Agriculture & Environment
Mak-CAES Hosts Hybrid Seminar on Finding the Best Cattle Genetics for Africa (OPTIBOV project)
OPTIBOV: Genetic Characterization of Cattle Populations for Optimal Performance in Africa Eco Systems
A large variety of local indigenous and commercial cattle breeds has been produced as a result of domestication and selection. This variety ensures the capability and adaptability of livestock to fulfil its role in food production under different circumstances, now and in the future. Local breeds exhibit unique adaptive features to harsh environments, which can be useful for adjusting mainstream breeds to climate change. Simply transferring high producing commercial animals to the African continent, will not be the solution due to low performance and even low survival under these harsh environments (ecosystems). The aim of the OPTIBOV project is to improve production and survival of traditional/indigenous breeds adapted to the local environments in Africa. This will secure the future of these well adapted traditional/indigenous local breeds.With combined effort from partners across the globe, the OPTIBOV project will help maintain traditional cattle breeds, capture adaptation, use known variations in production, train, educate & involve stakeholders to perform optimal breeding.
The project is coordinated in The Netherlands (Wageningen University and Research Centre). Participating institutions include; Makerere University, Uganda; Natural Resources Institute Finland; Agricultural Research Council Pretoria, South-Africa; University of Porto, Portugal; Cairo University, Egypt; and Taurus Foundation Netherlands.
Project members include; Dr. Richard Crooijmans, Wageningen University, The Netherlands; Dr. Donald Kugonza, Department of Agricultural Production, Makerere University; Prof. Juha Kantanen, Natural Resources Institute Finland; Dr. Nasser Ghanem, University of Cairo, Egypt; Dr. Linky Makgahlela, Pretoria, South Africa; and Dr. Catarina Ginja from Portugal.
The project is supported by LEAP-Agri, a joint Europe Africa Research and Innovation (R&I) initiative related to Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA).
An important deliverable of the project is a new genotyping assay specific for African cattle breeds which will include markers associated with specific traits.
Expected outcomes and impact:
- A uniform bovine phenotype scoring list for adaptation traits.
- Genome-wide information of the traditional breeds. Giving knowledge on the amount of diversity but also on the amount of inbreeding, detection of potential genetic defects and selective sweeps related to adaptation to a specific environment.
- The obtained information can be used to improve traits by selection of animals within or over breeds such as longevity, production and resistance to diseases. This will increase production, longevity and reduces cost for medical treatments which will result in breed performance in the next generations.
- Training of young researchers will be conducted to use the latest technology and techniques and how to implement the findings in breeding.
- Involvement of all stakeholders up to farmers by creating an APP, database and website to submit data and actively participate within the research.
Hybrid seminar
On 25th April 2022, the project team met at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University to share updates on activities in the respective countries. The hybrid seminar was hosted by Dr Donald Kugonza and Dr Morris Agaba.
Seminar presentations/issues being researched
- Traditional cattle genomics: search for adaptive markers–Dr Richard crooijmans, Wageningen University in The Netherlands;
- Developments in SNP genotyping and next generation sequencing in South African indigenous cattle – Dr AA Zwane, a Researcher in Animal Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production (ARC-AP), Irene, Pretoria, South Africa;
- Molecular responses of heat stress during early embryonic development and alleviation strategies– Dr Nasser Ghanem from the Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt;
- Application of genomics for livestock genetic improvement–Dr Linky Makgahlela, ARC-Animal Production, South Africa;
- Genomic characterization of northern native cattle breeds-Prof.JuhaKantanen, Natural Resources Institute Finland;
- Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle of Uganda-Dr.Behabura Generous Betunga, an MSc. Animal Science student in the Department of Agricultural Production, CAES;
- Investigating the production and adaptive traits of indigenous cattle to eastern Uganda ecosystems-Waibi Sarah, an MSc. Livestock Development student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University;
- The use of Genomic Tools to Improve Cattle, an Archaeogenomics Perspective– Dr Catarina Ginja
Issues arising from the research
1. Developments in SNP genotyping and next generation sequencing in South African indigenous cattle – Dr. A. A. Zwane
There is notable difference in using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and whole genome sequence (WGS) data in characterizing SA indigenous cattle breeds
WGS data holds the potential for the improvement of indigenous livestock breeds due to the in-depth analysis genome-wide
Genetic diversity studies give the understanding of population structure, demographic history, introgression and heterozygosity levels in South Africa indigenous cattle
Identification of selective signatures provides insight into selection events that have shaped the genomes of indigenous cattle breeds, and allows the identification of important genes
This will allow genomic selection, sooner, in the indigenous breeds, and more studies are needed for other indigenous livestock species
2. Application of genomics for livestock genetic improvement – Linky Makgahlela, ARC-Animal Production, South Africa
- Genomics drives biological efficiency of production, boosts livestock contribution for sustainable protein source
- Genomics promises cutting-edge solutions: Nutritional needs of all human beings, while safeguarding natural resources, and preventing environmental degradation
- Genomics enables farmers to increase efficiency, decrease production costs & prophylactics and limits expenditure of resources
- Research (and capacity development) ongoing for better understanding of breeds and to put science to practice
3. Genomic characterization of northern native cattle breeds – Prof. Juha Kantanen, Natural Resources Institute Finland
The gene expression analysis of the northern Eurasian breeds revealed;
- Several differentially expressed genes (DEG) that were associated with the eicosanoid metabolic process (ALOX15, ALOX5 and HPGD) in northern Finncattle and with immunity (CCL4, CCL5 CX3CR1, CXCR6 and PRF1) and the regulation of lipid transport (ABCA1, ABCG1, IRS2 and THBS1) in Yakutian cattle.
