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Traditional livestock husbandry is of great socio-economic importance for farmers and pastoral populations in Burkina Faso in general and in particular, those in the Southwestern region. The aim of our study is to inventory medicinal plants in cattle husbandry in the Poni province. Methodology consisted of semi-structured interviews; individual conversations with local specialists in the use of local plants. A total of 120 informants were interviewed (60 specialists, 60 non-specialist farmers) across three sites (Bouroum–Bouroum, Loropeni and Kampti) where a community based cattle breeding program has taken place. The results showed that 26 medicinal plants for veterinary use, distributed across 23 genera and 15 families were well known. In total, 9 important cattle diseases for which medicinal plants are used have been recorded. The most frequent diseases reported were foot and mouth disease (22%) and animal trypanosomosis (21%). Among the six (06) modes of preparation recorded for disease treatment, decoction was the most used (62%). Statistical analyses revealed a significant difference between men and women (p = 0.002) with medicinal plant knowledge. Men know more medicinal plants than women do. The results have indicated a disparity of medicinal plant knowledge according to age classes. The results also revealed a significant difference (p = 0.028) of plants recognised by seven ethnic groups. Knowledge of different medicinal plants for veterinary use among the ethnic groups was influenced by the family income source and the main activity. The informant consensus factor (0.5) showed that all the informants agreed on the importance of medicinal plant conservation. Promoting the veterinary use of the plants recorded in this study could be a key to their conservation.

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) remain one of the main health and production constraints of sheep globally. Considering alternatives to anthelmintics in control of GIN of sheep has become important mainly due to development of anthelmintic resistance. In this study, we used a questionnaire survey in combination with participatory epidemiology methods, ranking and scoring, with the objectives of (1) understanding local sheep disease problems related to GIN in community-based breeding programs (CBBP) in Bonga and Horro of Ethiopia, compared to neighboring communities not involved in CBBP, and (2) assessing current practices and preferences in control of GIN of sheep in both types of communities. The most important disease conditions of sheep in Bonga CBBP with weighed ranks of 1 to 3 were coenurosis, diarrhea and coughing. The corresponding sheep disease conditions in Horro CBBP were coughing, diarrhea and bottle jaw. Diarrhea and bottle jaw presumably are related to gastrointestinal nematodes. Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants are widely used in Bonga while the knowledge is at risk of loss in Horro. Respondents in non CBBP and CBBP communities did not differ (p > 0.05) regarding most of the plant species used frequently in control of GIN in Bonga. There was significant difference (p

A study was conducted to determine tangible and intangible benefits of local goats to smallholders in low input crop-livestock production system where community-based goat breeding program (goat CBBP) is being implemented. Data was collected through a 12-month flock and household (137 households) monitoring study between August 2017 to July 2018. Data collected was analyzed using enterprise budgeting and cost-return analysis. The results showed that local goat enterprises in smallholder farms are profitable and economically viable. The mean annual net profit per flock and per goat was MK54,406 and MK11, 140 (€1 = MK830.00), respectively. The average return on capital invested was 24.6%, exceeding the prevailing average commercial deposit rate (8%) by several folds. Goats accounted for 61.2% of the total livestock household income representing the biggest contributor, while cattle, pigs and chickens contributed 17.6%, 15.5% and 4.1%, respectively. Sale of live goats constituted the major (79.2%) proportion of the total offtake rate, suggesting that goats are primarily kept for generation of cash revenues. Inclusion of intangible benefits of goats significantly increased the mean annual net profit and the return on capital by 60.3%, reflecting the importance of socio-economic roles goats play in providing current and future economic stability to rural households’ economy. Hence, programs like goat CBBPs are meant to harness the potentials of local goats to optimize their contributions towards reduction of rural poverty and hunger. Therefore, financing and supporting scaling up of such programs is a meaningful direct investment into the development of rural economy.

