National Livestock Genetic Improvement Programme Launches

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw, launched the National Livestock Genetic Improvement Programme on November 18 in support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries‘ goal of increasing livestock production and productivity.

The three-year National Livestock Genetic Improvement Programme will be implemented by the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) in collaboration with Nutramix, and will aim to establish a framework through which cattle and small ruminant farmers can gain access to resources and services that will help them improve the genetic potential of their herds.

“Included in this genetic improvement programme is the use of selected goat semen and embryos that are known for their high level of milk and meat production,” said Shaw as he addressed stakeholders at the launch held at the Caymanas Golf Club in St. Catherine.

On the local breeds, over 700 straws of beef cattle semen from Brahman, Brangus, and Angus breeds will be utilized, while 1,500 straws from Brown Swiss, Jersey, and Holstein cattle will be used on the dairy cattle, and 150 for goats.

The effort, according to the Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, is an important aspect of the Government’s plan to grow the livestock industry in order to capitalize on opportunities in the beef and cattle industries, as well as the small ruminant subsector.

Trevor Reynolds, Project Coordinator at the JDDB, outlined the program’s goals, saying that using animal breeding techniques will benefit farmers and the broader livestock industry by enhancing production and productivity over the next three to four years.

He pointed out that genetic advancements have the potential to improve animal population features, such as milk production.