Uganda’s iconic Ankole Longhorn cattle are being developed for higher milk production through a structured genetic improvement programme at Nshaara Conservation Ranch in Kiruhura District.
The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) began the programme about three years ago with the aim of identifying and multiplying superior milk-producing genetics already present within the pure Ankole population.
Rather than introducing exotic dairy genetics through crossbreeding, the programme uses systematic genetic selection, pedigree management, performance recording and improved nutrition to concentrate desirable traits within the breed.
Milk yield is the main selection trait, followed by lactation length, udder conformation and calving interval. Replacement heifers are assessed using their dams’ production, growth and fertility records, alongside physical characteristics such as body structure, udder development and temperament.
The programme also places particular emphasis on breeding bulls from high-performing maternal families. Candidate bulls are assessed based on their dams’ milk-production records as well as growth, body size, maturity, reproductive soundness, testicular development, libido and temperament.
Dr. Innocent Tuwangye, Manager of Nshaara Conservation Ranch, said the programme seeks to improve milk production without compromising the Ankole’s identity and adaptability.
“We are not trying to turn the Ankole into an exotic dairy cow. We are identifying superior dairy traits that already exist within the pure Ankole population and systematically selecting and multiplying those genetics.”
Performance and reproductive data are maintained through physical farm records and NAGRC&DB’s Integrated Livestock Management Information System (ILMIS). The records enable breeders to track individual animals, maternal lines and production across successive lactations.
The programme has recorded significant growth in milk productivity. In 2023, average productivity stood at 5.2 litres per active cow per day, with annual recorded production of about 56,040 litres. The active milking population grew from 24 cows in January to 35 by December.
In 2024, average productivity increased to 7.0 litres per cow per day, while annual recorded production rose to approximately 106,358 litres. The milking population expanded from 36 to 47 cows during the year.
By December 2025, average productivity had risen further to 8.6 litres per cow per day, with annual recorded production reaching approximately 168,285 litres. The number of active milking cows increased from 47 in January to 60 by December.
Overall, the records show an approximately 65.4 percent increase in average productivity between 2023 and 2025, alongside growth in the selected milking population.
Individual animals have also demonstrated the potential of the breed. While traditional production conditions may yield an average of about two litres during morning milking, selected cows at Nshaara are recording approximately 5–10 litres in a single morning milking, with some animals reaching up to 12 litres. One exceptional cow has recorded a peak morning yield of 14 litres.
NAGRC&DB has also found that genetic potential needs to be supported by adequate nutrition. The ranch has therefore supplemented conventional grazing with hay and silage produced at Nshaara, with the highest individual yields observed under improved feeding conditions.
Dr. Peter Beine, Executive Director of NAGRC&DB, said breeding and nutrition must work together to realise the animals’ productive potential.
“Selection identifies the animal with superior genetic potential, but nutrition determines how effectively that potential is expressed.”
The programme is now moving beyond identifying exceptional individual animals towards establishing consistently high-performing families across generations. This involves continued pedigree recording, identification of elite cows, selection of replacement heifers from proven maternal lines and the use of bulls from superior dams.
According to Dr. Beine, the long-term measure of success will be the ability to consistently reproduce superior milk production across generations rather than relying on individual exceptional animals.
The Nshaara programme therefore represents an effort to place Uganda’s indigenous Ankole genetics at the centre of livestock productivity, while retaining the breed’s genetic identity, adaptability and resilience.
