ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, March 20th, 2012 – The Department of Agriculture continues to find ways to improve the Agricultural sector with their recent import of Senepol cattle, Anglo-Nubian and Boer goats and rabbits.
In an interview with Livestock Assistant, Mr. Theodore James from the Department of Agriculture he explained that the recent import of animals from St. Croix, USVI last week will benefit the Territory and those who work closely with the Agricultural sector.
“After years of monitoring the markets and consulting with butchers and consumers, it was noted that the quality of local meat has been on a steady decline. The move to import better-quality genetics will help farmers who do not have the means financially to import animals for themselves to purchase locally after mass replication has been done at the department,” Mr. James explained.
He further added, “The aim of importing new bloodline of animals in the territory is to improve the genetic pool of our local cattle, goat and rabbit population which should improve the quality of meat to bone ratio that is supplied to the markets.”
Mr. James gave a brief description of each animal and their importance stating that Senepol cattle is a genetic combination of careful and selective breeding over the years between the Red Poll and N’Dama breed.
The reasons why the department continues to support the Senepol is because they are tolerant to the climate conditions of the BVI, the breed is known for its gentle disposition, it has no horns (polled) and it has an innate resistance to ticks. The Anglo-Nubian, is favored for its versatility in the use of its meat, milk and hide (skin).
The Boer goat was introduced to the BVI in the last fifteen years and it was developed in South Africa in the early 1900s for meat production. The typical Boer goat is white bodied with a red head, but no preference is given to any hair coloration or color pattern.
They are also noted for being docile, fast growing, and having high fertility rates. By breeding with the BVI creole breed as well as with the Anglo-Nubian, the department seeks to select those offspring that will show improved performance in meat to bone ratio amid severe environmental conditions.
The Livestock Assistant continued that, for many years rabbit husbandry has been practiced in our territory however the local populace did not have a great desire to consume the meat. As of recent, there has been a growing taste for rabbit meat hence the reemergence of rabbit farms throughout the territory.
The Department of Agriculture will continue to disseminate information to the livestock farming public on the ways they can improve upon the management of their farms and ensure that maximum gains are achieved annually.
The Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour continues to work collaboratively on the sustainable development of the agricultural industry in the territory.
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