About

Information on the extent of existing diversity, characteristics and use of indigenous farm animal genetic resources in developing countries is the basis for their present as well as future sustainable utilization. In view of lack of a systematic database on this information, ILRI has been developing the Domestic Animal Genetic Resources Information System (DAGRIS) as a web-based electronic source of information on selected indigenous farm animal genetic resources (breeds/ecotypes of cattle, sheep, goats, chicken and pigs) with options to extend it further to cover geese, turkey and ducks. Its current geographic scope is Africa and selected Asian countries with an envisaged future coverage of developing countries in Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean.

DAGRIS is an information system designed to facilitate the compilation, organization and dissemination of information on the origin, distribution, diversity, present use and status of indigenous farm animal genetic resources from past and present research results in an efficient way. The underlying concept is that such information provides the necessary basis for developing breed improvement as well as conservation programmes.

The working objectives of DAGRIS are:

  • Compile and organize information on farm animal genetic resources from all available sources;
  • Maintain the integrity and validity of the information, and
  • Disseminate the information in a readily accessible way to all key stakeholders.

Credits

ILRI gratefully acknowledges all who contributed to the development of this Domestic Animal Genetic Resources Information System (DAGRIS) as a public-domain database. Both the on-line (web) as well as the CD-ROM versions of this information resource were produced through teamwork. The DAGRIS team based in ILRI-Addis Ababa assumes primary responsibility for the design and implementation of the structure, functionality and content of the database; however, numerous individuals and institutions (listed below) have contributed, directly or indirectly, at different stages of its development. Unless synthesised from current state of knowledge, all information in the database is obtained from published or grey literature, field reports or personal observations, and all of these are duly acknowledged in the section on bibliography. Although ILRI maintains the copyright for the information system as a whole, the copyrights on the specific data and images belong to the respective sources indicated in the bibliographies. ILRI reserves the right to update and improve the structure and content of the database as it sees appropriate in meeting its specific objectives. ILRI would also like to appreciate the numerous comments received from users on the content, structure and functionality of the beta release of DAGRIS.

Members of the DAGRIS team:

Prof. Steve Kemp (Director-Animal Bioscience); Tadelle Dessie (DAGRIS Project Leader); Yetnayet Mamo (Data Management);

Other people who have contributed to the project over the years:
  • Edward Rege (Biotech Theme Director, until March 2009)
  • Olivier Hanotte (Operational Project Leader, until December, 2008)
  • Nega Alemayehu (system design and early development)
  • Dawit Gezahegn (system design and early development)
  • C.L. Tawah (Animal Breeder)
  • Workneh Ayalew (DAGRIS Project Leader)
  • Ephrem Getahun (DAGRIS System Developer)
  • Markos Tibbo (Research Technologies)
  • Biruk Asrat (DAGRIS System Developer)
  • Okeyo Mwai (Operating Project Leader)
  • Daniel Hailemichael (Web Projects Manager)
  • C.L. Tawah (data compilation)
  • C.V. Yapi Gnaoré (data compilation)
  • Markos Sahlu
  • Afework Temtime
  • Girma Dessalegn
  • Kebru-Yisfa Achamyeleh
  • Rachel Rege
  • Tsegaselassie Tadesse
  • Kassahun Awigichew
  • Frew Terefe
  • Hanna Teshome
  • Negatu Alemayehu
  • Helina Meseret
  • Betre Yacob
  • Fasika Siyoum
  • Solomon Abegaz
  • Nigusse Dana
  • Mureja Shiberu
  • Etsehiwot Wondimu
  • Getenete Mekuriaw
  • Yosef Tadesse
  • Etalem Tesfaye
  • Fanos Mekonnen
Institutions who collaborated with ILRI in the development of DAGRIS:
The CGIAR System-wide Information Network for Genetic Resources (SINGER) of the CGIAR System-wide Genetic Resources Programme (SGRP) for providing financial and technical assistance in the development of DAGRIS; CAB International, for granting permission to use its information-resource free of charge; NARS (The National Agricultural Research Systems) in various countries for providing information and reviewing the database.