Understanding characteristics of production systems and identification of specific preferred traits related to breeding objectives is a first important step to the successful implementation of any breeding program. This study was conducted in the South West of Burkina Faso, the traditional habitat of trypanotolerant Baoule cattle, to identify farmers’ trait preferences and breeding practices. Following a synthesis of information from stakeholders, a structural questionnaire was designed and administered to 194 heads of households. Cattle herd structure was investigated via herd survey on 101 farms to record breed, age, status, weight and linear body measurements of animals. Own herd ranking method was used in addition to identify the most important criteria for selecting breeding cows. The importance of each criterion was estimated by computing the index of ranking. Regarding breeds and herd mobility, sedentary pure Baoule, sedentary mixed breed, and transhumant Zebu and crossbred systems were defined. Average cattle herd size was 51.23±55.72 heads and was significantly (P˂0.05) highest in the transhumant Zebu and crossbred system. Herd structure showed that cows were the most frequent age-sex-class in all the production systems. A high proportion of all farmers reported purposefully selecting their breeding animals but only 36.67% of them in pure Baoule system select their breeding females. Breeding bulls were selected from young males in the own herd and they were selected significantly (P˂0.05) later in pure Baoule system. The majority of transhumant farmers reported castration of not selected males while only 33% of farmers in pure Baoule system reported that. The most important common criteria for selection among the production systems were adult size for both males and females, including calf growth for females. Production systems were heterogeneous on the other preferred traits. Based on these findings, implementation of breeding programs involving farmers and their specific characteristics and practices can contribute to improve and conserve local cattle breeds in this area. Community-based breeding programs for pure Baoule and crossbreds aiming to improve body size and trypanotolerance are being implemented.

Improved Awassi sheep from Israel has been used for the improvement of the productivity of Ethiopian short-fat tailed Menz and Wollo sheep breeds through crossbreeding. High density (~50,000) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers distributed along the ovine genome were analyzed for Menz (n = =34), Wollo (n = =18), local Awassi (n = =24) and improved Awassi (n = =23) sheep breeds to assess genetic diversity and population structure. Proportion of polymorphism was highest for local Awassi (96.2%) followed by the Ethiopian breeds (91.7 to 93.0%). Lowest proportion of polymorphic SNP was found in improved Awassi (84.3%). Expected heterozygosity was high (0.37) for local Awassi followed by the local Ethiopian breeds (0.35 and 0.36) and the improved Awassi (0.35). Highest genetic differentiation measured as fixation index (FST) appeared between local Ethiopian breeds and improved Awassi (FST ~ 0.14) while the two Ethiopian breeds were closely related (FST=0.004). Surprisingly, local Awassi sheep differentiated from improved Awassi at a higher level (FST = 0.09) than it differentiated from Wollo (FST = 0.058) and Menz (FST = 0.065). Principal component, model based structure and neighbor net analysis revealed clustering of populations according to their geographic location and breed development history. Strong selection pressure on the Awassi sheep resulted in significant differentiation from local Awassi, less within population variation, excess monomorphic loci and high level of runs of homozygosity (ROH) based genomic inbreeding. The high level of differentiation between local Ethiopian and improved Awassi supported the use of improved Awassi sheep to improve Menz and Wollo sheep breeds. However, importation of Awassi sheep and mating should consider strategies of controlling the level of inbreeding.

