A REVIEW OF THE ORIGIN, EVOLUTION, DISTRIBUTION ,GENETIC IMPROVEMENT AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS FOR THE WHITE FULANI, NDAMA AND MUTURU CATTLE BREEDS OF WEST AFRICA

Abstract

The study reviewed the origin, evolution, distribution, improvement and conservation efforts for the white Fulani, N'dama and Muturu cattle breeds of Nigeria. The review noted that indigenous cattle breeds were characterised by low productivity, and low heritability estimates, the review reported some genetic improvement and conservation works on the White Fulanu, Muturu and Ndama and reported genetic progress on the improvement efforts for the white Fulani breed as well as conservation efforts for the Ndama and Muturu breeds. The study also noted the depletion in the population of the Ndama and Muturu breeds, due mainly to competition for land us,e crop farming and cattle theft and thus at risk of extinction .It was concluded that interbreeding, genetic introgression, migrations and environmental factors etc played significant roles in the evolvement and distribution of the white Fulani, Ndama, Muturu and indeed other cattle breeds in West Africa. .More research on the origin, evolution and distribution of the cattle breeds in West Africa was recommended, since they can be useful in the planning and execution of genetic improvement and conservation programmes. Aggressive conservation programmes for the Ndama and Muturu breeds is highly imperative Land tenure and use arrangements favourable to cattle owners as well as adequate security measures should be put in place.