(CMR) The Department of Agriculture is celebrating an early Christmas gift, the birth of the first calf in its Red Poll Nucleus Breeding Herd.
Earlier this year, the Cayman Islands imported 25 Jamaican Red Poll cattle to bolster the local livestock industry by providing improved cattle genetics. The Red Poll Nucleus Breeding Herd is a key component of the Government’s National Livestock Development Program.
“As we welcome our firstborn calf at the end of the year, this bodes well for 2024 and is a clear signal that this program is operating well on track. This calf represents the culmination of careful planning, hard work, and dedication to improving the quality of our local cattle herds,” the Department states in a post on social media.
With this new addition, the Department is confident that the breeding program will continue to produce high-quality, genetically superior cattle that will benefit local farmers and the entire agricultural community.
“The introduction of the nucleus breeding herd to the Cayman Islands has been a game-changer for local commercial farmers, providing them with access to locally produced purebred red poll cattle that are ideally adapted to our local environmental conditions. With 9 out of 19 heifers already pregnant, it is evident that the breeding program is yielding positive results,” the Department added.
The Department of Agriculture said it has been closely monitoring the progress of the herd and ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to maintain their good health. This includes regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and timely vaccinations.
With the continued support and efforts of the Ministry and the Department of Agriculture, the nucleus breeding herd is set to make a significant impact on the local farming community and contribute to the overall development of the country's agricultural sector.
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