09 Jan 2026

The bulls and heifers purchased by the government from the United States and Australia over two years ago are in good condition at the Ramatlabama National Artificial Insemination Laboratory and Training Centre.

A total of 140 bulls and 21 heifers were imported from Texas, along with an additional 23 bulls and 68 heifers from Australia, all aimed at enhancing the genetic makeup of the local herd. However, some losses have been reported.

Mr Tirelo Leisi, the principal scientific officer at the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, noted a mortality rate of three per cent among the bulls from Texas, translating to eight animals, along with four from Australia and one heifer.

On a positive note, the laboratory has seen the successful birth of 37 calves from various breeds of heifers through artificial insemination. Mr Leisi emphasised the importance of inseminating the heifers first to ensure their fertility rate, even though they were initially intended for embryo transfer for accelerated genetic progress.

Another development,  he mentioned was the small stock laboratory, designed for semen and embryo transfer, has been completed at Ramatlabama.

”We just need more staff that will be dedicated to working with small stock,” Mr Leisi said, indicating that some bucks from Lobu small stock farm in Middlepits will be utilised for semen collection.

Additionally, 66 bulls have been selected for training and semen tapping, with the Brahman breed identified as particularly challenging to train.

However, space has become a concern, as Mr Leisi explained that the 624-hectare farm is currently home to 305 live cattle, along with some small stock. BOPA