ENTEBE-UGANDA/NEWSDAY: The National Animal Genetics Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) has released one hundred assorted superior dairy breeding bulls to farmers’ dairy cooperatives across the country in the quest to improve household incomes.
“This is a routine program of the Centre which is conducted at all our Animal Genetic Resources Centres across the country,” NAGRC said in a statement. The bulls being sold at a subsidized price of Shs.1,500,000- which is between 50% to 75% of their local market value comprise of pure Jersey, Ayrshire, Friesian and Simmental breeds.
NAGRC&DB was created by a statutory instrument, the Animal Breeding Act, 2001. It is mandated to lead commercialization of animal breeding activities in Uganda and to carry out development activities that enhance animal genetic improvement and productivity.
With eight regional community breeding satellite centres, NAGRC also hosts fifteen regionally situated centre farms and ranches for production of superior breeding stock, the National Poultry Development Centre (NPDC), a five Metric tonne/hour animal feed production plant, the National Bull Stud and Semen Production Center at Entebbe and three Liquid Nitrogen Production Plants which service the entire country.
NAGRC is also a key facilitator of artificial breeding services to farmers at the grass roots and has an embryo transfer services unit.
“The agency breeds, multiplies and sells to the public, at subsidized prices, quality and affordable animal seed (to) breeding stock of dairy and beef cattle, goats, poultry, pigs, fish fingerings,” NAGRC &DB Managing Director Peter Beine says.
Other functions of the agency include storage of semen for breed improvement programs and embryos for pure breed multiplication. NAGRC also multiplies and avails pasture and fodder seed and planting materials to feed animals.
State Minister for Animal Production Bright Rwamirama says NAGRC will continue to guarantee Ugandans against poverty within poor and vulnerable communities in Uganda through producing quality animal breeds.
“In order for successful implementation of government programs like the Parish Development Model the supply quality breeding stock by NAGRC&DB centres helps to meet government goals. I encourage the public to buy the bulls,” Mr. Rwamirama said.
“It is anticipated that farmers who have got these traits will get faster growth, increased milk production and milk solids, assured fast calf growth, ease of calving and longevity in the herd and ease of management,” Rwamirama says
Through the flagship Community Based Breeding Outreach Program (CBBOP) NAGRC&DB has played a cardinal role in the 190% increase in milk production in the country.
“Pig and poultry farmers have also greatly benefitted from the multiplication programs of these genetics at the NAGRC&DB centres. These continuous animal genetic improvement efforts by the Centre are aimed at realizing a critical mass of resilient and highly productive dairy and meat animals within the livestock communities across the country,” Mr. Beine says.
NAGRC&DB follows the Institutional Policy on availing genetics to the public and adherers to the Public Procurement and Disposal guidelines while selecting the beneficiaries. The current beneficiaries were chosen through a competitive process using the PPDA asset disposal methods, guidelines and regulations.
As NAGRC improves the national herd and flocks, the agency uses these programs to generate Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) revenue for the consolidated fund.
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