Alternative Village Based-Breeding Schemes for Simien and Gumuz Sheep Breeds in Northwestern Ethiopia

The study aimed to design breeding schemes for the improvement of sheep in Northwestern Ethiopia. The alternative breeding schemes were modeled and evaluated using a deterministic approach for genetic and economic efficiency. The input parameters were obtained from a survey of existing flock structures, breeding management, and literature. The predicted genetic response, genetic gain for goal traits, and rate of inbreeding were little different under village-based schemes depending on selection objectives and selection criteria. The highest genetic gains for six month's weight, pre-weaning lamb survival, twining rate, and lambing interval were predicted from village-based schemes with BLUP selection at 5% selection intensity. The highest genetic gain predicted under BLUE at 5% selection intensity for six months weight within and across village breeding schemes were 1.85 kg and 1.87 kg per year respectively. The rate of inbreeding for both schemes increased as the proportion of rams selected decreased from base to 5% selection intensity. The expected genetic gains were higher as it promotes participation of farmers, cooperation of villages, and achieving concentrated lambing which in turn increase selection intensity and genetic progress. This suggested the possibility for sustainable sheep improvement and conservation through village-based schemes.