Genetic Resistance to Parasites in Small Ruminants: from Knowledge to Implementation in the Tropics

Abstract Text:

The key for sustainability of tropical small ruminant farming systems is to search for a balance between the environment and the animal. It is in vain to avoid constraints in animal rearing and wiser to choose animals for their adaptations to these constraints. In this context, gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are a major constraint in small ruminant production in the tropics. The strategy of pest eradication has evolved to a more logical manipulation of host parasite equilibrium in grazing systems by implementation of various actions. The genetic resistance of small ruminants to GIN is a part of this new approach. This review addresses the questions of the pertinence and feasibility of genetic selection in the context of the tropics. With the background of the last 20 years, the strategies to adopt for the building of breeding schemes in the tropics are discussed.

Keywords:

Genetic resistance

small ruminants

parasites