This course highlights the importance of animal breeding in supporting small-scale farmers to improve livestock productivity while promoting sustainability of our natural resources and the environment. Participants will explore the general principles of animal breeding, its history and evolution, and implications for livestock production.
Study time
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14 hours.
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Duration
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4 weeks. |
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Languages currently available
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Target audience
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Extension officers and livestock industry field officers who work closely with
livestock farmers. While initially developed for the Pacific region, the course can be adapted for
other regions.
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Learning objectives
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- Define animal breeding and key factors in breeding animals for production.
- Explain the global importance of animal breeding and its role in livestock livelihood improvement programmes.
- Describe the types of selection methods used in animal breeding.
- Explain the importance of record-keeping in animal breeding.
- Explain the concepts of community-based breeding programmes and their practical application.
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Course structure
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The course combines pre-recorded presentations, live workshops, quizzes, and a discussion forum.
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Topics covered
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- Introduction to animal breeding.
- Animal breeding structure and systems.
- Management of replacement and breeding stocks.
- Community-based breeding programmes.
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