{"id":35349,"date":"2025-04-20T10:24:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-20T10:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/35349\/"},"modified":"2025-04-20T10:24:10","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T10:24:10","slug":"panama-is-committed-to-improving-its-buffalo-herd-with-italian-genetics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/35349\/","title":{"rendered":"Panama Is Committed To Improving Its Buffalo Herd With Italian Genetics –"},"content":{"rendered":"

(MENAFN<\/a>– Newsroom Panama)
\n Panama <\/strong> : <\/strong> In a bid to strengthen and improve the country’s buffalo genetics, the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) has begun an ambitious project with the importation of semen from Italy. Recently, the National Livestock Directorate of Panama completed the purchase of 1,500 straws of Mediterranean buffalo semen from Italy, as part of an ambitious program seeking to transform buffalo farming in Panama. This is a key investment to modernize the buffalo sector, with a view to increasing milk production, improving animal quality, and boosting herd performance nationwide. It would also allow for the breeding of between 500 and 600 calves.
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The project’s intention is to promote genetic renewal in the buffalo herd in Panama,\u201d said Sara Feliu\u0301, national director of Livestock. <\/strong> <\/p>\n

She explained that they have already begun a process of data collection, organizing producer groups, and evaluating animals. They are also beginning the first heat synchronizations to launch artificial insemination programs. \u201cThe idea is to continue the program in the different areas where the country’s largest buffalo population is concentrated, such as Bocas del Toro, Colo\u0301n, Veraguas, and Darie\u0301n, primarily,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Italy is a World Reference in Buffalo Genetics <\/strong> <\/p>\n

The choice of Italy as the supplier is no coincidence. According to the official, for many years, Italy has traditionally worked on the genetic improvement of buffalo, seeking to produce high-quality buffalo milk primarily for cheese production. It should be noted that the original mozzarella cheese is made from buffalo milk, which has high levels of fat and protein. In Panama, buffalo breeding dates back to the 1970s, although only since 2023, Feliu\u0301 recalled, has it been formally integrated into MIDA’s genetic improvement program. To date, 75 cattle have been delivered to small farmers in Colo\u0301n and Cocle\u0301 as part of the\u201cBuffalo Breeding and Management in Panama\u201d subprogram. <\/p>\n



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According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Livestock (MIDA), buffalo in Panama are well adapted to the country’s climatic conditions and are used for both meat and milk production. In recent years, their breeding has experienced sustained growth, driven by the interest in diversifying livestock farming and making better use of available natural resources. However, the MIDA director of livestock noted that few buffalo producers have ventured into the practice of genetic improvement using reproductive biotechnologies such as artificial insemination, even though this is the way to improve indicators in this livestock production.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know that improving indicators such as weaning weight, increased milk production, and improved herd lifespan requires further exploration into this activity. That’s why the Livestock Directorate is preparing to perform the first inseminations after several months of planning.\u201d <\/strong> <\/p>\n

More than 9,000 Buffalo Currently Roam in Panama <\/strong> <\/p>\n



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Currently, there are an estimated 9,729 buffalo in Panama, distributed among 66 producers. The provinces with the largest number of animals are Bocas del Toro and Darie\u0301n, although the largest concentration of producers is between Colo\u0301n and Los Santos. The predominant breeds are Murrah, Mediterranean, Jafarabadi, Buffalo, and crosses between these, which provide greater adaptability, hardiness, and higher production in their offspring. This achievement, the official explained, was achieved with the help of the 11 regional offices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Livestock (MIDA), which carried out the necessary fieldwork.<\/p>\n

Lean and Healthy Meat <\/strong> <\/p>\n

In addition to the genetic approach, MIDA highlights the nutritional advantages of buffalo meat compared to beef:<\/p>\n