The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre & Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) is set to exhibit its modern animal breeds and provide access to genetic solutions that will improve on the production and productivity of the livestock of farmers.

This will be during the 28th National Agricultural show from August 5-14 at the Jinja show grounds being held under the theme, “Fostering Resilient Commercial Agriculture for Agro-industrialization and Wealth Creation.”

The Centre said it intends through the training and information imparted at this show to point farmers and the rest of the target audience into the direction of commercial agriculture and wealth creation opportunities from their various enterprises.

“The target audience is the general public, farmers, academia, students, researchers, government ministries/ Agencies, and potential development partners/alliances,” reads a media note from NAGRC&DB.

Participants will experience training and exposure to the various products and facilities offered by NAGRC&DB such as poultry which has been identified as one of the areas that can transform household livelihoods by improving nutrition and as a source of income.

The Kuroiler is a dual- purpose bird producing both eggs and meat. It has higher growth rates and mature weights than the indigenous local chicken, making it economical for small scale poultry farmers.

NAGRC&DB supports dairy farming as a business which is lucrative and highly profitable due to the increasing and ready market for dairy products.

“At the showgrounds, training on managing a profitable dairy farming business will be ongoing and farmers will be equipped with knowledge on the best breeds, practices that will produce quality dairy products cost effectively,” said the institution.

On display will be the best cattle beef breeds ranging from the indigenous, crossbreeds and pure breeds.

The National Pig Program is showcasing improved quality breeds of pigs and training on how to increase productivity of pig products to meet local demands and free more pork for export.

The small ruminants (goats) aim at improving both the production of high-quality dairy and meat. NAGRC&DB is currently promoting goat production through raising an elite parent stock.

NAGRC&DB is also currently working on fish species for genetic improvement through selective breeding. At the show, training will be carried out to show farmers how to manage a profitable fish farming business.

The Apiculture unit for the production of food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic grade products will be on display. NAGRC&DB intervention on apiculture is meant to conserve bee biodiversity through usage of modern apiculture practices.

Rabbitry unit has been introduced as an important cost-effective enterprise. On display, the institution will have the house/structures for the rabbits, type of feeds or nutrition best for this enterprise and the best breeds to rear.

The National Bull stud whose main objective is to improve the quality of livestock in the country for Dairy, Beef and Dual purpose has training opportunities available for technicians, farmers and students on artificial insemination programs.

Other modern breeding technologies such as Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfers (MOET) will be showcased, focusing on the advantage of this service which enables cows to produce up to 100 calves as compared to normal cycles in its lifetime producing quality breeds that are disease resistant which the market demands by taking advantage of good genetics in female livestock.