Genetic improvement of cattle in Zimbabwe utilising advanced breeding technologies

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Genetic improvement is imperative to increase the efficiency of milk and meat production indeveloping countries, improving the availability of healthy nutritious food, maximising feed efficiencyand minimising environmental impacts. Utilising genomic selection, ovum pick-up (OPU) and in-vitroembryo production (IVP) routine selection and breeding is accelerated - no genes are modified. Sohighly desirable UK genetic traits can be sent to Zimbabwe cost effectively, minimising biosecurity risks,and allowing calves to adapt to the environment from birth. This breeding plan will then multiply thesegenetics locally utilising multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET), developing a genomic index toreselect, reamplify and rapidly accelerate genetic gain. There are 3 key objectives: 1. To investigate thelikely performance of implanting selected bovine embryos produced by OPU/IVP in the UK intoindigenous cattle in Zimbabwe; 2. To develop and optimise an embryo production and transferplatform in Zimbabwe to amplify the imported genetics into more herds; and 3. To develop a newveterinary-led animal health service, facilitating the establishment of a practice supporting local dairyfarmers with high quality veterinary care and health management including reproductive technologies.