How a transatlantic collaboration yielded 305 heifers in just 3 years
Today, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research held the unveiling ceremony for Dr. Curtis R Youngs, Morrill Professor, and Chair of International Animal Agriculture at Iowa State University for his outstanding contribution to our dairy sector through the techniques of Assisted Reproductive biotechnologies (ARB). Professor Curtis’s contribution came into full recognition when the Assisted Reproductive Biotechnology laboratory at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center was named and unveiled in his honor by the hands of Dr Dagne Mojo, Center Director, Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Dr. Dejene Girma, Director of the Ag-biotech research, and accompanied by his three sons, Professor Curtis himself.
Professor Curtis made a total of eight transatlantic trips to Ethiopia since 2013, trained our researchers in reproductive biotechnologies, donated critical laboratory equipment, reagents, and consumables. As a result, the animal biotech team was able to apply the technology under farmer and ranch conditions and a total of 305 heifers were born in just 3 years.
Earlier in the day, the dairy farm of a 26-year-old dairy farmer called Cherinet located in Dukum area was visited by the team. Ato Cherinet was one of the recipients of the sexed semen technology and with the support of the animal biotech team, he was able to get about 20 replacement heifers. Dr. Tamirat Degefa, lead researcher at DZARC called Professor Curtis’s contribution a “milestone” and said, “these replacement heifers are the fruits of artificial insemination augmented with the sexed semen technology”. The sexed semen and the hormone for synchronization for this project was donated by ABS Global and Zoetis company.
Speaking at the farm, Professor Curtis said, “I am honored and delighted to be here with you today and highly encouraged by the progress made so far by the animal biotech team and the commitment of this young dairy farmer”. “Such farmers are leaders amongst the farming community and would contribute to the dairy needs in Ethiopia”. Prof Curtis said.
On behalf of the Institute, Dr. Dejene Girma, Director of the Ag-biotech research hailed the animal biotech team’s commitment and thanked Professor Curtis for his remarkable service. Today’s event was all about EIAR’s unwavering commitment and excellence in service to our dairy farming community. Dr. Dagne Mojo, applauded the success brought by the animal biotech team and expressed gratitude to Professor Curtis who tirelessly travelled to Ethiopia to share his rich experience in assisted reproductive biotechnologies.
