Integrating traditional knowledge with modern breeding techniques: A case study of cattle production in Nigeria's southern guinea and derived savanna agroecological zones

Abstract

Nomadic pastoralists and agropastoralists are the primary custodians of cattle production in Nigeria, they operate a low external input production system which is proving difficult to modernize especially in the areas of breeding and reproduction for genetic improvement. This study was carried out to gather historical, phenotypic, and perceived genetic information associated with cattle breeding and reproduction practices of the nomadic pastoralists and agropastoralists in the Nigeria Southern Guinea Savanna and Derived Savanna agroecological zones through interviewer-led focus group meetings. The study revealed that the respondents operate similar breeding practices which are native knowledge and practices preserved and transmitted over many generations. The practices are communal in nature and consider climate conditions as well as being comparably similar with the modern scientific standards, hence it was concluded that the respondents have the potential to easily adopt the modern approach of animal breeding and reproduction. These findings suggest a pathway for integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary breeding techniques to enhance cattle production. Future research should explore specific strategies to facilitate this integration and evaluate its impact on productivity and sustainability in the agro-ecological zones