The Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) has begun its genetics program to improve the size of its small ruminant herds (sheep and goats), as well as improve the herds' genetic quality, BAMSI said in a statement yesterday.

BAMSI's veterinarian Dr. Mark Butler said in the statement that improving the herds' genetic quality will lead to higher-quality meat production.

"Health and production are tied together like husband and wife," said Butler.

"If animals are unhealthy, they don't produce. We use proven herd health criteria to select the best and healthiest animals to breed.

"We separated the female goats (does) and female sheep (ewes) and selected those animals we thought, based on those criteria, were the best to breed, keeping in mind the ease of getting pregnant and carrying the pregnancy to term. Selection for breeding is a crucial step in the process."

The statement explained that BAMSI currently has herds of sheep and goats totaling 197.

BAMSI said that over the next six months, purebred genetics will be introduced into the herds to enhance their quality, thereby enhancing the meat production.

"BAMSI's long-term goal is to operate as a feeder herd, providing local farmers with high-quality small ruminants to kickstart their local ventures," the statement said.

"The goal is to maintain a core herd at the North Andros farm while offering livestock to farmers, ensuring both quality and genetic diversity in their herds and across The Bahamas. The farmers can grow the animals for food or breed them to expand their herd."

Butler said they hope to have the first breeding in Andros completed by November.

"Increased small ruminant production can reduce the importation of animals," he said.

"With better meat quality, local restaurants may be more inclined to buy locally, but this will not happen if animals are of low quality."

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