Imported Livestock To Aid Breeding

By Richard MutumbaTHE Government will soon import 300 improved breed of Boran and Sahiwal bulls from Kenya and 500 goats from South Africa in a bid to improve the quality of local breeds, MPs heard yesterday.The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, David Obongo, told the Parliamentary Committee on public accounts that the tendering process for the acquisition of the animals had been completed. Ministry officials led by Obongo appeared before the committee to answer the Auditor General’s queries on the accounts of the ministry. The meeting took place at the Parliament Building.“We are importing this breed of bulls to be able to produce what the market is yearning for, which is quality beef,” Obongo said.He also said the bulls would be on government farms around the country. He said the idea was to avoid or control animal diseases.Obongo said the Government decided to import 500 white goats with brown patches. He said 300 of the imported goats shall be male and 200 female.Ends