المملكة: Launching the genetic map of Najdi sheep to increase productivity and disease resistance
During his presidency of the twenty-first meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Program for the Development of the Livestock and Fisheries Sector, the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdul Rahman Al-Fadhli, discussed strategic plans aimed at enhancing food security and localizing vital technologies in the Kingdom, in the presence of a group of representatives of government agencies and members of the Council from the private sector.
Developing disease vaccines and protecting local breeds
The Council reviewed extensively the plan to localize the local poultry vaccine industry, stressing the pivotal role of this step in ensuring the sustainability of the sector and enhancing Its economic and nutritional impact. In the context of scientific achievements, the attendees reviewed the advanced results achieved in developing vaccines to treat “pseudotuberculosis” and Morel to treat abscesses in Najdi sheep. The Council praised these results, which reflect the Kingdom’s leadership and growing ability in the field of localization of biotechnology and veterinary solutions.
In a qualitative step to protect local breeds, the meeting valued the launch of the project for genetic improvement of Najdi sheep, which is based on building an accurate and comprehensive genetic map of this ancient breed. The project aims to determine vital characteristics and disease resistance, in addition to the ability to predict the characteristics of future births, which contributes directly to raising production efficiency, protecting the breed from deterioration, and ensuring its sustainability and availability in local markets with high quality.
Empowering the private sector
With regard to empowering the private sector, the Council discussed the package of services provided to investors in the fields of livestock and biotechnology, reviewing success stories of investment projects that benefited from the technical support provided by the program. These services include providing specialized market studies and feasibility studies, in addition to providing approved engineering models and designs for farms, model slaughterhouses, and pharmaceutical and vaccine factories.
The meeting also touched on efforts to determine local manufacturing priorities and enhance integration with regulatory authorities, as well as developing the necessary infrastructure to transfer and localize technology.
The Council stressed that these moves come within a broader context of the national program’s efforts aimed at diversifying the national economy, strengthening the food security system, and providing opportunities for Quality employment for citizens, in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in developing vital sectors, attracting global investments, and facilitating procedures for local investors.
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