A study was conducted in the Himalayan mixed conifer forests to generate estimates of cattle carrying capacity of logged sites, using consumable forage dry matter and nutrient content. Field samples were collected from four major understory vegetation types dominated by Yushania microphylla (ground cover proportions of 100% and 50%), Rubus nepalensis, Synotis alata and Sambucus adnata. The amount of dry matter, total digestible nutrient and digestible crude protein removed by cattle grazing was highest for the vegetation with 100% Y. microphylla. Vegetation with S. adnata, S. alata and R. nepalensis provided low consumable dry matter yield and nutrient content per hectare area. For vegetation with 100% Y. microphylla, based on consumable dry matter, total digestible nutrients and digestible crude protein, the cattle carrying capacities were estimated at 4.17, 2.27 and 1.27 Livestock Units per Year (LUY) per hectare, respectively. Vegetation with 50% Y. microphylla provided about one LUY per hectare both in terms of consumable DM and nutrient content. Vegetation with S. alata also provided nutritional carrying capacity of about one LUY per hectare but the carrying capacity in terms of consumable dry matter was lower than one LUY per hectare. Cattle carrying capacity, both in terms of dry matter and nutrient content was lower than one LUY per hectare for vegetation with S. adnata and R. nepalensis. We concluded that, depending on the type of understory vegetation, carrying capacity differs within hemlock-dominated mixed conifer forest in the Eastern Himalaya. Forage utilization was higher for S. alata, S. adnata and R. nepalensis vegetation, suggesting the need for vigilance to avoid overgrazing in these vegetation types. The study indicates the opportunity to select appropriate carrying capacities allowing optimum cattle density and providing the required level of nutrition, while avoiding over-grazing. We recommend our estimates to be used as guide to better understand the carrying capacity of logged sites in the Himalayan conifer forest.

Survival analysis applying proportional hazards models was used to investigate genetic and non-genetic factors affecting ewe longevity and lamb survival of sheep in Ethiopia. Data were obtained from an on-station closed nucleus breeding program of Menz sheep and an on-farm Awassi×Menz sheep crossbreeding project. A total of 695 ewes and 1890 lambs born from the nucleus population of Menz sheep were used for the analysis of ewe productive life and lamb survival to yearling age respectively. In addition, 5530 lamb records of purebred local and crossbreds with proportions of ~25–50% Awassi, collected from three locations were used for the analysis of lamb survival from birth to weaning age. The effects of year, ewe parity and litter weight at weaning were significant (p

A community-based sheep breeding program has been implemented in the highlands of Ethiopia to improve the body weight of Menz sheep. It is important to evaluate the potential consequences of such a breeding strategy on herd dynamics. For this purpose, a dynamic, stochastic herd model was built. The model adopts a system dynamics methodology to study the effect of genetic improvement of body weight on herd dynamics and profitability. The length of the time horizon was 240 months (20 years). The first 120 months served as a baseline scenario, where the fattening of culled breeding rams was practiced. For the second 120 months genetic selection of body weight was introduced considering two scenarios: culled ram and lamb fattening. Results from the model showed a gradual decrease in sheep population size while body weight of the animals improved. The model keeps heavier animals in smaller flocks to match the herd dry matter demand with the available resources. The simulation also demonstrates that breeding for heavier body weight was considerably more profitable than the baseline scenario; and lamb fattening was more profitable than culled ram fattening, as the current practice. Furthermore, voluntary culling may be used to balance herd size with available feed resources. The introduction of a more intensive system that provides more feed resources by resourceful smallholders can be used to achieve higher income without reducing flock size. Further work is however needed to evaluate the model introduced here against field results.

Numerous economic, technical, and social challenges hinder farmers from adapting and adopting soil conservation measures in Ethiopia. Yet, some successful soil conservation measures are emerging in projects dedicated to sustainable natural resource management. This paper explores the role of institutions and social learning in changing the conventional top down technology transfer challenges to conditions that are conducive for soil conservation. The study was conducted by considering a successful soil conservation case in Ethiopia. Semi-structured interviews and workshops were used to collect data. In addition, the review of pertinent documents and literature was considered to complement this analysis. Innovation history analysis has been used as an approach to analyze the important events in the innovation process. The findings show that social learning has created opportunity for more understanding on soil conservation and the emergence of less hierarchy amongst actors. It has also created space for the application of both indigenous and scientific knowledge in the innovation process. Farmers’ organizations and their institutions are viewed as the core to the innovation process in leading and facilitating social learning, and in the formulation of bylaws. Hence, based on our case study we suggest that social learning and local level institutions may encourage soil conservation whenever lack of common understanding on soil conservation problems and solutions exists among the actors.

