BREEDING STRATEGIES FOR MARGINAL REGIONS IN THE TROPICS AND SUBTROPICS

The transferability of methods of animal breeding developed in industr ialized countries to marginal regions in the tropics and subtropics is questioned. Approaches of planning of breeding, methods of crossbreed ing and possibilities of evaluation and genetic development of local p opulations for these conditions are analyzed on the basis of literatur e and own research results. Within the planning process special attent ion is paid to the description of production conditions, definition of breeding goals, choice of selection criteria as well as choice of bre eding method and populations. The main constraint for planning of bree ding for marginal regions is identified to be improper definition of b reeding goals. This is due to insufficient description of prevailing p roduction conditions and articulation of demands by local farmers. Tes ts of crossbreeding methods should be integrated into the most importa nt process of evaluation and genetic development of local populations. Another priority should be the development of concepts for organizati on 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.