The cattle imported from the United States and Australia to improve Botswana’s national herd have largely adapted well to local environmental conditions, with successful semen harvesting underway. This was revealed by Minister of Lands and Agriculture Edwin Dikoloti in Parliament, in response to a question from Maun West MP Carterpillar Hikuama, who sought an update on the health, adaptation, and accessibility of the high-value livestock and their genetics.
Minister Dikoloti confirmed that the imported cattle are in good health overall, although some losses have been recorded. From the American consignment of 140 bulls and 21 heifers delivered in May 2023, seven bulls and two heifers died—mainly from suspected tickborne infections—leaving a total of 133 bulls and 19 heifers. Only three calves have been born so far from the U.S. cattle, which the minister attributed to the young age of the heifers upon arrival. However, he added that 82 heifers have been inseminated during the ongoing 2024/25 breeding season, which could significantly improve calving rates.
In the case of the Australian consignment, which comprised 23 bulls, 68 heifers and one calf, five animals have died—including one heifer fatally struck by a farm worker’s vehicle—while nine calves have since been born. One of the calves died from suspected pneumonia.
To date, a total of 130,170 semen straws have been harvested from the imported bulls. Despite this success, the Ministry has not yet begun supplying local farmers with the semen due to pending Cabinet approval of pricing structures. Minister Dikoloti assured Parliament that the approval process is underway and once concluded, distribution will begin.
The MP for Maun West also asked whether the government intends to distribute the improved genetics beyond the Ramatlabama facility to ensure national access. In response, the minister confirmed that there are plans to make semen, embryos, and even offspring widely available across the country. The government aims to ensure equitable access for all farmers, regardless of location.
In addressing concerns around affordability and accessibility for smallholder farmers—who constitute the majority of Botswana’s cattle owners—Minister Dikoloti said the government operates artificial insemination (AI) centers nationwide, each allowing a farmer to inseminate up to ten heifers or cows at a time. AI services and semen are sold at subsidized rates to encourage uptake.
To expand reach and improve service delivery, the Ministry is considering outsourcing AI-related extension services, subject to budget and cost-efficiency. Farmers are also encouraged to purchase their own AI equipment, such as canisters, to facilitate on-farm insemination.
Minister Dikoloti emphasized that while the program has encountered some early challenges, particularly with animal health and delayed semen distribution, the long-term vision remains intact: to strengthen the genetic quality of Botswana’s national herd and improve productivity in the cattle industry.
