Algeria works on new sheep lineage to cut imports

Algeria is working to create a new hybrid sheep lineage to reduce imports of meat and sheep, especially around Eid el-Adha, according to TSA.

The aim is to produce breeds that give better economic returns. The project crosses two local breeds.

The Ouled Djellal breed grows fast but reproduces poorly, while the D'man breed has high prolificacy (the number of lambs born) but grows slowly.

"We started an experimental research project in genetic improvement in 2013. It has three stages and aims to create a new hybrid sheep lineage with better qualities.

We crossed two local breeds," said Mohamed Adhouri, a geneticist.

The project was registered under the National Research Programme (PNR) in 2022. It is funded by the General Directorate for Scientific Research.

According to TSA, the project uses local breeds already adapted to the dry climate of the steppe and agropastoral areas. The next steps will cover reproduction and fattening.

A third phase will spread these techniques to breeders. TSA reports that the project has given good results so far.

Genetic improvement also aims at robustness, meat quality and economic return. Geneticists say it pays off only with enough qualified technicians to run semi-intensive or intensive farms, especially for artificial insemination.

"Success with genetic improvement models for intensive farms is difficult to reach in arid areas, especially the steppe," said a veterinary doctor. He added that breeders must take part, because success depends on wide outreach to farming communities.

Training is also needed to avoid inbreeding, the mating of sheep with the same ancestors. According to TSA, inbreeding can bring health problems and threaten the survival of flocks.

For readers, the project mainly affects sheep breeders in the steppe and agropastoral areas. The sources give no date for when the new lineage will be ready for farms or when breeders will receive the techniques.