This volume contains papers and abstracts of the First Biennial Conference of the African Small Ruminant Network. Ten papers deal with the Small Ruminant Production System and Policy; Eight papers on Small Ruminant Performance and Reproductive Physiology; eleven papers on Small Ruminant Reproductive Wastage and Health. Another nine describe and analyse feeds and feeding systems and there are 11 papers on Small Ruminant Genetic Resources and Breeding. Four papers on Small Ruminant Development in Africa complete this volume.

This volume contains papers and abstracts of the Second Biennial Conference of the African Small Ruminant Network. In addition to the keynote address, there are nine papers on Small Ruminant Production Systems, Economics and Policy, nine papers on Small Ruminant Performance and Reproduction, ten papers on Small Ruminant Health and Reproductive Wastage, eight papers on Small Ruminant Feeds and Feeding Systems and eight papers on Small Ruminant Genetic Resources and Breeding. Ten poster abstracts covering the above topics add to the volume.

This volume contains papers and abstracts of the Third Biennial Conference of the African Small Ruminant Research Network. In addition to the keynote address, there are nine papers on Genetic Resources Enhancement and Utilisation, seven papers on Production Systems, Policy and Economics, six papers on Management and Health, 12 papers and Feeding Systems and 10 papers on Performance and Reproduction. Six poster abstracts covering the above topics add to the volume.

The study was conducted in Goma district of Jimma Zone of Ethiopia with the objectives of documenting the reasons why

farmers in coffee dominant mixed-farming systems of western Ethiopia keep small ruminants, and identifying the

constraints and opportunities for improvement of this sector. Results are based on diagnostic survey of 160 sample

households, group discussions and personal observation. The study district was stratified into three groups based on flock

distribution as: sheep dominating, goat dominating and mixed flock sites.

Research review on sheep and goat production in the humid zone of West Africa, w. respect to animal population, production parameters, reproduction, forage production, supplementary feeding based on agro - industrial byproducts, disease incidence, particularly peste petits ruminants & helminthiasis, housing, and economic aspects of small and large scale production, w. proposals for further research.

Study of sheep and goat production in tropical Africa, particularly animal numbers and production systems and regional geographic distribution & productivity potentials, w. outline of the need for future research on their potential performance under improved systems; data on adult body weight & production purposes; reproductive traits and mortality rates of small ruminants incl. price differences between mutton or goat meat and beef.

Smallholder dairy farming is seen as a viable and promising activity to support the livelihoods of cattle keepers in low-income countries. This farming system, characterized by small herds of improved cattle raised under zero-grazing, is proven to lead to better milk yields, but also to require more constant and demanding inputs and resources to sustain production. Moreover, endemic diseases and the poor knowledge on disease control by farmers, along with the limited availability of veterinary services, presents challenges for effective farming.