In the move to increase export of beef products to regional markets, government has ordered 1,000 straws of semen to crossbreed with the local animals.

The semen Santa Gertrudis is said to produce leading breeds of cross-breed cattle. These breeds can also cope with harsh conditions.

Theogene Rutagwenda,  Director General of Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority (RARDA) said that the semen will be in the country in a few days.

"Government is committed to develop and organise beef production through crossbreeding with the best beef animals across the world,” he said.

The semen will be provided to private people who want to breed cattle for beef.

Rutagwenda said cattle keepers will enjoy the benefits of increased production from the breeds of Santa Gertrudis.

In the same move to promote the industry, locals in Kirehe districts consolidated their land of about 300 hectares where 500 animals including breeds of Brahman and Bonsmara are kept for beef production.

Another business man imported Simmental breed from Austria and is currently keeping 100 animals from the breed.

According to Rutagwenda, Rwanda has been exporting cattle for beef production from neighbouring countries. In 2006, some 49,000 animals were exported, 88,000 and 86,000 exported in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

Recently Rwanda was certified to export beef after the inspection by experts from the World Animal Health Organisation visited the country.

The team was tasked to determine whether veterinary services in the country met international standards. Both private and government owned veterinary laboratories were inspected.

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