Our Projects
Brendan O'Connor (Munster AI) demonstrates AI techniques to participants on a training course in Kosovo
Kosovo
VIVA have been involved with their Kosovar partner, Heifer Kosovo, since 1999 after the war there ended. VIVA's first intervention was to organise the importation of winter feed for livestock as the harvest was interrupted by the war. Since then VIVA has delivered training programmes in dairy cow management and pig husbandry in conjunction with Bothar, the Irish NGO which has organised livestock shipments to Kosovo.
At present VIVA is involved in an Artificial Insemination (AI) programme in Kosovo. This involves the training of AI technicians, the supply of semen straws and equipment and the subsidisation of the service to farmers. Recently (October 2009), a VIVA team travelled to Kosovo to deliver a refresher training course for AI technicians. The course was delivered by Cork vet, Denis Healy and Brendan O'Connor, an AI technician with Munster AI. Over two days, in Vermice, the team covered AI techniques and various aspects of dairy cow fertilty and management. Practical training was carried out a local slaughterhouse in the city of Prizren. In addition, a dairy farm was visited to discuss dairy cow nutrition and management.
The AI programme is an essential component of Heifer Kosovo's dairy projects as it is playing a significant role in increasing productivity. Most local cows are Busha (a local breed) / Simmental crosses with a low milk production potential. The Holstein Friesian genetics will help to significantly improve the productive capacity on these dairy farms. Nominated vets in each municipality receive over 500 semen doses with 4 doses allocated to each dairy farmer. In total, over 1700 farmers will benefit.
VIVA would like to thank Munster AI for their co-operation in this initiative, in particular, Brendan O'Connnor for giving his time and expertise, Anthony Cronin for his help in the shipments of semen straws and Dr. Doreen Corridan.
