In order to improve Artificial Insemination (AI) in Uganda, the National Genetics Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB) has signed a memorandum of understanding with URUS and IOWA State University -both US-based livestock genetics groups to improve the performance of AI and other livestock genetics related activities in the country. URUS is a Latin word for ‘cow’.
NAGRC is the national body responsible for spear heading livestock breeding in the country.
“URUS has vast experience in production, marketing, extension in animal breeding management, bull performance evaluations, business skilling, farmer trainings and has had presence in Uganda since 2018,” Dr William Kabanda from URUS says.
The partnership was announced as part of a one-day training for 50 AI technicians from Wakiso, Luwero and Kampala that was organised at NAGRC, Entebbe on October 6, 2022.
“The purpose of the partnership is to deepen the understanding of the political, economic, cultural, social and environmental issues that influence the functions of the respective institutions and to support the livestock development agenda along appropriate segments of the various livestock value chains,” said Dr Jackson Mubiru who represented NAGRC at the training.
The partnership is also intended to promote interest and adoption of appropriate livestock management technologies through outreach and research institutions.
The training was aimed at re-equipping AI technicians with skills in order to improve their performance.
“Farmers have lost a lot of money paying for more than two services per animal and yet it fails to conceive, this not only wastes money, but also breeding time and delays future benefits like revenue from this cow,” Mubiru said.
The participants were taught how to operate AI breeding services as profit-making venture, interpretation of bull catalogues and the importance of record keeping in AI practices.
At the end of day, the best trainees were awarded with certificates by Dr Loyce Bwambale, a NAGRC board member.
Filed by Joshua Kato
