement of herds without needing to maintain a male on-site.
4. Embryo Transfer:
   • A method where embryos from high-quality donor animals are implanted into local female animals.
   • This process accelerates the introduction of superior genetics into local populations.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVESTOCK TO BE SELECTED FOR BREEDING

1. Individual or Mass Selection:
   • Selection based on performance and observable traits (phenotype).
   • Traits include outward appearances (e.g., coat color, body size) and measurable characteristics (e.g., body weight, milk yield).
   • Prioritize animals from parents with good features.
2. Selection by Contemporary Comparison:
   • Selection is based on individual performance within the same environment and age group.
   • Ensures fair comparison by minimizing environmental variables.
3. Progeny Testing:
   • More applicable to males, as they can produce more offspring than females.
   • Evaluates the genetic value of an animal based on the performance of its progeny.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVESTOCK FOR BREEDING

1. Fast Growth Rate:
   • Quick growth allows for faster returns on investment through timely sales.
2. Disease and Pest Resistance:
   • Selecting for robust animals helps lower veterinary costs and improve herd longevity.
3. High Survival Rate:
   • Increases the reproductive potential of the herd, contributing to sustainable production.
4. High Production Rate:
   • Animals should produce a high yield of milk and meat, enhancing profitability.
5. High Fertility Rate:
   • Breeding animals should have a high conception rate and produce multiple offspring annually.
6. Good Mothering Ability:
   • Mothers must provide sufficient milk and protection to their young, ensuring high survival rates.
7. Temperament:
   • Docile animals are easier to handle and milk, enhancing farmer safety and productivity.
8. High Meat Quality and Quantity:
   • Focus on desirable traits such as fat content and body size, crucial for meat production.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING DAIRY CATTLE

1. Productivity:
   • Evaluate annual yield, butterfat content, and length of the lactation period for economic viability.
2. Body Conformation:
   • Cattle should exhibit a lean, wedge-shaped body with greater depth to optimize milk production.
3. Reproductive Traits:
   • Assess mothering ability and calving intervals to maximize production efficiency.
4. Health:
   • Select animals well-adapted to their specific environments to ensure resilience against diseases.
5. Physical Factors:
   • Avoid animals with physical defects, such as lameness or missing teeth, which can affect performance.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR PIGS

1. Growth Rate:
   • At various stages, pigs should grow rapidly:
     • Birth: ~2 kg
     • 3 weeks: 5-6 kg
     • 8 weeks: 16-20 kg
     • 26 weeks: 100 kg
   • Select sows whose piglets exhibit fast growth rates.
2. Adequate Milk Production:
   • Sows must provide enough milk to support healthy growth in piglets.
3. Fertility:
   • High fertility rates are essential for maintaining a productive herd.
4. Health:
   • Avoid pigs with hereditary diseases (e.g., hernia), focus on carcass quality, and select for mild temperament.
5. Maturity:
   • Pigs should reach market weight (90-100 kg) by 6-7 months.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR MEAT GOATS

1. Body:
   • Goats should have a compact, muscular build conducive to meat production.
2. Growth Rate:
   • The ability to efficiently convert feed into meat is vital for profitability.
3. Fertility:
   • Select breeds that can produce multiple offspring to enhance herd size.
4. Adaptability:
   • Choose breeds that can thrive in local environmental conditions, ensuring resilience and low mortality.