New Genes for Buffalos

The Ministry of Agriculture and producers are working on new genes for some of the buffalos in the Colon Province.

“The idea is to improve the genetic line of the Coclesito buffalo, because since the 70s, it has not been possible to introduce new genes to avoid inbreeding problems,” said Romel Rosas, Coordinator of the Ministry’s Animal Health in Cocle.

The project began with taking blood samples from of a group of females and testing for brucellosis and leukosis diseases.  Then, qualified females will either be inseminated or implanted with nitrogen-frozen embryos most likely from Italy, La Prensa reports.

General Omar Torrijos introduced the buffalo to the mountains of Colon in 1976, importing about 100 buffalos from Trinidad and Tobago on Air Force planes.

The buffalo is a strong animal, adaptable to the humid tropics, and produces nutritious meat and milk.

The Buffalo Hunt / Currier and Ives