Management and Productivity of Dairy Animals under African Breeding Conditions

This book is a comprehensive and insightful guide that delves into the unique challenges and opportunities associated with dairy farming in the African context. Accessible and user-friendly, it combines scientific knowledge with practical case studies and calls for action. Real-life examples illustrate successful dairy farming initiatives across various African regions, showcasing best practices and innovative approaches to optimize dairy production.

The chapters offer a thorough overview of the diverse dairy animal breeds commonly found in Africa, considering factors such as adaptability to local climates, resistance to diseases prevalent in the region, and overall suitability for sustainable milk production. A significant portion of this volume is dedicated to management practices, including discussions on feed and nutrition. The authors provide insights into forage cultivation, pasture management, and supplementary feeding strategies that consider the resource limitations often encountered in African agriculture. Moreover, the health and welfare of dairy animals is addressed, emphasizing disease prevention, vaccination programs, and effective veterinary care. Special attention is given to the management of common diseases prevalent in African settings, offering practical and cost-effective solutions for farmers.

Finally, this work explores the socio-economic aspects of African dairy farming, considering the role of women in the industry, local community engagement, and the potential for the sector to contribute to poverty alleviation and rural development. It provides a roadmap for sustainable and profitable dairy farming in the diverse landscapes of Africa, informing agricultural practitioners, veterinarians, and researchers alike. As such, the present volume is also an essential reading in view of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve no poverty (SDG1), zero hunger (SDG2), gender equality (SDG5), and reduced inequalities among countries (SDG10).

Semir Bechir Suheil Gaouar is Full Professor and Research Director at the University of Tlemcen, Algeria, where he leads the Applied Genetics in Agriculture, Ecology and Public Health Laboratory (GenApAgiE). Internationally recognized for his expertise in animal genetics, livestock breeding, and biodiversity conservation, Professor Gaouar has authored more than 250 scientific publications and book chapters covering topics such as genetic diversity, molecular epidemiology, and sustainable management of indigenous livestock breeds.

He has coordinated multidisciplinary research projects and large-scale genetic surveys across Africa, including pioneering work on the genomics and productive resilience of African dairy cattle, camels, sheep, and goats under diverse agro-ecological settings. His scientific leadership is reflected by editorial roles in Genetics and Biodiversity Journal and other prominent international journals, as well as his active involvement in national and continental research programs, expert panels, and capacity-building workshops with the African Union, FAO, and leading universities.

Prof. Gaouar is frequently invited as an expert and keynote speaker for international events on livestock genetics, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. His work emphasizes the integration of advanced genetic technologies and local knowledge to promote food security, poverty alleviation, and rural development aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Ameur A. Abdelkader is a researcher in animal genetics and bioinformatics, currently serving as an Associate Researcher at McGill University, Canada, and an Associate Professor at the University of Tlemcen, Algeria. He holds a PhD in Agronomic Sciences from ENSA Algiers and has over twelve years of experience in genetic improvement of livestock and quantitative modeling. His research focuses on inter- and transgenerational effects in dairy cattle, the integration of artificial intelligence in genetic selection, and sustainable animal breeding strategies. Dr. Ameur has participated in several international projects, including the Resilient Dairy Genome Project (RDGP), and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. His work contributes to advancing genomic tools and data-driven approaches for improving livestock resilience and productivity across diverse environments.

I am Dr. Djalel Eddine Gherissi, a veterinarian and Associate Professor of Biotechnology and Animal Production at the University of Souk Ahras, Algeria. My academic and research activities center on animal production systems, reproductive biotechnology, and genetic improvement, with a particular emphasis on dairy cattle and dromedary camel populations adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. As Director of the PABIOS Research Laboratory, I oversee multidisciplinary projects aimed at advancing livestock health, reproductive performance, and sustainable production strategies. My previous work at the National Institute of Agricultural Research further strengthened my expertise in applied livestock management and the integration of scientific innovation into field practices. Alongside my research and teaching responsibilities, I lead capacity-building programs and professional workshops on reproductive technologies, genetic enhancement, and animal health management, engaging veterinarians, researchers, farmers, and students. Through these efforts, I seek to support the evolution of resilient livestock systems and to contribute to improved food security and the valorization of animal-source foods in regions facing environmental and socio-economic challenges.