RESSOURCES GENETIQUES ANIMALES DU CAMEROUN

Abstract

SUMMARYThe authors presented in this article a well documented review of the local cattle, sheep and goat populations in relation to the possibility of conservation planning. While the zebu and zebulike cattle populations are in the majority, it is possibly the Bos taurus populations that are of particular interest as they represent only about 1 % of the cattle population but are reputed to be trypanotolerant. Sheep and goats are kept in small family units (approximately 5 animals) mainly for slaughter purposes on special occasions (national and religious feasts) and for cash flow purposes. A short presentation of the prevailing local breed selection schemes and the introduction of non-indigenous genetic material, mainly for cross breeding purposes are also given.