A bio-economic model was adapted to estimate economic values for important traits of two Ethiopian indigenous sheep breeds, the Menz and Horro breeds. To do so, a meat sheep herd for fattening lambs and rearing young replacement sheep was simulated. Traits included in the analysis were: daily gain (fattening trait), live weight of ewes, length of productive life, lambing interval, litter size, stillbirths and lamb survival (functional traits). To avoid double counting, the economic value for each trait was derived while keeping all other traits constant. Economic values were obtained per ewe place, year, and genetic standard deviation. For the Menz breed, economic values in € per genetic standard deviation were 0.63 (daily gain), −0.77 (mature ewe live weight), −0.97 (length of productive life), 1.57 (lambing interval), 0.98 (litter size), 0.41 (stillbirths) and 2.20 (lamb survival). Economic values (in €) of 1.35 (daily gain), −1.26 (mature ewe live weight), −1.15 (length of productive life), 1.98 (lambing interval), 3.67 (litter size), 0.56 (stillbirth) and 3.25 (lamb survival) were derived for the Horro breed. Negative economic values for length of productive life and mature ewe live weight were estimated for both breeds. After setting the economic values of length of productive life and mature ewe live weight to zero, the economic values (in %) for the ratio of the trait complexes fattening: functional traits were 11:89 and 12.5:87.5 for Menz and Horro, respectively. Economic values for litter size, lambing interval and lamb survival traits were sensitive to changes in price for breeding rams in both breeds.

In the Ankole pastoral production system animals are grazed on pasture all year round. The cattle are not supplemented with conserved pasture or commercial feed except minerals. The large number of factors that influence production makes it impractical and expensive to use field trials to explore all the farm system options. A model of a pastoral production system was developed to provide a tool for developing and testing the system; for example, drying off animals early and supplement them for quick return on heat, testing the economic and ecological viability of the different stocking rates. The model links climate information, on a monthly basis, with dynamic, stochastic component-models for pasture growth and animal production, as well as management policies. Some of the component models were developed and published by other authors but are modified to suit the Ankole pastoral conditions. The model outputs were compared with on-farm data collected over 3 years and data collected for other on-farm studies in the region. The relative prediction error (RPE) values for body weight after weaning across both breeds ranged from 3% to 12% which is below the acceptable 20% and means that the model predicts post weaning growth with an average error of 7.5%. The model predicted pasture production and milk yield across seasons with relative prediction errors of 17.6% and 3.33%, respectively. The graph shapes of actual and predicted average daily milk yield as influenced by season (month of the year) were similar. Because pasture growth and milk production predictions were acceptable, economic predictions can be made using the model to test different management options such as seasonal breeding, alterations in lactation length and determination of appropriate off-takes and evaluation of economic viability of various stocking rates.

High altitude pulmonary hypertension is common in cattle at high altitude areas. The extent of proneness, epidemiology, and genetics of the disease is not, however, known in Ethiopia where a large proportion of the area is at altitudes above 2700 m. To learn about adaptive characteristics of cattle towards altitude, a study of physiological adaptation, measured via pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) score from 218, hematological parameters from 672, and arterial oxygen saturation predicted by pulse oximeter from 241 animals was conducted in North Western Ethiopia. Local breeds and their crosses with Holstein Friesian and Jersey were investigated. Results showed that all PAP scores (21 to 47 mm Hg) fall under low to moderate risks. No sign of pulmonary hypertension was observed among all the cattle genotypes. Crosses of the local cattle with Holstein Friesian and Jersey were not more prone to the disease than local cattle. A statistically significant (P 0.05) in % SaO2. We report a new clinically relevant range of oxygen saturation, ≥ 68%, for the high altitude cattle which is far below the threshold value usually assumed for temperate cattle, > 80%. Hematological values of the studied genotypes lie within normal ranges set for temperate breeds despite suffering from heavy parasitic infestation. The significantly greater (P