- The genes involved in the immune system are also associated with environmental adaptation.
- The eicosanoid metabolic process was previously found to be involved in the hibernation of brown bears (Ursusarctos) and indigenous peoples associated with seasonal changes. These findings indicate a convergent evolution that may have occurred in different mammalian species living in northern and sub‐arctic environments.
4. Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle of Uganda – Dr. Behabura Generous Betunga, Makerere University
The Ugandan cattle herd is comprised of 93.3 percent of indigenous breeds and their crossbreeds which are mainly; Long-horned cattle of Uganda (Sanga) (Bostaurusindicus); Zenga breeds (Sanga and Zebu crosses); East African short-horn Zebu (Bosindicus). The OPTIBOV breeds of interest in Uganda are; Long horned Ankole cattle (South-Western Uganda); Nganda cattle (Central-Uganda) and Ntuku cattle (Mid-Western Uganda). The study aims to carry out phenotypic characterization for performance traits and draw a genomic growth curve for Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle under different management systems for a period of 0 to 18 months in Uganda. It also aims to carry out genetic characterization and measure the genetic relationship between the Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle in Uganda; and to assess selection techniques (natural and human mediated) of Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda cattle of Uganda. Meetings have been held with farmers and animals selected for sampling and samples collected for analysis.
Issues arising include;
- The Indigenous cattle breeds are at the threat of genetic erosion. There is need for Phenotypic & genotypic Characterization for the performance traits of the Ankole, Ntuku and Nganda
5. Investigating the production and adaptive traits of indigenous cattle to eastern Uganda ecosystems
Cattle is a valuable source of income, employment & a major source of nutrition to people in the East especially Karamoja and Bukedi in Tororo. Angoria Ting and Cheptoyoi are the indigenous cattle breeds in Karamoja: Karamajong women prefer rearing goats to cows. The study aims to;
- To phenotypically characterize the performance and adaptive traits of the Nkedi and Karimajong cattle
- To develop indices for assessing the productivity of the Nkedi and Karimajong cattle
- To assess status and risk of erosion of the two indigenous cattle genetic resources
Meeting with Makerere University Vice Chancellor
In the course of the seminar, the OPTIBOV project team paid a courtesy call on Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who congratulated them upon winning the research grant.“As we celebrate 100 years of teaching, research and innovation, such projects are vital in pushing forward our agenda of transforming Makerere into a research-led University,” he noted, pledging to accord the researchers all the support they need to achieve the project objectives.
The project leader at Makerere University, Dr. Donald Kugonza expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for the support he accorded the team in their bid for the project.
Presentations:
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 19th July 2024 endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding between Makerere University and Oregon State University to collaborate in different aspects of academics. The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by members of staff from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) namely; Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi, Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences; Dr Lawrence Orikiriza Head, Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism; and Prof. Jim Ayorekire from the same department. Oregon State University was represented by Dr Ian E. Munanura, an Associate Professor in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, College of Forestry, and Ms. Racheal Fahrenbach, Manager International Programs at the College of Forestry. At Makerere, the MoU will be implemented by the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism under the leadership of Prof. Jim Ayorekire. At Oregon State University, it will be implemented by the College of Forestry.
Under the MoU, the two institutions have agree to mutually promote the following programmes, based on their respective academic and educational needs; i) Exchange of scholars and faculty staff, ii) Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students for research and study, iii) Exchange of academic information and materials, iv) Joint research activities and publications, v) Participation in conferences and academic meetings vi) Joint running of short-term academic programs, vii) Resource mobilization in respect of areas of mutual interest, and any other areas which may promote their mutual interests.
During the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor noted that programmes agreed on in the MoU were in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, and would greatly advance Makerere’s aspiration to become a research-led University. “As we move towards becoming a research-led University, we aim to contribute to the realization of Agenda 2063 which seeks to have Africa produce at least one million PhDs as one of the measures to eradicate poverty from the continent. Partnerships like this will help us achieve our target, by building our supervision capacity,” he explained, pledging support towards the implementation of the MoU.
Dr Ian Munanura on behalf of Oregon State University expressed gratitude to work with Makerere, noting that the partnership would strengthen research capacity of the two institutions and support the mentorship of the next generation of scientists to deal with the challenges facing humanity including climate change and unemployment.
