Guyana has received the first shipment of 300 pregnant heifers from Brazil under the government’s national herd expansion programme, a major initiative aimed at increasing the country’s cattle population and strengthening the livestock industry.
The programme provides for the procurement of 1,000 pregnant heifers to enhance the national breeding herd and support increased beef and dairy production.
The Ministry of Agriculture said that the procurement was executed through the national tendering process and that a total of four bids were received including three international bidders.
It said that following the evaluation process, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) awarded the contract to Coopera of Brazil at a price of GU$245,000 (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents)per pregnant heifer.
The ministry said that the animals have successfully completed all required veterinary health inspections, testing and quarantine procedures prior to export and satisfy Guyana’s animal health import requirements.
The first consignment is currently being transported to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Breeding and Research Centre at Ebini, Berbice River, where the animals will become part of the national breeding programme designed to improve the country’s genetic stock and expand cattle production.
‘This investment reflects the Government’s continued commitment to building a modern and resilient livestock industry. By expanding the national herd with quality breeding animals, the initiative will support increased livestock production, improve opportunities for farmers, reduce dependence on imported breeding stock, and contribute to Guyana’s food security objectives.’
The ministry said that the remaining shipments will arrive in keeping with the contractual schedule until the full complement of 1,000 pregnant heifers has been delivered.