From Idris Khalid, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has hosted Mr. Ian Holderness from London, a representative of ESTROTECH, who visited the project to showcase innovative technologies aimed at improving cattle reproductive management and livestock productivity.
During the visit, Holderness made a detailed presentation on cattle heat detection patches, a technology designed to help livestock farmers and Artificial Insemination practitioners accurately determine when cows and heifers are on heat and ready for breeding.
The specially designed patches are attached to cattle and detect mounting activity associated with oestrus. The technology is expected to assist farmers in accurately timing Artificial Insemination, potentially improving conception rates and reproductive efficiency in both dairy and beef cattle production.
Welcoming the Estrotech representative, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Musa Adamu One, expressed appreciation for the visit and the company’s interest in introducing modern livestock technologies to Bauchi State.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the Communication and ICT Officer of L-PRES, Bauchi, Mohammed Abdul, Adamu One stressed the importance of adopting innovative and practical technologies capable of strengthening livestock production and improving farmers’ productivity.
He said improved reproductive management was critical to increasing livestock productivity, particularly through effective Artificial Insemination and other modern breeding interventions.
The interaction also provided an opportunity for technical staff and relevant stakeholders to engage with the Estrotech representative, ask questions and gain a better understanding of the application and potential benefits of the heat detection technology within local livestock production systems.
The heat detection patches were presented in different colours, with the colour changes designed to provide indications relating to mounting activity and help farmers identify animals that are in heat and ready for breeding.
The presentation further highlighted other livestock products and technologies developed to support animal health, growth and farm management, including products designed to help control indoor and outdoor insects and improve animal health.
Some of the products displayed were also said to have applications in improving livestock growth and health when administered according to recommended procedures.
The Project said the visit underscored its commitment to exploring innovative technologies, private-sector partnerships and modern livestock management practices capable of improving the productivity, resilience and profitability of livestock enterprises in the state.
L-PRES also expressed readiness to examine relevant technologies and partnerships that align with the objectives of the project and the livestock development agenda of Bauchi State.
