Have you had your genetically improved duck yet?
For this year, the ministry’s Genetic Improvement Unit produced 77,000 genetically improved ducklings which contributed significantly to growth and development of the local duck industry.
The Unit also worked with Dr. Claudio Quiros, an international consultant in Reproductive Physiology, to successfully implant 31 embryos in cows which have the potential to impact significantly on the livelihood of farmers and provide quality meat and meat products, the ministry said. It said that 33 beef bulls were also imported and 19 of these were distributed to realize the objectives of the genetic improvement programme. In addition, 548 calves were produced from Artificial Insemination. The ministry has also begun the process to procure 66 female cows (heifers) from the USA.
With regards to sheep, the ministry said that the Unit also contributed to the expansion of the largest Texana production units in the country which made available breeding ewes, rams and most of all prime lambs in supermarkets. The Texana line was achieved through the use of the Texana line from England and the Black Belly from Barbados.
The ministry said that in 2012, the livestock industry continued to play a significant role in furthering Guyana’s economic and social development and contributed more than US$58 million to Guyana’s GDP.
