MONTEGO BAY, Nov. 11 (JIS): Efforts to increase the herd size of the Jamaica Black cattle breed is reaping success, marking a significant stride in fortifying Jamaica’s livestock sector, says Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green. This, he noted, has been achieved through strategic interventions, including the implementation of artificial insemination techniques at key research institutions such as Bodles in St. Catherine and Montpelier in St. James. Mr. Green said the Jamaica Black and other unique cattle breeds, developed by renowned Jamaican scientist, Dr. Thomas P. Lecky, have been under threat, which prompted swift action by the Ministry to increase the herd size. The Minister was speaking at the 22nd staging of the Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival at Minard Estate in Brown’s Town, St. Ann, on Thursday (November 10). Mr. Green advised that “we have been working with Bodles, Minard and the Cattle Breeders Association, firstly targeting our Jamaica Black line, because that was the line that was our greatest threat.” He expressed satisfaction with the progress made thus far and stressed the significance and importance of preserving this line, pointing out that its loss would be detrimental to the cattle sector. “We’ve been working with our Montpelier Research Station, using artificial insemination to build back the herd size of our Jamaica Black line; and I must say we are pleased with the progress of that. We are pleased to see that the Jamaica Black is coming back,” he noted. Minister Green commended the research team at Montpelier for their dedication and success. He also acknowledged the achievements of the team at Minard and the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB)in their genetic improvement initiatives across all cattle lines, including Jamaica Black, Brahman, and Red Poll. Mr. Green informed that the birth of 22 calves through the genetic improvement programme was achieved last year, and projected an even higher yield of 25 calves expected this December. Expressing concern for the Jamaica Hope line, he disclosed plans to appoint a team led by Byron Lawrence from the JDDB, which will collaborate with researchers at Bodles to focus on the genetic enhancement of the breed that he said holds critical importance in the dairy sector. Mr. Green said he anticipates that the team will commence work this year and extend into the next financial year. “By the time we come back to Minard next year, we should be able to give a report on what is happening with our Jamaica Hope, as we will lose none of our lines. What we will do is build them and ensure that they are strengthened,” the Minister declared. Mr. Green added that the Ministry will continue its drive to expand production in the livestock sector through the National Livestock Genetic Improvement and Breeding Technology Programme.

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