Long-Term Breeding Strategies for Genetic Improvement of Buffaloes in Developing Countries

Abstract

Buffalo raising to produce milk, meat, and draught power as well as other products continues to be important in Asia and other parts of the world in the next century due to an increase in the demand for such products and the unique roles of buffaloes in rural economy. Long-term breeding strategies with special relevance to present and future farming systems prevailing in developing countries are proposed. Some important considerations in the choice of certain breeding strategies for long-term genetic improvement in buffaloes are discussed. Some recent research results in genetic selection and crossbreeding of buffaloes are highlighted. A review of genetic inheritance of buffalo traits is presented as well as a discussion of certain quality traits of buffaloes which deserve future research for improvement. (Asian-Aus. J. Anim. Sci. 1999. Vol. 12, No. 7 : 1152-1161).