Biotechnology in livestock production: Overview of possibilities for Africa

Abstract

Livestock production is expected to grow tremendously in line with the projected demand for animal products. Therefore, the methods of livestock production must change to allow for efficiency and improvement in productivity. Biotechnology is important if the world is to respond to the pressure to produce more food from animals for the ever-growing human population. In general, biotechnology in livestock production can be categorised as the biological, chemical and physical techniques that influence animal health (survival), nutrition, breeding and reproduction. These techniques have been applied mostly in developed countries but their application in Africa is minimal due to reasons related to economic growth such as poor infrastructure, technical and educational capacity. However, Africa can still benefit from tailor-made technologies that simplify complex techniques into applicable form through strategic packaging. Public concerns on food safety, environment and ethics are issues that cannot be ignored.