Tabaski in Senegal: Bizet sheep to improve Senegalese livestock
Donation of French sheep to Senegal, on the eve of Tabaski, received at the Senegalese Ministry of Livestock, in Diamniadio, July 7, 2022. © Théa Ollivier/RFI
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
A few days before Tabaski, the Aïd-el-Kébir feast of the sacrifice of the sheep, France gave, in Senegal, on July 7, a ram and two ewes of the Bizet breed - originating from the Massif Central - received at the Ministry Senegalese Livestock, in Diamniadio, animals that are not meant to be sacrificed or eaten.
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With our correspondent in Dakar,
Théa Ollivier
This is a symbolic gesture that is part of the policy of diversification and genetic improvement of Senegalese livestock, a first for sheep farming in Senegal.
Barely out of their crate, the three French sheep – a male and two females – discover their new host country.
Philippe Lalliot, French Ambassador to Senegal, explains how the Bizet breed was chosen: "
It's a sheep that is very hardy and therefore can acclimatise, get used to very different climatic conditions and environments. .
Besides, it is also a sheep that can produce meat and produce milk.
»
Like pregnant heifers imported mainly from 🇫🇷.
Thank you to all the actors who contributed to the success of this operation.
pic.twitter.com/CcECeAmGeN
— France in Senegal 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceoSenegal) July 7, 2022
Senegal aims to have more productive livestock through genetic improvement, hence the introduction of these new sheep, welcomes Aly Saleh Diop, Minister of Livestock "
These sheep will be raised in the region of Saint-Louis to measure their degree of adaptation to contact with Senegal.
»
The idea is also to crossbreed with local breeds, as has been done with heifers from Europe which have enabled better milk production, a project which excites Ismaila Sow, representative of breeders: "
We will also see if we can make a cross with the sheep we have.
There is also the Fulani-Fulani sheep.
We can also try crossing them.
These are things, in any case, that we will have to study.
»
Read also: Senegal: thousands of requests for financial or material assistance for Tabaski
Breeders also hope that these sheep will eventually help solve the country's livestock supply problems.
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