By Mulengera Reporters
The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Databank (NAGRC&DB) is stepping up efforts to help Ugandan livestock farmers improve milk production and beef quality through access to quality animal genetics.
Through its social media platforms, the center indicates it has made premium semen from selected exotic and improved livestock breeds available to farmers as part of efforts to transform livestock farming under the government’s Parish Development Model.
NAGRC&DB noted the semen is collected, processed and packaged for breeding, giving farmers an opportunity to improve the genetic potential of their herds.
For dairy farmers, the available breeds include Friesian, Ayrshire, Jersey and Guernsey. The center also provides semen from dual-purpose breeds, including Simmental, Sahiwal and Brown Swiss, which can support farmers engaged in both milk and meat production.
Beef farmers can access genetics from breeds such as Boran, Romagnola and Aberdeen Angus.
The center said the semen is preserved using liquid nitrogen to maintain its quality and viability. It has also made liquid nitrogen available to farmers who require it for livestock breeding and preservation purposes.
The availability of improved genetics is expected to provide farmers with additional options when selecting breeding materials suited to their production goals. By using quality breeding stock and genetic resources, farmers can work towards improving desirable traits such as milk production, growth and beef quality.
NAGRC&DB has urged farmers to take advantage of the available breeding services as Uganda seeks to build a more productive and commercially oriented livestock sector.
The genetic resources are available at the NAGRC&DB facility on Nsamizi Road in Entebbe. Farmers seeking information about the available breeds, semen and liquid nitrogen can contact the centre through its toll-free line, 0800140147, or email info@nagrc.go.ug.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen livestock production by making improved animal genetics more accessible to farmers.
NAGRC&DB has encouraged farmers and livestock stakeholders to share information about the services, particularly with farmers looking to improve the performance and productivity of their herds. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
