Productive and economic performance of endemic N'Dama cattle in southern Mali compared to Fulani Zebu and their crossbreds

In recent decades, there has been a rapid shift in livestock breeds used in developing countries, leading to a loss of local genetic resources. The introduction of high-performing livestock breeds might, however, offer opportunities to improve the income of poor livestock keepers. In southern Mali, where cattle play an important role in farmers' livelihoods, the endemic trypanotolerant N'Dama cattle breed is increasingly being crossbred with the improved Fulani Zebu breed. Thus, the N'Dama cattle face serious threats of genetic erosion, despite their adaptive attributes. This study aims to evaluate and compare the productive and economic performance of endemic N'Dama, Fulani Zebu and their crossbreds in southern Mali in order to assess the comparative advantages of these breed groups for farmers. Data collection methods comprised of interviews with 34, 31, 34 and 61 households keeping N'Dama, crossbreds, Fulani Zebu and mixed herds respectively, and a cow progeny history and body condition scoring (BCS) (n = 770). Data were analyzed using linear mixed models and a non parametric test. Results on cow individual performances showed a higher body condition for N'Dama compared to Fulani Zebu and crossbred cattle, while cow milk offtake was higher for Fulani Zebu herds. Calving and offtake rates were higher for the Fulani Zebu and crossbred herds. The gross margin/cattle and the benefit-cost ratio were highest in the Fulani Zebu herds, followed by the crossbred herds, whereas the net benefit/cattle, including non-market benefits, such as traction, manure, Insurance and home consumption, was similar between the herd categories. The N'Dama cattle remain a valuable breed for subsistence-oriented crop-livestock farmers for whom non-market benefits from cattle play a considerable role. Fulani Zebu and crossbred cattle were the most favorable options for market-oriented local and settled transhumant farmers, given their higher price and increased profitability.