Cattle breeders are being supported to protect native breeds
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has initiated a conservation and improvement project for GAK cattle, known for their adaptability to environmental changes, including climate change, and their thrifty nature due to low food consumption.
The Southeast Anatolian Agricultural Research and Training Center (GAP UTAEM) has implemented the Indigenous Cattle Improvement Project in the Hands of the People. Within the project, the improvement of the native South Anatolian Red (GAK) cattle, known for their resilience and thriftiness, is planned. The project ensures the continuity of native cattle breeds.
Global warming and climate change have a significant impact on animal production. They directly affect the productivity, lifestyle, resilience, and diversity of animals. The project aims to ensure the sustainability of local genetic resources and take advantage of care and feeding benefits.
Support for Cattle: 4,000 per head
This project marks the first time that local cattle improvement will be carried out by the public. Project activities have been initiated in three provinces: "Yerli Kara" in Ankara, "Boz Irk" in Balıkesir, and "GAK" in Batman. For each parent cattle in the project, a support payment of 4,000 Turkish Lira will be provided, and for calves with live weight measurements at 6 months and 1 year after birth, a support payment of 3,250 Turkish Lira will be given.
"GAK in Sason selected as the pilot district"
Nimetullah Durmaz, Vice President of the Batman Livestock Breeders' Union, stated that they have started work on the improvement of GAK cattle in Batman within the project. Durmaz said, "Due to the decrease in the number of native cattle breeds, a breeding project was initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Within this project, we started identifying GAK cattle in Sason, which we selected as the pilot district in Batman. Within the project, we will support around 1,300 cattle. A total of 7,250 Turkish Lira support will be provided, including 4,000 Turkish Lira for cattle not sold by the breeder for 5 years and 3,250 Turkish Lira for their calves."
"This project will protect local cattle and reduce dependency on imports"
Şahin Tez, a project coordinator and veterinarian at GAP UTAEM in Diyarbakır, emphasized that the project will increase productivity in local cattle breeds and reduce dependency on imports for meat and milk. Tez stated, "GAP UTAEM is involved in this project. We conduct studies on the improvement of small and large livestock. The improvement of cattle by the public will preserve local breeds and increase productivity in meat and milk. Protecting local breeds will also reduce dependence on imports.