About the Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism at Makerere
The Department of Forestry, Biodiversity, and Tourism under the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University offers programmes namely; Bachelor of Science in Conservation Forestry and Products Technology; Bachelor of Social and Entrepreneurial Forestry; and Master of Science in Agroforestry. Specific courses offered under those programmes include; Agroforestry Systems, Practices And Technologies; Drylands Agroforestry; Advanced Community Forestry; Gender Issues In Forestry; Advanced Biodiversity Conservation; Ecophysiology and Agronomy; Forestry For Rural Development; Natural Resource Management; Tropical Forest Ecology And Management; Forestry Business Management; Entrepreneurship In Forestry; Forestry And Food Security; Indigenous Knowledge in Resource Management; Biomass Energy Production and Conservation; Land Use Planning and Watershed Management; Forest Planning and Development; Forest Ecosystems and Livelihoods; and Forest Planning and Development. The Department also conducts a wide range of research in the fields highlighted above. The training offered exposes graduates from the department to a wide range of employment opportunities.
About the College of Forestry, Oregon State University
The Oregon State University College of Forestry is an internationally recognized leader that is transforming education, research and policy for managing and sustaining working forest ecosystems in the 21st century. The College offers a world-class education that provides a wide variety of opportunities following graduation. Academic excellence is the hallmark of the College of Forestry programs at Oregon State University. Ranked as one of the premier forestry schools in the world, students find a variety of programs that offer broad education, rigorous depth and professional focus. The College is known for its collaborative research approach to advance knowledge and bring solutions to issues facing forest landscapes and ecosystems. It takes pride in creating new and innovative approaches to help partners enhance people’s lives while improving the health of lands, businesses and vital ecosystems.
Agriculture & Environment
Mak, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology Sign Collaboration Agreement
*****Under the MoU, the two institutions will among other activities, collaborate in the areas of teaching and learning, research and publication, technology transfer, and resource mobilization in respect of areas of mutual interest.
Makerere University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) to formalize collaboration. Under the agreement, the two institutions intend to leverage each other’s respective strengths, experience, technologies, methodologies, and resources to achieve shared and complementary goals. Areas of cooperation will include; i) Mobilization of resources in respect of areas of mutual interest, ii) Conducting research, publishing research findings, and promoting outreach to the relevant state and non-state actors, iii) Exchanging academic and technical information including transfer of technology between the two institutions within acceptable institutional structures and policies, iv) Staff and student exchanges, v) Strengthening networking and identifying partnership opportunities between the two institutions/parties, and vi) Organizing and participating in joint academic activities such as seminars, workshops and conferences in respect of areas of mutual interest. The two institutions are also in negotiations to establish an African climate school to strengthen research and training in atmospheric science/ meteorology.
On 12th July 2024, representatives from the two institutions met at Makerere University to sign the MoU and further deliberate on the proposed areas of collaboration. Besides the other proposed areas of collaboration, the meeting held at the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) discussed the Reverse 2+2 programme proposal, a joint education programme collaboratively designed by both parties. The programme is implemented in two phases. Phase one covers the first two years, during which students undertake full-time studies at a foreign institution, completing prescribed courses (earning transcripts from the foreign institution) and meeting admission requirements of NUIST. Phase two spans the next two years, with students studying full-time at NUIST. Upon completing the required courses, practical activities, and graduation projects offered by NUIST, students will receive a graduation diploma from NUIST and a bachelor’s degree from both institutions. At Makerere University, the MoU will be implemented by the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, and will be coordinated by Dr Alex Nimusiima, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of the Meteorology Unit. At NUIST, the programme will be managed by Dr. Yueyue Yu, Professor of school of Atmospheric Science.
In his remarks presented by the Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Dr Revocatus Twinomuhangi, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pledged support to ensure successful implementation of the programme. “The field of atmospheric science/ meteorology, the main focus of this cooperation, is very important especially for our country Uganda which depends mainly on rain-fed agriculture and also in this era of climate change where strengthening this discipline will be important for successful adaptation and mitigation of climate change,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of partnership in fostering Makerere’s aspiration of becoming a research-University.
Commenting on the MoU, the Vice President Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology committed to support the programme with hope that it will serve as a role model in the educational cooperation between Uganda and China.
About NUIST
Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), founded in 1960 and renamed from Nanjing Institute of Meteorology in 2004, was designated as one of the national key institutions of higher education in 1978. NUIST is co-constructed by the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) and the Ministry of Education. In 2017, NUIST was on the list of China’s “Double First-class” construction universities and disciplines as well as Jiangsu high level universities. Currently, NUIST has about 35800 full-time students, including 28,300 undergraduate students, 6,200 postgraduate students and 1,300 international students. There are more than 2,000 full-time faculty members, with more than 120 high-end scholars including academicians of Chinese, EU, French, and Russian Academies of Sciences, MOE Special Professors and National Distinguished Young Scholars.
NUIST has established cooperative relationship with over 100 overseas universities and colleges from over 30 countries and regions including Yale University, Harvard University, the University of Reading, the University of Manchester, South East Technological University, Carlton University, Delft University of Technology, Macquarie University and Monash University. To date, the WMO Regional Training Centre Nanjing at NUIST has trained over 4,300 senior meteorological and hydrological professionals for 158 countries and regions and become the world’s largest training centre of top quality. Diversified cooperation modes with worldwide first-class universities is a characteristic of NUIST’s international cooperation, among which to establish joint research institutes is the most effective one.
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