The creation of the National Buffalo Program, within the Livestock Directorate of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), as well as the efforts being made internationally for the genetic renewal of this species, in order to stimulate small and medium-sized producers, were treated during a meeting held by the minister of the branch Augusto Valderrama with his team of animal health, quarantine, livestock, general and technical secretary.
As a result of the development of the buffalo activity in recent years in Panama, the National Government through MIDA has been interested in providing all the necessary support for the genetic renewal of this species that is about 47 years old after being introduced to the country and there has not been an incentive to encourage producers to continue in the activity.
Manuel González Cano, ministerial adviser and expert on the subject, highlighted that under this interest some areas have been visited, such as Guatemala, to establish contacts with buffalo producers in this region who have ventured into the introduction of genetics from advanced countries such as Italy and India. through semen for genetic improvement.
He explained that it has also been possible to establish contact with a genetic center in Italy, especially with the health authorities of this country to determine the feasibility of whether this genetic center can export to Panama depending on the feasibility or not according to the National Health Directorate. Animal who have already made progress regarding the questionnaires sent to Italy to see if this center is eligible to export genetic material: semen and embryos to Panama but not live animals.
He stressed that live animals could be imported from Guatemala under a strict protocol that would harmonize the Animal Health directorates of both countries.
González stressed that this program will benefit a large group of small producers in terms of live animals such as stallions and heifers and that, on the other hand, the mechanism would be establishing to carry out alternative training related to genetic improvement, facilities, management, feeding and others. .
As part of this journey, a tour to Coclesito, which is one of the most buffalo-producing regions, was scheduled for the first week of January 2023 to see the quality of the animals and establish the new births of the bellies that the National Government has donated and on the 5th is the General Assembly of the National Association of Buffalo Breeders in Panama (ANABUPA) to determine the actions and to be able to carry out in this same month of January 2023 a workshop seminar on the breeding, production, management of the buffalo in the country.
At the beginning of the 70’s, General Omar Torrijos arrived to the lands of Coclesito, specifically to the corregimiento of San José, district of Donoso. Twenty-one buffalo from Trinidad and Tobago arrived in the area, which were donated to the Panamanian government. The animals arrived by plane at the Río Hato runway. Once disembarked, they were taken by truck to the district of La Pintada and from this point they walked for hours until they reached their new destination, Coclesito.
