New Training Programme Targets Decline In Livestock Insemination Services
There has been a significant decline in artificial insemination services for livestock in Trinidad and Tobago.
That’s according to Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram at the opening ceremony for the Artificial Insemination Training Programme on Thursday.
He noted that there has been a decline in the number of technical officers in recent times.
« Many of our trained inseminators have exited the service or are nearing retirement. This has created a technical gap that threatens the continuity and reach of artificial insemination services across Trinidad. »
Minister Ratiram endorsed the training, saying it has come at the right time.
« This initiative aligns squarely with the Ministry’s broader objectives to modernise livestock production systems, improve domestic meat and milk supply, reduce import dependence and strengthen rural livelihoods through more productive and profitable farming enterprises. It also supports our commitments under regional and international frameworks that promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate-smart production systems. »
The Minister also explained the importance of artificial insemination in agriculture.
« It allows us to, access superior genetic material without the cost and biosecurity risks of live animal importation, improve key performance traits such as milk yield, growth rate, carcass quality, and reproductive efficiency and strengthen climate resilience by enabling the selection of animals better adapted to heat stress and local production systems. »
The Artificial Insemination Programme was launched on Thursday at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, located at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope.
