01 Aug 2024

Ms Hilda Motsipa, Acting Director of Animal Production in the Ministry of Agriculture, says over 17 000 semen straws have been collected from bulls recently procured from Texas. 

She said this during her presentation to a visiting delegation from Zambia on Wednesday at the Ramatlabama Artificial Insemination and Training Centre.

Responding to inquiries from the Zambian delegation on Botswana’s decision to purchase live animals instead of opting for semen straws, Ms Motsipa emphasised various critical factors influencing the choice. “Genetics is constantly evolving, especially in beef cattle, and it is crucial that Botswana keeps pace with market demands and trends,” she stated.

Ms Motsipa highlighted the significant role of climate change, noting, “Since our first consignment of American bulls prior to our independence in 1966, cattle breeders have successfully improved genetics to adapt to current climatic conditions.”

The acting director also pointed out that the introduction of the new bulls would enable farmers to enhance the genetic quality of their herds, thereby preventing inbreeding that could occur when a single bull was used over extended periods.

 Zambia Ambassador to Botswana Ms Pamela Chisanga, raised concerns regarding the choice to buy live animals rather than the ostensibly cheaper semen straws. 

In response, Ms Motsipa clarified that live cattle are, in fact, more economical, as one bull could produce an average of 60 000 straws.

“This substantial quantity of semen allows us to service local farmers at subsidized rates while tapping into the international market,” Ms Motsipa explained.

Looking ahead, she revealed that Botswana was preparing to export semen, with several countries already expressing interest. 

Additionally, Ms Motsipa detailed plans for utilizing heifers to harvest embryos, enabling farmers to purchase purebred animals with the option to have embryos implanted into their existing livestock.

 She affirmed that embryo transplants would be conducted at the center, where state-of-the-art laboratory facilities were available. Ends