The article explores the morphometric characterization of purebred and crossbred Baoulé cattle in Burkina Faso. It has been published by Bernadette Yougbaré in cooperation with colleagues from Norbert Zongo University of Koudougou, Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA) of Burkina Faso, Nazi Boni University of Bobo-Dioulasso, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni) and University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU).
The study was conducted in the south-western region of Burkina Faso, specifically in 27 villages from the Loropéni, Kampti and Bouroum-Bouroum department. In the Bouroum-Bouroum department we worked with sedentary farmers with Baoulé cattle, in the Kampti department with Fulani transhumant and Mossi farmers herding crossbreds and in the Loropeni department sedentary farmers with crossbreds. Combining 24 quantitative body measurements such as cranial length, head width, head length and 20 qualitative traits such as coat color, horn shape and color of muzzle following the Word Food Program (WFP) guidelines, the authors draw a picture concerning the characterization of Baoulé cattle and their cross-breeding in that area.
The study was funded by the Austrian Partnership in High Education and Research for Development (APPEAR) through the project Local cattle breed of Burkina Faso - characterization and sustainable use | LoCaBreed.
Bernadette Yougbaré is currently a PhD candidate at the Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems of BOKU, under supervision of Prof. Johann Sölkner (BOKU), Dr. Gábor Mészáros (BOKU), Dr.Pamela Burger (Vetmeduni ), Dr. Albert Soudré (Norbert Zongo University) and Dr. Amadou Traoré (INERA). She was nominated for her PhD within the APPEAR project LoCaBreed that aims to contribute to the improvement of the living conditions of the population and a better knowledge of the local cattle breeds of Burkina Faso.