Advancing the Artificial Insemination of Cattle in Jamaica

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Dr. Roger Ellis, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who currently works as a field veterinarian for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, volunteered with the Farmer-to-Farmer Program in Jamaica in November 2019. He taught staff from the Ministry of Agriculture and Minard Estates Farm about Artificial Insemination (AI) techniques, procedures, and skills. During his assignment he reviewed farm plans and handling facilities and carried out theoretical and practical training on reproductive tract examinations, rectal palpation and breeding gun placement 

Dr. Ellis also made both theoretical and practical demonstrations of how technology can help the farm and visited supporting institutions such as the AI Laboratory in Bodles St. Catherine to have a discussion with the AI Technician responsible for the parish of St. Ann, where Minard is located. Dr. Ellis had various consultations during his packed schedule to assess the adaptability of Minard to AI and made recommendations for the facility as part of his assignment deliverables. 

He also participated in the Minard Estates Annual Fair Day where about 7,000 high school students and teachers learn about agriculture, which allowed him to interact with Jamaican agricultural supply companies which supply AI services. He also presented as a guest lecturer at York Castle High School. 

This assignment came about as a follow-up recommendation made from a previous Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer who also supported Minard Estates Farm. At the end of his assessment, the consultant and the management at Minard discussed a reduction in the number of bulls used for breeding to further reduce herd size and concluded that AI could reduce the need for the bulls. It was against this backdrop that Dr. Ellis came to Minard to assess its readiness for integration with AI technology. 


“This assignment was a very rewarding experience, and I am grateful that I was able to interact and support the goals of the host. The first week of the assignment was faced with the high preparation on the farm for the Annual Livestock Show, which resulted in greater interaction with the stakeholders and industry players in cattle production and Artificial Insemination. This also allowed me to learn about Jamaican agriculture. 

The second week we were able to source demonstration material, and we did theoretical and practical demonstrations to farm managers and workers. In addition, I did a two-hour presentation as a guest lecturer at a Jamaican High School (York Castle High), this was particularly rewarding. I appreciate all the assistance from the Jamaica Farmer-to-Farmer staff to make this assignment successful and interesting.”

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