News in Brief:
– Botswana is aiming to significantly increase its livestock production by importing high-quality breeding cattle and goats from Australia.
– The aim is to improve the national herd’s size, genetic makeup, and milk production, boosting food security for the country.
Botswana’s livestock sector is set for a significant boost with the arrival of 95 heifers and 150 dairy goats imported from Australia. This initiative follows last year’s successful acquisition of 161 live breeding cattle from Texas, USA.
Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi stressed that the purchases were not impulsive spending but a strategic plan to improve the national herd’s size and genetic quality. The government aims for a substantial increase in cattle numbers, from 1.5 million to 3.5 million, and small stock (goats) from 1.2 million to 4 million by 2027.
Focus on high-yielding dairy goats
Meanwhile, the newly acquired dairy goats are renowned for their extended lactation periods, high milk production, and docile temperament.
President Masisi expressed his confidence that these 150 goats will significantly contribute to Botswana’s milk production, highlighting their genetically superior traits.
However, despite his claim of not being on a spending spree, President Masisi revealed plans to purchase dairy cattle from Brazil to revitalise the country’s dairy industry. He also underscored his belief that investing in agriculture, through acquiring breeding animals, is the most sustainable approach to improving the lives of Botswana’s citizens.
Reportedly, the second shipment of breeding livestock is expected to arrive at the Ramatlabama National Artificial Insemination Laboratory and Training Centre, where they will join the previously imported breeding animals from 2023.
