Animal Breeding and Genetics Degree at North West Frontier Province Agricultural University
In general, there has been inadequate animal identification, poor record keeping, and unrestric ted breeding in the native flocks of the province, which has limited the efforts to measure individual animal’s performance. Consequently the genetic potential of the native stock has been never adequately assessed particularly in relation to certain traits as disease resistance, fertility and adaptability to the usually difficult environment in which they must survive and produce. In addition, there are areas in which the extensive crossing between local and exotic sheep in Hazara and Swat, etc, and cattle throughout the province, has resulted in a continuum of genetic types. Attempts to characterize local animals, evaluate their genetic potentials and design coordinated large-scale selection breeding and genetic improvement programs are further complicated when there are few distinct breeds and only highly varied or non-descript stock from which to choose individuals for production trials. The lack of livestock performance data also hampers efforts to develop productive animals specifically adapted for introduction to a particular ecological zone.
Keeping in view the above field conditions and the students interest in this specialization, it was realized that independent department in Animal Breeding and Genetics be established to launch a specialized postgraduate degree (MSc and PhD) program. The new specialization program has replaced the MSc Hons Animal Husbandry composite degree program with the course work jointly offered by other departments and thesis research in the specializations. Since the department established in 2004, about six students were registered in the field. Courses in Animal Breeding and Genetics have also been part of the curricula of undergraduate classes.
Research facilities
The research activities of the department include generating baseline data on the performance of indigenous ruminant animals in order to initiate selection procedures for upgrading the genetic potential of indigenous stock. The survival, fertility and performance of local and local/exotic crosses will be compared in order to identify superior types, well adapted to local conditions. These individuals can then serve as foundation stock in well planned breeding programs designed to produce animals for distribution to the small holders. In addition to our own model farm, the department is linked with other three research stations and its students have easy access to the private farms where joint research studies are under way to test their research themes right on farm level.