Genetic Improvement of Cattle : The American Experience Shared in Ngaoundéré

On October 15, 2024, the Sanda Institute in Ngaoundéré hosted a conference on genetic improvement of cattle, led by American expert Peter John Charles Budler. Students and professionals in the cattle industry were able to exchange on best American practices in this field and discuss the challenges and solutions for improving animal production in the Adamaoua region.

The Adamaoua region, known for its large cattle population, is facing a decrease in grazing areas and the effects of climate change, resulting in low production capacity and an unsatisfied market for animal products. To address this issue, genetic experts propose genetic improvement of cattle as a solution. The presence of the American expert aims to share best American practices in this field.

According to dairy producers, to reduce imports of dairy products, state support of 30 billion per year is necessary. Spread over 10 years, this support will allow producers to improve production and transformation to compete with foreign competition. Unfortunately, state subsidies for farmers remain below expectations.

Participants hailed the initiative and exchanges with the American expert. “The added value is the exchange of experience he shared with us,” said the Director of the Ngaoundéré ranch. “It’s a number of things because we’ve already been to school, it’s true, but in the field, there are a number of things we learn. And when we meet an international expert, he gives us shortcuts, so we skip a few steps.”

For Dr. Hassan, a veterinarian, the high-level discussions can help him improve his practices. “He identified some local species that he considered to have a very good adaptability.” According to Dr. Hayatou Alou Souley, a veterinarian, the ball is in the court of farm owners to make the qualitative leap to modernity. “It depends on each operator, their vision, objectives, and what they want to achieve. A person with a vision for dairy production, for example, must necessarily adopt dairy breeds. We can’t produce milk with the Goudali breed, but we can improve the Goudali by cross-breeding with breeds that have a higher milk potential, to obtain intermediate breeds that can give us consistent and better production.” Activities of this kind allow for the mutualization of efforts to achieve, in the long term, an increase in production and improvement in health.

Reactions

“I think we need more passionate and interested people to pursue this career.”

Peter John Charles Budler, Trans Ova Genetic, International Business Manager

The importance of this conference with SISMA students. For me, I think it’s very important that people realize how important primary food producers are. It’s a noble career that not only helps feed the world but also stabilizes countries. I think we need more passionate and interested people to pursue this career. Yes, I would like that. That’s why I’m here, to see what I can learn from Cameroon. And if there’s any assistance, advice, or expertise we can provide from the American side, that’s the main purpose of my presence here at SISMA.

Interview by Jean BESANE MANGAM

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