Current population size and risk status of the indigenous endangered Sheko cattle breed in south-west Ethiopia

Abstract

This study assessed the current population size and risk status of the indigenous endangered Sheko cattle breed in four zones of South West Ethiopia. The Sheko cattle breed, known as the last remnants of Africa’s original Bos taurus cattle and the only trypanotolerant breed in Ethiopia, is facing a decline in their effective population size. The estimated population size of Sheko cattle is approximately 7252, with varying levels of genetic purity based on physical observations. The distribution of genetic purity levels of Sheko cattle indicates that there are approximately 4073, 2934, and 1145 individuals at the 1st (>80% pure), 2nd (>60% pure), and 3rd (>40% pure) levels, respectively. The breed is at risk due to factors such as aggressive behavior, interbreeding with zebu breeds, lack of pure Sheko bulls, and lack of awareness creation. To conserve the Sheko cattle breed, measures such as backcrossing to purebreds, genetic monitoring and evaluation, molecular characterization, assessment of genetic admixture and inbreeding, and collaboration among stakeholders are essential. Overall, this research emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts to safeguard the genetic diversity and population size of the Sheko cattle breed.