Many smallholder breeding programs in developing countries failed because of neglecting basic conditions, particularly the no involvement of farmers in a participatory manner from design to the implementation phase of the programs. Inadequate centralized breeding plans to improve local breeds and various plans prescribing crossbreeding with European highly producing breeds, failed. Though some nucleus breeding programs were successful and attained some sustainability if the farmers’ participation was considered, they still are vulnerable once the funding provided ends. An evolving approach, emerging from participatory research experiences, involves community-based breeding programs for smallholder farmers in low-input systems. These are being implemented in pilot research sites with promising results and already rendering lessons learned that merit consideration in relation with the sustainability of a program. The paper discusses important factors for the success of these programs. Farmers’ participation along with main issues for program implementation are highlighted in relation to site selection, the communication processes, recording schemes, role of scientists, the institutionalisation of cooperation and the enabling environment. Finally, ongoing case studies of successful community-based breeding programs are mentioned. Shortcomings in farmers’ participation require attention and institutional strengthening for effective application of participatory tools and knowledge exchange between farmers and researchers. But participatory research alone is not the sole prescription for success. No matter how participatory the plans will be, they will always depend on technical support and institutional support for data collection, analysis and feedback. This is hindered because of the short-term projection of funding for research projects. An important issue relates to the out scaling of successful experiences at project level that benefits only a limited number of farmers. The only avenue to guarantee sustainability is that government priorities (local or national) emphasize community-based breeding as a viable alternative for smallholder improvement on a long-term basis, and development and appropriate policies provide the enabling environment for realization and adoption at a large scale. Under these conditions research will have an advisory and facilitating role whereas ownership of the program will go to the community-level.

The current study evaluated the effect of glutamate supply on the onset of puberty and possible links to changes in serum concentrations of insulin [INS], glucose [GLU] and triiodothyronine [T3]. The study was conducted from June to November in prepuberal female goats (n=18; 3 mo. old, 7/8 Saanen-Alpine, 1/8 Criollo, 26° north) randomly assigned to two experimental groups (i) excitatory amino acids group (group AA, n=10; 16.52±1.04kg LW, 3.4±0.12 body condition score [BCS], receiving an intravenous infusion of 7mgkg-1 live weight [LW] of l-glutamate, twice a week, and (ii) control group (group CC, n=8; 16.1±1.04kg LW, 3.1±0.12 BCS) receiving saline. Blood samples were obtained twice a week, for assessing progesterone [P4], as well as in a monthly basis to evaluate INS and T3 by RIA. Mean final LW and BCS were 23.2±0.72kg, 3.53±0.10units, without differences between groups. The AA group depicted an earlier onset of puberty (6.9±0.3 compared to 7.5±0.4 mo.; P0.05, respectively). Serum T3 concentrations, however, were greater in AA goats (1.55±0.03 compared to 1.39±0.04ngmL-1). In addition, a treatment x time interaction occurred (P0.05) for glucose concentrations across time occurred between treatments. Results indicate that, in prepuberal goats, glutamate acts as a cue for sexual maturation in a glucose-independent pathway, while both T3 and INS seem to act as metabolic modulators for the establishment of puberty in goats. Actions of INS and T3 are mediated directly on hypothalamic centers regulating the pulsatile release of GnRH or indirectly by peripheral cues reflecting INS-T3 actions on somatic development remains to be determined. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

