Yes I believe building a gnomic resource reference for African cattle would be a worthwhile investment for the future. One key reason is for us to appreciate the value of our animals and most importantly target and utilize their unique traits of economic value in the development of appropriate cattle breeds for specific ecozones and production systems.

Specific research questions could be the level of introgression of exotic blood into crossbreds that will help ensure high productivity but at the same time not lead to the loss of adaptive and disease resistant genes. The type of breeds most suited to various production systems and climate smart breeds can also be targeted in our breeding programmes. Finally, in building the genomic reference resource for African cattle, many opportunities should open up for the training of more African cattle geneticists and building of networks between all stakeholders which are all key ingredients in the sustainable use of Africa’s cattle genetic resources.

We come to the end of the forum time, and I very much thank everyone for their contributions. We will however leave the space open for the next few days, to allow for last comments and for people to view the summary posts.

Thanks Again, Karen.

African animal genetic resources need to be worked on, the major challenge is our capacity to explore whether phenomics or genomics. mechanisms to build capacity first on phenomics and associate tools for evaluation is the primary thing

Hi all – looking forward to more contributions moving into the last day of the forum (tomorrow – Friday 26th August). And also please don’t forget the survey (accessed by the ‘take survey’ tab above).

Thanks Asma. I would like to see a lot more effort towards developing new phenomic approaches that will meet the needs of Africans systems. Note their is some more discussion on this taking place in the ‘discuss-using’ page.

Phenomics showed concrete results and progress in devloped countries. Through training and education, Africa can acheive a reliable building capacity in Phenomics to serve Africa Animal genetic ressources needs

It seems that my photo disappeared just after I posted it. Only my name remained which is essential.
Using phenomics and genomics can mislead some of us. Genomics is ok to me, but what’s phenomics? What is behind phenomics?
Anyway, back to the subject and I will stick to what I think phenomics is or are! I read through the word phenomics, any science or technique linked to phenotypes of the animals including their performances. This is a big gap in Africa (at least the majority of African countries). There is an absence of complete and coherent animal breeding strategies similar to what we find in developed countries. I do not consider university or research institutions flocks or herds as representatives of what it should be done in our countries involving farmers with a majority of small farmers under low input systems. The challenge is here. The priority of national and international efforts, in my opinion should be at this level. Genomics should be a complementary component and not the alternative for Africa. This is why building capacities through training is essential, bringing farmers together to promote their native breeds is also a promising pathway for the future of Animal Genetic Resources in Africa.

Information generated by farm animals in Africa can help farmers better manage theirs animals and make better selection decisions if these infoemation are well processed. Africa Animal Genetic Ressources information can lead to a continent data bank useful to farmers and researchers. Empowering Africa Farmers toform breed Associations can be the first step to this goal

Establishing Animal genetic resources programs including identification, recording and genetic evaluation and dissemination of adapted genes is an important step for Africa. This is the plus of phenomics.

Phenomics and genomics should go together in Africa to achieve comfortable levels in animal genetic resources management and conservation