Govt. procures 250 boer breeding goats from Namibia

Government says it  has procured 250 boer breeding goats from Namibia aimed at improving the goat breed in the valley district of Sinazongwe.

 

 

Southern Province Livestock Production Officer Muliyunda Mukumbuta made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with the National Agricultural Information Services (NAIS), today.

 

 

This was  when a team of senior agricultural officers from the provincial office went to inspect works at Kanchindu goat breeding centre in Sinazongwe.

 

 

Mr. Mukumbuta said the 250 boer goats imported from Namibia were currently stationed at the Golden Valley Agricultural Trust (GART) in Choma and will soon be transported to Kanchindu breeding centre for the multiplication programme.

 

 

He told NAIS that 10 billy goats (Male) from the 250 boer goats imported from Namibia, another 20 more male goats have been procured from Pinkney farm, Bekile enterprises and Mukulaikwa to reinforce the genetic foundation for the stock.

 

 

Mr. Mukumbuta observed that the premetre fencing, handling facilities, water tank and a borehole have been constructed and erected at the centre.

 

 

He named other projects that have been constructed at Kanchindu goat breeding centre as two big improved goat structures that can accommodate 200 goats each for the multiplication plan.

 

 

 

Mr. Mukumbuta stated that a dipping tank has been constructed at the centre to ensure that a regular dipping regime is implemented at the centre.

 

 

He asserted that the ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is working around the clock to ensure a submersible pump is installed, canals for water supply constructed and one more big improved goat structure is put in place.

 

 

And Provincial Veterinary officer Dr. Charles Maseka said the goat breeding scheme was established in Sinazongwe district as the disease burden is low in the area.

 

 

Dr. Maseka pointed out that the breeding centre will improve the goat stock in the valley district and will empower the farmers economically.

 

 

He argued that big improved goat stocks will be produced as compared to small local breeds that are commonly found in the area.

 

 

Dr. Maseka observed that the ministry of agriculture and livestock will work in closer collaboration with the locals to ensure sustainability of the goat breeding programme.