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Deputy MInister Zhanda

Elita Chikwati Agriculture Reporter
Government is working on improving and conserving indigenous livestock breeds through monitoring and regulating exports of genetic resources and imports of exotic animals for breeding.

This was said by Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister responsible for livestock Cde Paddy Zhanda yesterday at the Zimbabwe Boran Breeders Society (ZBBS) inaugural auction held at CC Sales in Mt Hampden.

Cde Zhanda said indigenous cattle, rather than exotics, should form the basis of animal production in the country.

“Over the last 50 years, research on comparative performance evaluation of different breeds of beef cattle has shown that indigenous breeds are more productive than exotic types.

“Therefore, it is Government’s policy to safeguard and promote breed improvement and multiplication programmes to meet farmers’ needs and demand.

“Government will protect the intellectual property rights of communities and breed innovators.

“Our indigenous Tuli and the Mashona cattle have been exported to North America and Australia without regard to intellectual property rights,” he said.

He expressed concern that indigenous breeds were also threatened by indiscriminate cross-breeding mainly through uncontrolled introduction of exotic animals in communal and resettlement areas.

There are fears this could lead to loss of adaptation and productivity that existed in the breeds’ indigenous ancestors.

“There is need to concentrate on improving and conserving indigenous breeds.

“Similarly, conservation and protection of wildlife species especially those that are likely to be of agricultural importance in the future, will need to be considered.

“The livestock sector is expected to contribute to the national economic path as clearly outlined in the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset),” he said.

He said there was need to improve pedigree breeds as has happened with the Boran breed.

Boran is a unique breed which is indigenous to East Africa and has unique genetic composition from Zebu, European Bos Taurus and African Bos Taurus.

Deputy Minister Zhanda commended the ZBBS for promoting adoption of locally adaptive high performing pedigree breeds in Zimbabwe.

He said the distribution of the Boran throughout the country would improve yield and meat quality.