Published on : 09/07/2022 – 20:39
A few days before Tabaski, the Aïd-el-Kébir feast of the sacrifice of the sheep, France gave, in Senegal, on July 7, a ram and two ewes of the Bizet breed – originating from the Massif Central – received at the Ministry Senegalese Livestock, in Diamniadio, animals that are not meant to be sacrificed or eaten.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Thea Olivier
This is a symbolic gesture that is part of the policy of diversification and genetic improvement of Senegalese livestock, a first for sheep farming in Senegal.
Barely out of their crate, the three French sheep – a male and two females – discover their new host country.
Philippe Lalliot, French Ambassador to Senegal, explains how the Bizet breed was chosen: “ It is a sheep that is very rustic and therefore, it can acclimatise, get used to very different climatic conditions and environments. Besides, it is also a sheep that can produce meat and produce milk. »
Like pregnant heifers imported mainly from ????????.
Thank you to all the actors who contributed to the success of this operation. pic.twitter.com/CcECeAmGeN— France in Senegal ???????????????? (@FranceoSenegal) July 7, 2022
Senegal aims to have more productive livestock through genetic improvement, hence the introduction of these new sheep, welcomes Aly Saleh Diop, Minister of Livestock ” These sheep will be bred in the region of Saint-Louis to measure their degree of adaptation to contact with Senegal. »
The idea is also to crossbreed with local breeds, as has been done with heifers from Europe which have allowed better milk production, a project that excites Ismaila Sow, representative of breeders: “ We will also see if we can make a cross with the sheep we have. There is also the Fulani-Fulani sheep. We can also try crossing them. These are things, in any case, that we will have to study. »
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Breeders also hope that these sheep will eventually help solve the country’s livestock supply problems.
