OUDTSHOORN NEWS - The appointed Eastern Africa Representative for Karoo Livestock Export, Henry Carlos attended the recent International Junior Boerbok course on the farm Chandelier, outside Oudtshoorn.

Carlos is an independent livestock enterprise development consultant based in Kenya and spoke to Oudtshoorn Courant after completing the intense, two-day course. The course was offered under the auspices of the South African Boergoat Breeders Association (SABTV) with two judges from SABTV as course leaders, Gerrie Ferreira and Nicky Nell, present.

"I enjoyed every aspect of the course, learned a lot, and networked with other breeders from Africa, and South Africa. My objective is to breed full blood, Boer-, Kalahari red-, and savannah goats, as well as Meatmaster- and Dorper sheep in Eastern Africa."

According to him, the Arab nations are currently the highest consumer of goat meat products from Kenya. "At Masaku H&L we work with the government, community and financial institutions to empower local farmers, goat farming is a very lucrative business for small farmers in Africa."

Carlos further explains that it is very important for them as an export company to ensure they only work with producers of top genetics for their farmers. "We predict to import approximately 10.000 animals by the end of 2025. The demand for cattle meat in Kenya is growing also, and we look at the top genetics in Angus, Bonsmara, and Boran cattle."

Exploring new technology is also a priority. "We are exploring semen harvesting, and storage, embryo harvesting, and storage, as well as AI technology. Kenya has clear protocols for sheep and goat genetics." Carlos concluded that the South African High Commission in Kenya has been highly supportive of their initiatives to further cattle export, and import in Kenya. "We are in the process of planning a major event, coming October 2024, and we expect more South African breeders to participate. We look forward to opening more opportunities for South African breeders, and farms.

‘Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Hessequa, Karoo nuus’