Panama Government Invests $319,000 In 116 Breeding Bulls To Strengthen Livestock Farming -

(MENAFN- Newsroom Panama) Approximately 116 high-quality genetic breeding bulls, representing a total investment of $319,000.00, intended to strengthen livestock production, were delivered to national producers by the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), through the program“A Better Breeding Bull.” Of the total, 50 specimens correspond to Zebu breeds; 25 to the Beefmaster breed; 21 to Angus and Brangus breeds, and 20 to dairy breeds, all with the ability to adapt to the diverse climatic conditions of the country's productive regions. The data comes from the program report, released this Tuesday, December 23, by the National Directorate of Livestock, corresponding to the period between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025.

The objective of the A Better Stud program is to contribute to the genetic improvement of small farmers' farms by replacing the existing stud with one of better genetic quality: Zebu beef, dairy and European beef. According to data from MIDA, this program seeks to increase the productivity of herds, unify national criteria regarding the organization and systematization of genetic improvement actions in the country, according to national perspectives and the production potential of each specific area. Furthermore, it addresses the needs of small livestock farmers who, due to economic problems and a lack of guidance in targeted crossbreeding, do not obtain high genetic value breeding stock, nor do they adopt cutting-edge technologies such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and others.

Genetic Improvement and Technical Support

According to the report, unlike previous administrations, MIDA, under the leadership of Minister Roberto Linares, has prioritized technical support and reproductive monitoring of the beneficiary farms. The report specifies that, just six months after the deliveries were made, 58% of the participating farms were evaluated, with relevant results: of 965 females evaluated, a 53% pregnancy rate was achieved, equivalent to 512 cows. “These figures guarantee that the introduced genetic material is fulfilling its multiplying function effectively,” highlights the technical report from the National Directorate of Livestock, an entity headed by Dr. Sara Feliú, with the mission of promoting and strengthening animal production with projects and programs aimed at improving the productivity and competitiveness of small and medium-sized producers, through eco-friendly technologies.

During this cycle, 9,072 births were reported from 813 studs delivered in previous years (2021-2024), representing an average of 11 offspring per stud, according to the data provided. Finally, the National Director of Livestock reported that by 2026, MIDA will launch new projects focused on improving production systems for small livestock and strengthening the integrated management of livestock. Feliú indicated that these initiatives include strengthening technical capacity through the constant updating of knowledge and continuous training of technicians, as part of the process to strengthen agricultural extension at the national level.

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