Embryo transfer paying great dividends in Guyana’s cattle industry

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,
To date, 20 calves have been produced through the embryo transfer method, which began in Guyana about a year ago. This is really a wonderful success story for the Agriculture Ministry through its work with the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA). Embryo transfer is an ever changing and expanding field that started in 1951, but took until the 1970s for the first calf to be commercially produced in England. The commercial embryo transfer industry in North America developed in the early 1970’s with the introduction of exotic European breeds of cattle. Embryo transfer is basically used to exploit the genetics of the female in the same way that frozen semen was used to exploit the genetics of the male.
As the technology developed and improved, embryo transplant became more commonplace and affordable. It was used for genetic improvement rather than for increasing numbers of a particular breed or phenotype.
Today, it is the main method of moving genetic matings around the world.
Guyana getting to this level is truly a big leap. It has a number of positives to capitalise on too: economic means of transporting genetics versus live animals on planes; zero risk for disease transmission; offspring adapt better to new environments when born and raised there; offspring born with immunity to local disease (from recipient); and buyers can purchase genetics from elite cows that are not for sale.
The government is spending billions of dollars yearly in the agriculture sector and is placing major emphasis on improving the number and quality of livestock locally.
Guyana is faring well in terms of food security, but nothing must be left to chance. In fact, amidst so much success, Guyana’s food importation bill is still quite high – US$ 200 million. With more and better quality meat produced locally, there should be a reduction in this bill.
Yours sincerely,
Sayeed Mustapha

Related posts