NAGRC&DB Develops High-Milk-Yielding Pure Ankole Dairy Cattle at Nshaara Conservation Ranch

What the report says

NAGRC&DB says it is developing a higher-milk-producing pure Ankole dairy population at Nshaara Conservation Ranch in Kiruhura district, western Uganda, by selecting within the indigenous breed rather than introducing exotic dairy genetics. According to Watchdog Uganda, the work began about three years ago and relies on pedigree management, performance recording, genetic selection and improved feeding.

The breeding programme prioritizes milk yield, lactation length, udder conformation and calving interval. The ranch also evaluates replacement heifers and breeding bulls using records on their dams, growth, fertility and physical traits. NAGRC&DB officials said the aim is to concentrate desirable dairy characteristics already present in the Ankole while retaining the breed’s hardiness and identity.

Watchdog Uganda reported that recorded herd performance improved over time. Average productivity rose from 5.2 litres per cow per day in 2023 to 7.0 litres in 2024 and 8.6 litres by December 2025, alongside growth in the milking herd and total annual production. Individual cows in the programme were said to be producing more than traditional Ankole averages, with some reaching higher morning yields under improved management.

The article said nutrition has been strengthened with hay and silage, and officials stressed that feeding and breeding must advance together. The broader significance is that Uganda is trying to build a more productive Ankole dairy line from local genetics, which could support livestock productivity while conserving an iconic indigenous breed.