International trade in trypanotolerant cattle. I. Historical analysis

Abstract

An investigation into the historical origins of the trypanotolerant cattle found in the Central African countries and outside the natural area of distribution in West Africa provided details of over 50 different transactions involving 34 000 trypanotolerant breeding animals, exchanged between 37 different pairs of countries. The present populations of some 600 000 animals originating from introduced stocks clearly show the success with which these animals multiplied and with which effective cattle production systems were set up to receive them in the recipient countries. However, variable results were obtained, and the analysis of problems encountered and overcome contributes to determining future schemes of introduction and multiplication of these breeds.