AGB 211: Livestock and Poultry Breeding (2+1)

OPEN NUCLEUS BREEDING SCHEME (ONBS) 

Open Nucleus Breeding Scheme (ONBS)

• Screening of population to identify superior individuals can be very helpful in establishing a central nucleus, where genetic improvement can be further generated by selection based on measured production. The nature of a group breeding scheme is such that it is the interest of all its members to secure the highest possible genetic level and the highest rate of genetic progress for the nucleus. There is a strong motive for the individual farmers to contribute superior females to the nucleus both at the initial screening and at later stages (Open nucleus system). The rate of genetic progress may thus be increased by a further 10 – 15 per cent.
• Open Nucleus Breeding Schemes (ONBS) should be effected in different regions to monitor and augment the production performances of different breeds of India. The ONBS concept comprises a nucleus herd established under controlled conditions to facilitate selection. The nucleus is established from the elite animals selected from the base population. These are then recorded individually and the best animals are selected to form the elite herd of the nucleus. The elite females and superior sires are then mated and the resulting offsprings are reared, recorded and the males among them are evaluated and such elite males with high breeding values can be used in the farmers flock for genetic improvement.
• For development of goat in the field, breed societies for goat in key areas of the breeding tract and / or co-operatives can be started and strengthened and linked to the organisations. This kind of participatory goat Development Programme would cover larger area and population, there by bringing the benefit and achieving the goal of sustainable production. Various co-operative zones can be created and the small ruminant population can be improved through Open Nucleus Breeding Scheme (ONBS).
• Some goat flocks are often small in size and that limits the speed of genetic improvement they can achieve. However, this constraint can be overcome through co-operative breeding schemes such as sire referencing schemes where flocks are linked together genetically by sharing a few bucks in common. With these links established, the genetic merit of goat in separate flocks can then be directly and accurately compared. This is one of the best strategies to select and use those “reference bucks” shared across flocks to facilitate quick rates of genetic gain while minimizing inbreeding.

There is considerable opportunity for greater use of improved breeding stock through:

• Increasing the number of recorded flocks
• Improving the dissemination of high merit breeding stock through wider use of AI
• Further use of comprehensive recording and sire referencing schemes
• Establishment of elite nucleus stock of goat breeds in their respective breeding tract

Exotic breed generally show poor adaptability and require major alterations of the management and feeding systems to produce satisfactorily. Although there are many examples of failure, the possibility of utilizing some of their genes in suitable crossbreeding programmes should not be entirely ruled out.

However, efforts are still going on to upgrade the local non-descript goats using improved breeds in their locality. “At no point, crossbreeding of goat should be resorted”. Introduction of exotic breed should be avoided to prevent the genetic dilution and uniqueness of the specific breeds rather up gradation of local goats can be done using improver breeds.

Benefits of the co-operating units

• To monitor breeding activities
• To record the performance characteristics in detail
• To monitor the health and surveillance of the disease
• Further, village co-operative can hold control over marketing and organize the farmers collectively to fetch better price for their stock

Marketing should be promoted only through the co-operative societies in order to avoid the problems of middlemen, thereby increasing the profit to the produces/farmers.

Recommendations

• Pure breeding/selective breeding of goat breeds in their respective breeding tract.
• Upgrading the non-descript goat population using improver breeds.
• Genetic improvement of field stock through network project/Open Nucleus Breeding Scheme (ONBS)/participatory goat breeding programme.
• Critical documentation of distinct populations for their identity and for recognising them as breeds. Conservation of vulnerable breeds based on population dynamics, establishment of elite nucleus stocks of goats and in-situ preservation in organized farms.
• Marketing of products through village cooperatives in an organized manner.