Norbert Kato Wapakhabulo
This study aimed at determination of structure and dynamics of Ankole cattle herds in 248 farms in Kiboga, Mbarara, Mpigi and Sembabule districts of Uganda and was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire, administered during one-to-one interviews. Farms were randomly sampled along transects originating from the headquarters of the 19 sub-counties studied. Results showed that Ankole cattle provide livelihood support to all households, with 60.9% relying solely on them. Most farms kept a mix of livestock species and breeds, though 44.5% of farms kept pure Ankole herds. Acquisition of cows across the year was mainly through birth (41.5%), gifts (38.7%) and purchase (33.8%), though the number of cattle removed from the herds exceeded the annual acquisitions. Avenues of cattle exit included sales (39.1%), donations (35.5%), death (31.1%), theft (30.5%) and slaughter for home use (30.2%). Conservation of the Ankole breed should involve empowering households who still maintain pure herds. Such households could be given elite bulls through a ‘cow for a bull’ exchange with the National Animal Genetic Resource Centre which currently operates a nucleus herd at Nshaara ranch. To sustain the relevance of various traits and the breed itself, controlled crossbreeding should be promoted in high milk and meat demand areas.
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