3.3 The choice of the appropriate breed

The choice of the most appropriate breed to use in a given environment or production system should be the first step when initiating a breeding program and due attention should be given to the adaptive performance of a breed. Numerous examples exist of animals of high productive breeds (e.g. Holstein Friesian dairy cow) imported in tropical countries without any success. The animals are not adapted to the high temperature, they hardly reproduce and heat stress impedes high production levels. In addition many tropical diseases lead to a high mortality. In all food production systems adaptation of the animals to the conditions within the system is important. When ignored, the fitness of the animals will be reduced. Adaptive fitness is characterized by survival, health and reproduction related traits. In the warmer tropical areas, pathogens and epidemic diseases are widespread, climatic conditions are stressful, and feed and water are scarce. There, locally adapted autochthonous breeds display a far greater level of resistance and adaptation due to their evolutionary roots as compared to imported breeds.