The cattle were bought by the government to revive the livestock sub-sector and ensure value chain development within the sector by improving the national herd and its genetic merit. The cattle are currently housed at Ramatlabama National AI Laboratory. When the cattle arrived in Botswana in May, the acquisition sparked debate. President Mokgweetsi Masisi then gave himself a pat on the back for a job well done and assured Batswana that these animals are elite, of superior genetics, and will adapt well to the local environment as they are from a state in the USA that has almost similar climatic conditions to that of Botswana.
Speaking at the National Agric Show on Friday at Sebele, Agriculture minister, Fidelis Molao said the animals are looked after and adapting very well to the Botswana environment. “It was indeed a worthy investment. This is a reminder that these cattle will be used in the production of germplasm in the form of embryos and semen for both domestic use and export markets. The semen will be made available to all Batswana across the country,” he said. He said the cattle in Ramatlabama from Texas are a compliment and a testament to the revised artificial insemination programme. “The programme is aimed at addressing the decline in the national herd. Some critical objectives of this programme are the upgrading of the laboratory into an export facility and centre for excellence to conserve, and promote indigenous breeds such as Mositswana, and Dithuli and to build capacity for our extension officers and farmers alike,” Molao pointed out.
