AT least 20 communal and commercial farmers in Mhangura are expected to benefit from Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT)’s free artificial insemination programme aimed at boosting beef and dairy herds with better breeds.

The pilot project is being bankrolled by ZB Bank targeting two beasts per farmer with hopes of supporting more farmers across the province.

This comes as the two institutions are aiming to augment the Government’s agriculture turnaround strategy. Local farmers lauded the project which is also going to help build cattle herds that were wiped by tick-borne diseases.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inception of the project which runs until this Friday at Deerhurst Farm in Mhangura, a beneficiary Mrs Thandiwe Mauhy said the insemination project was a commendable move that was going to improve local breeds.

“This is a commendable project as we were used to seeing and hearing about such initiatives taking place in areas like Matabeleland provinces. The breeds that we have here are not lucrative for beef and dairy businesses thus the insemination is greatly appreciated,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mr Daniel Masango of Rivington Farm, who is currently working on building his cattle herd after losing over 30 out of 60, said he was expecting to buy more adapted breeds.

The farmers are also hoping to utilise improved water sources and pastures that are going to be realised as a result of normal-to-above normal rainfall expected this season.

CUT’s animal production and technology expert, Professor James Madzimure said the university had selected four breeds for insemination that these would sustain local farmers.

“We have selected four out of the 12 breeds which we think the farmers are able to sustain in terms of nutrition demand, survivability and disease resistance. We are promoting the Brahman, Mashona, Tuli and the Boran,” he said.

Prof Madzimure also encouraged farmers to keep working with veterinary officers to avoid livestock deaths.

“One of the key things that farmers should do during this rainy season when the outbreak of tick borne diseases is severe, is to dip cattle regularly,” he said.

Farmers in Zvimba, Mhondoro, Chegutu and other parts of the country lost their herds to Theileriosis with the cause being sporadic dipping owing to the collapse of dipping facilities in areas.

ZB Bank official, Mr Ignatious Musendo said the financial institution would expand the pilot project as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Before insemination, CUT staff from the animal production and technology department checked the animals’ history and pregnancy testing using the rectal palpation before insemination.