Digital platforms supporting African Dairy Genetic Gains (ADGG)

J.M.K. Ojango, A.M. Okeyo, R. Mrode, S. Kahumbu, J.Rao(February 2020)

Using Technologies to effect change

o Digital platforms for on-farm performance tracking

o Decision-support and Farmer-to-Farmer performance benchmarking

o Smart use records & genomics tools for selection and better AI service delivery

Accelerate on-farm genetic gains

o Targeting of appropriate genotypes to the optimum agro-ecology

o Use of young bulls with a focus on production & adaptation

o Local feed/fodder resource use efficiency

Genotype adaptation to local agro-ecology

o “Africa needs to create dairy breeds that are best suited to local & emerging ecological conditions

Economically Relevant Traits• Milk Yield/density• Adaptability Indices• Reproductive Performance• Heat tolerance• Survival rates• Lactation persistency• Mastitis incidences

Development of synthetic breeds

Detailed data DB(cleaned)

ODK

Data ProcessingData in JSON moved to

MySQL DB

Processing OK

Error

Log

Processing not OK

Manual correctionJSON files are corrected

JSON

Automatic conversionSubmissions converted as

JSON files

Analytics

modules

Scripting analytics

R Py F

Field staff

Consultation

Analyzed data

(results per script)

Data visualization

(METABASE, etc.)

Data cleaningCorrections made in the

database

FeedbackFarmer

External AccessOther primary data

(e.g., service providers)

Other scientists

Samples

ADGG Data collection process

DATA COLLECTORS • AI Technicians • Enumerators • Site Coordinators

FARMERS FARM DETAILS

OTHER EVENTS

Hair Sampling

Training

Artificial Insemination

Pregnancy Diagnosis

Synchronization

ANIMAL SERVICE

SIRES

Sire list(Includes all bullsthat are used

for mating)

ANIMALS

Animal Details (Cows and Bulls)

Animal Monitoring- Performance- Body condition

score- Health- Management

Calf Registration- Parents- Birth details- Physical and Health

status

Calf Monitoring - Growth- Health- Management

Animal Exits (Movement off Farm)

Registration

Monitoring

Feedback

Tools for data capture

ADGG: Partnership with private sector actors

More than 9.5 Million farmer education messages shared with farmers on the ADGG/iCow platforms

q Using community facilitators farmers are clustered intoDIGs of 20-30 farmers owning 30-40 indigenous cowsand heifers

q Farmers are linked to AISP/AI business centers andveterinarians

q Project facilitate engagements between AISPs, vets andfarmer groups to agree on appropriate pricing for FTAI

AI Technician

DFAs

CFs/PFTs

AI Business Centre Innovation

q Custer of AI service providers form a businessclub

q AI supplies distributor provides LN storage tankon lease or long-term payment to the club

q Regularly re-stock LN and semen supplies

q Use data platform to monitor stockdynamics and plans for replenishment

ADGG: Leveraging Extension for Genetic Gains

ADGG: Leveraging Extension for Genetic Gains

Dairy Farmers & Farmer organizations

National/regional Institutions/govts.

Acknowledgements