Converting multi-trait breeding objectives into operative selection indexes to ensure genetic gains in low-input sheep and goat breeding programmes

Small ruminant breeding programmes in low-input production systems are best organised at the community level. Participant farmers have to agree on goal traits and their relative importance. When BLUP values of not available time, appropriate selection indexes can be used aid visual selection. Taking Ethiopian Abergelle goat Bonga sheep community-based ( CBBPs ) as an example, objective functions were defined constructed evaluated. Breeding goals for goats included early sale weight, survival milk production. number offspring born, weight survival. Economic weights several ways depending measured reliability genetic parameters. Selection combinations candidates dams situations when communities prefer restrict changes born or adult weight. Genetic economic gains evaluated well sensitivity feed cost assumptions repeated dam records. After independent culling preponderant such coat colour horn/tail type, sires should selected including least own live average Sires desirably also dam’s born. Sensitivity was negligible but measurements records improved index accuracies considerably. Restricting is recommended.