New peer-reviewed research reveals discovery of valuable disease-fighting qualities in African indigenous cattle

Contact For More Info

David Aronson (ILRI) D.Aronson@cgiar.org +254 717 868 916

Michelle Geis Wallace mgeis@burness.com +254 711 326 770

Press Materials

Press Release

Press release: Nature Genetics English- Under strict embargo until 28 September 2020:

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Press release: French:

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Nature Genetics Study

The mosaic genome of indigenous African cattle as a unique genetic resource for African pastoralism:

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Behind the Nature Genetics paper:

The adaptive beauty of ancient African cattle hybrids

Additional Press Materials

The story of cattle in Africa: Why diversity matters:

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has just published a book on the wide variety of cattle breeds in Africa. The illustrated book showcases some of Africa’s unique cattle breeds, provides insights into the continent’s diverse animal genetic resources, and highlights the importance of indigenous breeds to the continent

Author and Spokesperson Biographies

Olivier Hanotte is a principal scientist at ILRI and professor of genetics at the University of Nottingham, who led the work at ILRI (he is the corresponding author on this paper). The central theme of his research is the understanding at the genome level, the genetic adaptations of “tropical’’ livestock to their production environments.

Ally Okeyo Mwai is a co-author on this paper and a principal scientist at ILRI who leads its African Dairy Genetic Gains program. Okeyo is a quantitative geneticist with over 30 years of experience in practical design and implementation of livestock improvement programs in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia regions. Okeyo has in the past led ILRI’s Breeding strategies Research, specifically focusing on development and implementation projects, covering a wide range of research areas including, characterization and genetic diversity of indigenous tropical livestock; their improved utilization, as well as development and application of assisted reproductive technologies in dairy cattle.

Steve Kemp is a co-author on this paper, leader of ILRI’s LiveGene program, and a professor in tropical genetics at the University of Edinburgh. He has expertise in the genomics of tropical adaptation, particularly host-pathogen interactions and mechanisms of tolerance and resistance as well as informatics systems.

Tadelle Dessie is a Senior Scientist - Animal Genetics/Breeding at ILRI with more than 20 years’ experience in the areas of animal breeding and genetics field with a long track record of research on poultry. As a Project leader/PI of ACGG will manage the project. He joined ILRI in 2004 and he is currently scientist and the member of Global Livestock Genetics (LiveGene) program at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). His publication and project management record demonstrates his ability to undertake, plan and manage multidisciplinary research in poultry genetics and breeding research and development. He will be responsible for coordinating the design and implementation of project activities in collaboration with and among partners and for project reporting. In consultation with partners, the PM will be responsible for researching and providing alternative approaches. He will also be responsible for leading the sourcing of tropically adapted chicken lines and developing material transfer agreements between owners of the chicken lines and ILRI. All the project team members report to him.