The Veterinary and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry recently completed a 3-day visit to the sister isle of Carriacou to strengthen animal health care and support the continued development of the Limlair Livestock Facility.
The facility, which was officially opened earlier this year, aims to strengthen livestock production and enhance food security as Grenada works to increase its local protein supply. Herd health assessments, treatment of the animals and training for farm assistants were among the key activities undertaken during the 3-day visit. The visit also included the handover of essential medications, equipment and supplies to support the continued care and management of the purebred animals at the facility.
Dr Donelle Bleasdille-Smith handed over the much-needed medications, equipment and supplies to Senior Agricultural Officer in the Agriculture Division in Carriacou Benson Patrice. The intervention forms part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the animals remain healthy and that staff have the necessary resources to properly manage the facility.
Dr Bleasdille-Smith reaffirmed the commitment of the Veterinary and Livestock Division to provide continued technical support and ensure that the animals remain in good health. “The Veterinary and Livestock Division will continue to send a team once per month to assist with herd health, identify any illnesses and prevent the spread of disease throughout the entire herd.”
Patrice welcomed the support, noting that the medications, equipment and supplies are critical to the continued care and management of the animals at the Limlair Livestock Facility. “I am pleased to receive and accept these medications, equipment and supplies from the Ministry of Agriculture, Grenada. These items are much needed to support the animals here at Limlair and will assist us in maintaining their health and overall wellbeing. We also have Dr Smith here, who will administer the medications and provide training to our farm assistants, who will then be able to assist her in carrying out her duties.”
He expressed appreciation for the continued support, adding, “We are thankful for these medications, equipment and supplies, which will contribute to the continued development of the facility and the overall health and well-being of the animals.”
Farm Manager of the Limlair Livestock Facility Lisa Walker said she appreciates the collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry in Grenada and the Division of Agriculture in Carriacou. “Dr Smith is doing a very good job. We are collaborating well and also using this opportunity to train the workers, which is a key aspect as we strive to make Limlair a centre of excellence. The results of the herd health programme will help to determine when the breeding process can begin.”
Walker noted that there have been no fatalities since the animals were handed over, which she described as a positive indication of their progress.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to reduce reliance on imported feed by producing more feed locally at the Limlair facility. This initiative is expected to support the sustainability of the operation, reduce production costs and strengthen local livestock production.
The Limlair livestock facility is one of the 3 stations making preparations to take Grenada one step closer to greater food security through increased local production.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry
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