Agriculture ministry to launch embryo transfer program

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Cattle grazing at Baljindar Singh’s farm in Wainibuka, Tailevu. Picture: RAMA

THE Ministry of Agriculture will today officially launch its Livestock Biotechnology Embryo Transfer program in its continued efforts to further develop the local cattle and dairy industry.

According to a statement from Government, Fiji’s first embryo transfer program on cattle had been hailed a success following the birth of calves or calving stage at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Nacocolevu Research Station in Sigatoka.

Embryo transfer technology fundamentally allows for the development of pure bred embryos under sterilized laboratory conditions from the donor cattle and the local recipient cattle, which are synchronised to accept these embryos.

The first phase of multi ovulation embryo transfer program in Fiji included the importation of Senepol and Brown Swiss embryos and developing nucleus herds for both beef and dairy industry on research stations with a local success rate of 50 per cent.

The ministry has also identified three beef breeds – drought master, senepol and wagyu for the beef industry.

The Senepol breed is currently in the country, while the droughtmaster and wagyu breeds are planned for the fourth phase of the embryo transfer program. These breeds, as with others, have demonstrated a number of desirable commercial traits as well as proven environmental strengths such as climate resilience.

In addition, the suitable dairy breed which had been identified was the Brown Swiss, which is already available at the Ministry’s stations.

Brown Swiss is adapted to any climate or environmental condition and is noted for their resistance to extreme temperatures. Brown Swiss can serve many purposes, proving that it is not just volume of milk production that aids the overall profitability of dairy farm units, but more so the total package combining ease of management along with quality milk production and longevity.

The statement added that upon successful completion, these genetics will filter down to the local farmers after adaptability studies and mass rearing is completed on Government stations with distribution of genetics to either be in the form of Artificial insemination or embryo transfer process to improve on farm genetics through proper on farm breeding plans.

Intensive and extensive training programs for local farmers and Ministry staff will be further conducted to execute this technology locally.

It is envisaged that developing Fiji’s cattle industry will assist in achieving specific domestic priorities including (but not limited to) food and nutrition security, approach towards climate resilience breed development, socio-economic development, commercial agriculture development as well as strengthening international partnerships and strategic cooperation objectives.

The ministry will be further committed to this technology to ensure there is quick introduction of improved bloodline to build genetic pool of ruminants in our country.

This technology is also targeted to rehabilitate the cattle industry from the devastations of bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis.

Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment Dr Mahendra Reddy will officiate at the launching of the Livestock Biotechnology Embryo Transfer program for cattle industry at 10.00am at its Nacocolevu Research Station in Sigatoka.

 

 

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