High feed-cost constraints are currently threatening the livelihoods of farmers fattening lambs in developing Middle Eastern countries. Reduced-cost feeds and adequate management alternatives are needed for more efficient lamb-fattening systems. Therefore lamb fattening performances of different Awassi sheep genotypes, on different diets and fattening environments, were therefore evaluated. Two trials were conducted. The first trial was conducted on-farm in northern Syria to assess the fattening performance of Syrian Awassi, and Turkish × Syrian Awassi crossbred lambs, and the suitability of 2 cost-reducing feeding diets compared to the traditional spring fattening diet of grazing green barley with supplementation (C): intensive feeding based only on concentrate and barley straw (D1) and semi-intensive grazing on vetch (Vicia sativa) with minor supplementation using the same D1-mix (D2). Lambs of both genotypes did not significantly differ in weight gain in the 49-day fattening period. There were no significant differences in weight gains among C, D1 and D2 diets: 14.4, 15.3 and 15.9 kg/lamb, respectively. The D2 diet reduced feeding costs by 20% and promoted high growth, notwithstanding its beneficial soil effects. The second trial was conducted on-station at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Syria, to assess the fattening performance of lambs of the above 2 genotypes in addition to Turkish × (Turkish × Syrian) crossbred lambs, both in indoor and outdoor conditions. Paralleling the first trial, live weight gains of the 3 genotypes did not differ significantly. Fattening lambs under a more favorable and healthier outdoor environment using a simple shed, avoiding negative effects of lack of ventilation and high temperature, produced significantly more live weight gain (5.8 kg) per lamb than indoors. No differences in smell, taste, juiciness and tenderness were found among genotypes in the second trial, confirming no negative effects of using these diets in the first trial, reported elsewhere. There were no statistical differences in smell, taste, juiciness and tenderness, in the meat with the distinct diets or the fattening (indoor/outdoor) environments. Both trials showed that whereas no gains could be expected by using the Turkish genotype for fattening, vetch grazing and molasses are suitable options for reducing high feed costs and could be safely used by farmers without compromising meat quality. Raising animals in a more favorable and healthier environment outdoors under a simple shed can also translate into substantial revenue in large batches of fattened lambs with considerable benefit for fattening systems.

This review summarizes available information on genetics of adaptation in major livestock species focusing on small ruminants. Adaptation to humans and consequences of domestication on predator aversion, mechanisms of adaptation to available feed and water resources, severe climates and genetic evidence of disease tolerance or resistance have been presented. The latter focuses on gastrointestinal parasites and bacterial diseases. The resource allocation by the animal to production and fitness traits under both optimal and sub-optimal conditions has a genetic background. Such information would help in identifying the most appropriate and adapted genotypes capable of coping with the environmental challenges posed by the production systems or, wherever possible, in adapting the environments to the requirements of the animals.

The aim of this study was to assess the grazing, social and comfort behaviour of the indigenous purebred Ankole cattle breed and crossbred (Holstein × Ankole) animals under typical management conditions in south western Uganda. Twelve focal animals in each of four groups (two groups per genotype) were observed regarding their grazing, social and comfort behaviour on pasture. No significant differences in grazing behaviour patterns (eating, walking, standing) were found between the genotypes. Resting occurred only very rarely in both genotypes. Walking distances of Ankole and Ankole × Holstein crosses were also similar. There was no difference in the occurrence of agonistic interactions between the two genotypes. However, Ankole cattle engaged in more non-agonistic social interactions than their crossbred counterparts. Individual distances were lower in Ankole heifers and more herd mates were found within a radius of 5 m around the Ankole animals. The most important comfort behaviour pattern in both genotypes was self-licking, which occurred to similar frequency in Ankole and crossbred heifer groups. Crossbred animals scratched themselves and rubbed on objects more often than Ankole heifers. Although Ankole cattle and their Holstein crosses did not differ in grazing, distances walked and agonistic behaviours, the significant differences between the two genotypes in herd cohesion and comfort behaviour may pose challenges on the management of crossbred animals under extensive open grazing conditions as present in south western Uganda. Thus, apart from (re)productive performance traits, behavioural traits of both genotypes may also be taken into account for breeding decisions and management under current production conditions.

