Improving livestock genetics to enhance animal welfare and production for African smallholder farmers

Animal production in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), predominantly smallholder systems, faces considerable challenges. Low productivity, exposure to multiple pathogens, and climate-related stresses all cause major animal health and welfare issues. Unless addressed, these challenges will continue to negate initiatives aiming for sustainable animal production. To address this, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies jointly established the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) with partners in Nairobi and Edinburgh (https://www.ctlgh.org/) to apply genetic improvement for improved animal productivity, health, and welfare in LMICs.