Potential introgression pathways and strategies for wider utilization of the 'FecB' gene in Maharashtra state and other parts of India

Abstract

The 'FecB' gene has been introgressed into non-prolific sheep breeds in countries such as Israel, France and India with beneficial consequences. The primary income from most Indian breeds of sheep is earned from the sale of lambs. Because they have single lambs, there is the potential to introgress 'FecB' into more Indian breeds, and it is likely to prove profitable. To maximise the success of introgression, 'FecB'-carrier animals to be disseminated into local flocks should have a similar phenotype as the local breed and be selected and superior for other economically important traits. As introgression is a progress requiring at least three generations of backcrossing, it would need excellent institutional infrastructure including a network and extension program among local sheep owners in the surrounding region. The steps to be followed in an introgression program and related issues are discussed.