Development of breeding objective for Tanganyika shorthorn zebu

Abstract

The major constraint to beef production in Tanzania is low production of Tanganyika Shorthorn Zebu (TSZ) cattle, the main source of beef in Tanzania. This necessitates the need for a targeted improvement of TSZ cattle to enhance its beef production. However, there is no clear objective on which trait of TSZ should be targeted as a breeding objective and the basis for its selection. This study aimed to develop breeding objective by evaluating different desired traits of Tanganyika Shorthorn Zebu (TSZ) in terms of economic value. A total of 64 commercial TSZ cattle farmers were sampled and interviewed. Bio-economic modeling method was used to derive economic values (EVs) of traits linked to beef production. Among the traits captured in the model, includes body weight at maturity (WM), longevity (L), weaning weight (WW), age at first calving (AFC), and post-weaning daily weight gain (PoDG). WM and L had negative EVs whereas WW, AFC and PoDG had positive EVs. Therefore, WW, PoDG and AFC are recommended for consideration for inclusion as traits of interest when breeding TSZ for beef production.