The Jabali mountain goats inhabit the extremly unfriendly and harsh environment of western Syria, where they are kept by different ethnic groups, namely, the Alawits, Druses and Bedouins. The Jabali goat is a black goat, with dropping ears and a curved head; both sexes have horns. A survey was conducted in two different sites, namely, Al-Ghab in Hama district and in As-Sweida district. Forty-three household interviews were carried out to document the current production system. The system can be characterised as a low-input, mixed crop–livestock system. Goat keeping is only of minor importance to the household income compared to crop production or off-farm activities, but provide food in the form of milk, dairy products and meat for the family. Animals are kept on natural pasture most of the year; feed is only supplemented during winter. Farmers emphasise milk production. Milk products like ghee, Shinglish or Jameed are produced for home consumption and for sale. Major constraints mentioned by farmers are government policies for the conservation of forests, feed shortage and limited access to markets because of bad infrastructure and low market prices for their products. The fact that young people migrate to urban areas or work off-farm is seen as potential problem in the near future.

Ankole cattle are well known for their massive white horns and red coat colour. These characteristics are attributed to centuries of cultural breeding practices. Two experiments with traditional cattle keepers were carried out at a governmental Ankole nucleus farm in south-western Uganda to identify phenotypic characteristics as well as production and fitness traits which are important indigenous selection criteria. Forty one body measurements each were taken from 15 bulls and 35 cows and phenotypic characteristics were described in detail. In the first experiment 12 groups of 6 to 8 cattle keepers were invited to rank several groups of 4–5 animals according to their preference for a breeding bull or cow based on phenotype alone. In the second experiment the ranking was based on phenotype and a hypothetical life history that was randomly assigned to each animal on each day of experiment. The history included milk yield (on own performance for cows and that of the dam for bulls), fertility of the animal and its sire as well as events of East Coast Fever. For analysis, Generalized Multinomial Logit Models were fitted. To compare different models the likelihood-based pseudo R square measure was used. The results indicate that, in the selection of cows, performance and fitness traits are emphasized by the cattle keepers while in the selection of bulls, the phenotypic appearance of the animal plays an important role. Individual fertility followed by milk performance are the main criteria for selecting cows, resistance to East Coast Fever was of highest importance in bulls. In both sexes a dark red coat colour was highly rated. The study indicates that the methodology of preference ranking combining phenotype and a hypothetical life history may provide insight into indigenous selection criteria of stock owners elsewhere.

Llamas display a great variability of fibre traits that determine the quality of the fleece as raw material for textiles. Little research has been conducted on the extent of this variability, although it is important for optimal use of natural resources in the Andean region. Fibre samples of 1869 llamas were analysed with the optical fibre diameter analyser (OFDA). The following traits were considered: Mean fibre diameter (MFD), standard deviation (SD), diameter of fine fibre (DFF), proportion of fine fibre (PFF), proportion of kemp (PK) and proportion of medullated fibre (PMF). The effects of type of llama, age, sex and coat colour were studied. The type of llama influences all traits /

The present study was carried out in the High Andes of the Department Cochabamba, Bolivia. Two types of llamas were found in the study area: Th'ampullis with higher fleece yields and fitting a fibre type; Kh'aras used as pack animals and fitting a meat-type. Growth curves for height at withers (HW), body length (BL), chest circumference (CC), abdomen circumference (AC) and body weight (BW) were described with the non-linear Brody function. The differences between sexes or types, except in the case of BW, were small. Equations for predicting body weight from different body measurements that could be easily obtained under field conditions were calculated. Reasonable fits were obtained with the inclusion of chest circumference and body length or chest circumference alone. Heritabilities and genetic correlations were estimated using animal model procedures based on mother–offspring relationships. Heritabilitiy estimates were 0.36, 0.27, 0.15, 0.09 and 0.11 for BW, HW, CC, BL and AC, genetic correlations ranged from 0.55 to 0.94.