Utilization of indigenous breeds for sustainable beef production under semi-arid conditions in Botswana

Livestock in Botswana plays a significant role in the country's economy and the livelihoods of the people in the rural areas. Of paramount importance is the contribution indigenous breeds make towards household food security and the overall welfare of smallholder farmers in the country. Currently it is estimated that about 60% of the rural households derive their income both in cash and in-kind mainly from crops and livestock (Farm Management Survey, 1996). By 1985/86, this figure was as high as 73%.Indigenous Tswana cattle together with locally adapted Tuli breed (from Zimbabwe), because of their ability to survive and thrive in the harsh semi-arid environment, form the backbone of the beef industry in Botswana. In addition, these breeds provide a safety net to a majority of the rural households during period of drought, which are quite frequent in the country. Also important but to a limited extent, are the exotic beef breeds, which are used mainly by the few commercial farmers for crossbreeding purposes. Although the Tswana and Tuli cattle have the much needed adaptation to mitigate environmental stresses, they are deficient in other attributes that affect productivity (Buck and Light, 1982). The need for high adaptation and better productivity emphasize the importance of using strategically, available genetic resources (both indigenous and exotic) to maintain in a sustainable manner the necessary levels of income to improve household food security and reduces poverty.It is important therefore to quantify the contribution of indigenous breeds and their crosses with exotic breeds. The objectives of this study are 1) to identify the best exotic breed crosses 2) to quantify the genetic gain in Tswana breed from selection studies and 3) to compare the economic benefits from the Tswana breed with other popular exotic breeds.