It is my opinion that the state of development of the livestock sector in the country currently does not need the intervention of the importation of the bulls and heifers.
I do not believe that the bulls and heifers are going to make a significant impact on the national herd. The infrastructure both at Ramatlabama, the National Artificial Insemination Centre and within farms and cattle posts in the country simply does not exist.
It would have been desirable that the livestock production system along the whole production chain be improved and particularly systems for optimally using Artificial Insemination (AI) to improve the national herd. Access to improved genetics is not limited to live animals.
In fact it could be limiting one to look at genetics in the form of live animals. Considering the cost benefits of accessing genetics through live animals and through other ways, more could be obtained for the resources expended on the live animals.
The most critical limiting factor in the livestock sector in the country is improving production parameters such as calving rates and off-take percentage. These obviously will not be impacted by the import of livestock.
The declined national herd will also not be assisted by the importation of the livestock. It would have been advisable that current critical challenges be addressed and the growth of the sector be progressed gradually to the desired levels.
*Dr Micus Chimbombi is the Vice President of the Botswana National Front. He is also the former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and formerly, the Ministry’s director of Animal Health and Production
