Botswana: Swissgenetics supports the development of local cattle breeding

Cattle breeding in Botswana continues to develop under demanding climatic conditions. Swissgenetics is supporting this development through on-site embryo transfer work, technical support and targeted training for local teams.

Kenan Kocer, Export Sales Manager

Clear goals at Brookside Farm

The project took the Swissgenetics team to Brookside Farm near Gaborone. The farm keeps around 300 Holstein and Red Holstein animals and is pursuing a clear goal: to further develop the herd, improve milk yield and advance the herd’s genetic quality in a targeted way.

Cattle breeding on the rise

From an economic point of view, Botswana is one of the emerging countries in Sub Saharan Africa. The country has a long tradition of cattle farming. While beef production continues to play a central role, some farms are now also developing their dairy enterprise. In dry conditions, especially in partly extensive systems, choosing the right genetics is becoming more and more crucial.

Embryo transfer under local conditions

The project focused on the export and subsequent transfer of embryos directly on the farm. The work was supported by an embryo transfer specialist from Swissgenetics. The procedures were carefully prepared and carried out under local conditions, often early in the morning before the heat of the day set in.

Knowledge transfer and training

Alongside technical work, a training course in artificial insemination was organised together with the farm team. Theory and practice were combined directly on site in order to build local skills and help the team work more independently.

Partnership for sustainable development

The collaboration with Brookside Farm shows how Swiss genetics, technical expertise and local experience can work together. Projects like this are an important step towards long term, practical and sustainable development of cattle breeding.

Our sincere thanks go to the team in Botswana for their warm welcome, trust and constructive cooperation, and to the Swissgenetics team for their dedicated work on site.