Support of Artificial Insemination and Increase of Efficiency of Cattle Breeds

Donor : Czech Development Agency

Implementation period: 2011 - 2013

Budget: approx. CZK 8.5 mil

In Zambia agriculture is not subsidized, but world agricultural commodity prices apply here. Purchase price of milk is around CZK 10. There are nearly no obstacles for big or small farmers, the cost of farming due to the climatic conditions are very low. Agricultural commodities are very interesting, and there is large demand for the intensification of production and increase of performance. Our team had to formulate the project that would reflect this need. Among several possible alternatives, we decided for artificial insemination because the Czech Republic is one of the world leaders in this field. The aim was revitalization of the breeding center in Mazabuka, introduction of production of insemination doses, their quarantine, recording and storage, and the system of selection of breeding animals and their veterinary checks. Two years later, these activities were followed by another independent project that supported the existing activities by building a sales network in the field through training of insemination technicians and awareness among farmers. First, in the southern part of the country, where there are many large commercial farms and then elsewhere with the use of health centers that were built within previous projects.