EASTERN PROVINCE RWAMAGANA — Authorities in the Rwamagana District say the number of indigenous cattle breeds is still high. A recent domestic animals census in the district revealed that there are 3,353 head of cattle comprising of 2,456 local breeds, 392 exotic breed and 505 cross-breeds. The new breeds are distributed through Ubudehe, and the cattle stocking programmes of Send a Cow and the Heifer Project International. The animal census was conducted in conjunction with the National Institute of Statistics. Richard Niyomwungeri, the district’s Director of Planning and Economic Development said they carried out the census to pave way for modern livestock farming. Talking on The New Times at the weekend, Niyomwungeri, said the statistics will inform policy making at the local levels on the progress and where redress is needed. Niyomwungeri disclosed that the district has embarked on artificial insemination to increase the number of cross-breed cattle. At least 2015 cows have so far been inseminated. Ends
