MUSCAT: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MoAFWR) has indicated that the number of private veterinary clinics licensed to provide artificial insemination services for the livestock sector in the Sultanate of Oman has climbed to 21 as of end-2021.
Eng Ahmed bin Ibrahim al Naabi, Director of the Livestock Guidance and Production Department at the ministry, said the artificial insemination project is the result of successful collaboration between the public and private sectors in facilitating the provision of services to livestock breeders.
The private veterinary clinics will be under supervision of the ministry, he noted, adding that the required resources will be provided by the Animal Production Research Center.
Al Naabi explained that the service is currently dedicated to cows only and aims to support the growth, on the one hand of healthier and fast-rearing animals, and on the other, of female newborns with high milk productivity. This is being achieved through the introduction of superior breeds with better production qualities. The project also has a role in safeguarding livestock from infectious diseases.
He also stressed that the service benefits the breeder ensuring higher milk yields both for personal consumption and for the sale of surplus output as a source of income.
Licensed clinics are currently distributed across the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. North Al Batinah Governorate tops the list with six registered clinics, followed by North Al Sharqiyah (4), Al Dakhiliyah and South Al Batinah (3 each), Al Dhahirah and Dhofar (2 each), and South Al Sharqiyah Governorate (1).
Several conditions have been set for issuing the licence, said Al Naabi, adding that the veterinarian must have a permit to practice the profession while the veterinary clinic has to be suitably equipped.
As of end-2021, nearly 1,300 head of animals were vaccinated with promising results, said Al Naabi. More clinics are expected to open to provide the service throughout the Sultanate of Oman, he added.
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