agriculture 4 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ankole Cattle Breed Enhanced for Higher Milk Yields by NAGRC
The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) is successfully enhancing the milk production of the indigenous Ankole cattle breed in Uganda without compromising their unique characteristics. Traditional Ankole cows typically yield around two liters of milk per milking session, but through strategic breeding programs, select individuals are now producing significantly more, sometimes exceeding ten liters. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/nagrc-turns-ankole-cows-into-high-yield-dairy-stars-without-losing-their-soul-5618994
The Ankole long-horned cattle, a symbol of heritage and wealth in Western Uganda, are undergoing a transformation thanks to innovative breeding initiatives by the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB).
At Nshaara Conservation Ranch, a noticeable shift is occurring in the famed Ankole herds. While the breed is known for its distinctive long, curved horns and striking coat patterns, its traditional milk yield has been modest, averaging about two liters per milking session.
However, NAGRC’s focused breeding program is demonstrating remarkable results. Cows participating in the program are now consistently producing higher volumes of milk, with many reaching five to eight liters per session. Exceptional individuals have been recorded yielding as much as twelve to fourteen liters, a substantial increase from their traditional output.
This development is not about replacing the Ankole breed with foreign dairy giants like the Holstein Friesian. Instead, it represents a strategic effort to augment the productivity of the indigenous cattle while preserving their genetic integrity and cultural significance. The initiative aims to bolster the livelihoods of cattle farmers by improving the economic returns from their herds without alienating the breed’s cherished heritage.
The success at Nshaara Conservation Ranch highlights the potential for selective breeding to enhance the performance of native livestock breeds, ensuring their continued relevance in modern agriculture and their role in the cultural landscape of Uganda.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)