An ICT-enabled framework that can guide in inbreeding control in livestock- Case study cattle.

Abstract

Livestock is one of the fastest growing agricultural subsectors in developing countries including Uganda. At least 1.3 billion people globally are employed, it is an opportunity for livestock keepers to earn a living and it directly contributes to food security. Many breeding frameworks were developed with the intentions of increasing livestock sector through animal breed production. Globally, computer applications have been developed to control inbreeding. However, these breeding frameworks and computer applications have not sorted out inbreeding challenges which faces livestock. Inbreeding comes with associated challenges which includes Reduced fertility, Genetic disorders, Lower birth rate, Higher infant mortality and child mortality, smaller adult size, Loss of immune system function, Cardiovascular risks and fluctuating facial asymmetry among others. Action research methodology was used in this research because it is more of a holistic approach to problem-solving, rather than a single method for collecting and analyzing data. Several different research tools like questionnaire, structured interviews were used as the project was conducted. In this research, a framework has been developed to avert all inbreeding challenges and a prototype was also developed. This research was carried out in the three districts of Kiruhura, Sheema and Bushenyi in western Uganda where livestock sector is the major economic activity. The framework and prototype were successfully developed and tested by the farmers in the three districts of the study.