National Training Workshop on: Reproductive Biotechnologies to support Scaling of Community-Based Breeding Program

Abstract

Since 2009, Community-Based Breeding Programs (CBBPs) have been playing a major role as a genetic improvement strategy for indigenous sheep and goats breeds in Ethiopia. The program has been adopting upscaling strategies and expanding across Ethiopia, mainly through upskilling of national partners in different regions. These partners, the ultimate implementors of the innovations, require strong technical capacity in applied reproductive biotechnologies that complement performance recording and genetic selection. As an increment to previous efforts, this training comes to further strengthen conceptual and practical skills in reproductive management tools and artificial insemination in small ruminants, ensuring effective dissemination of genetic progress under Ethiopian context. To achieve this purpose, a total of 45 participants from different regions and representing newly established CBBPs attended the training. They represented various institutions and diverse scientific backgrounds (animal breeding, animal reproduction, animal feeding and livestock production in general).