Rwanda receives high-genetic-merit bulls to boost artificial insemination programme

Rwanda has taken a major step toward transforming its livestock sector with the arrival of high-genetic-merit dairy and beef bulls aimed at strengthening the national bovine artificial insemination (AI) programme and accelerating genetic improvement across the country.

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has received the first batch of 10 Holstein-Friesian bulls sourced from leading cattle breeders in Germany.

The imported bulls possess superior genetic potential capable of producing cows that yield more than 10,000 litres of milk per lactation, a significant improvement compared to current national averages.

According to RAB, the newly imported bulls will play a critical role in expanding the availability of high-quality bovine semen, addressing long-standing gaps in farmers’ access to superior cattle genetics.

This is expected to translate into increased milk and meat production, improved livestock quality, and higher incomes for farmers across the country.

RAB further announced that an additional 20 high-genetic-merit bulls are scheduled to arrive in April 2026.

These will include Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, and Brown Swiss breeds for dairy production, alongside Angus and Charolais breeds to strengthen beef production. Once fully deployed, the expanded genetic pool is expected to enhance both the quantity and diversity of bovine semen produced locally.

The investment also supports the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Bovine Genetic Improvement at Songa, in Huye District.

The centre is designed to serve as a national hub for advanced livestock breeding, offering improved dairy and beef genetics while promoting modern reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer. In addition, the facility will provide training, research, and innovation opportunities for farmers, veterinarians, and livestock technicians.

RAB says the initiative is fully aligned with national development frameworks, including the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5) and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). These strategies aim to increase Rwanda’s annual milk production to more than 1.32 million metric tonnes by 2028/2029, contributing to food and nutrition security while supporting the broader transformation of the agriculture and animal resources sector.

With the arrival of the high-genetic-merit bulls and the planned expansion of breeding infrastructure, Rwanda is positioning itself to achieve sustainable growth in livestock productivity, reduce dependence on imported genetic materials, and strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of its farming communities.