Review: Cross-breeding, advanced reproductive technologies, and genetic selection in twelve dairy production systems in Africa

The supply and demand for milk in Africa have been rising due to factors such as population growth, urbanization, increasing incomes, and improved living standards. Dairy production significantly impacts the economic and social development of African countries, contributing over 10% to the agricultural gross domestic product in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. The ongoing development of the African dairy industry can be attributed, to a certain extent, to the utilization of cross-breeding strategies and advanced reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and the implementation of genomic selection programs. This review evaluates historical dairy breeding practices in twelve African countries and examines the use of advanced breeding tools to enhance and sustain cattle breeding programs across Africa. Eighteen cases from twelve African countries are reviewed to highlight the successes and reported positive impacts on dairy production, revenue, livelihoods, and genetic diversity. We have pinpointed the challenges of integrating new breeding approaches and technologies for African dairy programs, such as insufficient funding, low return on investment in biotechnology, poor monitoring and evaluation of breeding programs, and lack of developed legal frameworks on biotechnological operations. We have recommended strategies to overcome these barriers that may be employed in dairy systems to improve the adoption of breeding technologies across the region.