Import of cattle semen from SA resumes
New breeding material crucial to ensure genetic boost
There is a significant need for genetics for several cattle breeds, which have become genetically constrained due to a limited gene pool.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) announced last week that the import and transit movement of cattle semen from South Africa has resumed.
According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), the decision is a positive step forward, following a suspension of cattle semen imports for some time.
“While the reopening of cattle semen imports provides an important opportunity to enhance local breeding programmes and genetic diversity, it is important to note that the suspension on the import of live animals from South Africa for genetic purposes remains in place,” said the NAU.
Mecki Schneider, a well-known Brahman cattle breeder from Okamutombe farm in the Grootfontein district, told Network Media Hub this is a positive development, “as new breeding material is essential to ensure genetic progress. Artificial insemination (AI) is one technology to achieve this.”
Good opportunity
Agricultural expert and technical advisor at Feedmaster Namibia, Christo van Zyl, agreed that this presents an opportunity to improve the genetic foundation of both smaller and even larger breeds.
He noted that when he attends bull auctions and reviews the pedigrees of bulls, it is evident that genetic use has already taken place among local breeders.
“As a result, we are in a situation, particularly with the smaller breeds, where a bottleneck effect has started to form, with breeding percentages increasing to 3%, 8% and 12%, which are still acceptable within the genetic context.
“However, in the long term, if we are already at 12%, it becomes a concern. I think this opens a door,” Van Zyl said.
Steps to consider
For him, there are important aspects to consider, including the responsibility to go through the correct channels and follow the proper procedures, given that the necessary testing and protocols must be in place before semen is released.
“Breeders and associations also need to take responsibility to ensure that we do not introduce problematic traits as was previously the case with certain breeds. In the past, there were issues with some breeds where we almost unintentionally introduced undesirable traits,” Van Zyl explained.
“This must be done responsibly and be well-coordinated by the stud breeders' association, which needs to take on a stronger role.
“We must maintain our international status without pressure from certain groups that could affect our export status and the country’s reputation.”
He added that Namibia has veterinarians in the country who are becoming specialists in artificial insemination (AI) and can use semen efficiently.
Van Zyl noted there is a significant need for genetics for breeds such as Limousines, Herefords, Thulis, Charolais, Droughtmasters, Santa Gertrudis and Dexters, which have become genetically constrained due to a limited gene pool.
– [email protected]
According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), the decision is a positive step forward, following a suspension of cattle semen imports for some time.
“While the reopening of cattle semen imports provides an important opportunity to enhance local breeding programmes and genetic diversity, it is important to note that the suspension on the import of live animals from South Africa for genetic purposes remains in place,” said the NAU.
Mecki Schneider, a well-known Brahman cattle breeder from Okamutombe farm in the Grootfontein district, told Network Media Hub this is a positive development, “as new breeding material is essential to ensure genetic progress. Artificial insemination (AI) is one technology to achieve this.”
Good opportunity
Agricultural expert and technical advisor at Feedmaster Namibia, Christo van Zyl, agreed that this presents an opportunity to improve the genetic foundation of both smaller and even larger breeds.
He noted that when he attends bull auctions and reviews the pedigrees of bulls, it is evident that genetic use has already taken place among local breeders.
“As a result, we are in a situation, particularly with the smaller breeds, where a bottleneck effect has started to form, with breeding percentages increasing to 3%, 8% and 12%, which are still acceptable within the genetic context.
“However, in the long term, if we are already at 12%, it becomes a concern. I think this opens a door,” Van Zyl said.
Steps to consider
For him, there are important aspects to consider, including the responsibility to go through the correct channels and follow the proper procedures, given that the necessary testing and protocols must be in place before semen is released.
“Breeders and associations also need to take responsibility to ensure that we do not introduce problematic traits as was previously the case with certain breeds. In the past, there were issues with some breeds where we almost unintentionally introduced undesirable traits,” Van Zyl explained.
“This must be done responsibly and be well-coordinated by the stud breeders' association, which needs to take on a stronger role.
“We must maintain our international status without pressure from certain groups that could affect our export status and the country’s reputation.”
He added that Namibia has veterinarians in the country who are becoming specialists in artificial insemination (AI) and can use semen efficiently.
Van Zyl noted there is a significant need for genetics for breeds such as Limousines, Herefords, Thulis, Charolais, Droughtmasters, Santa Gertrudis and Dexters, which have become genetically constrained due to a limited gene pool.
– [email protected]
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