Mission statement

To undertake applied and adaptive research in order to increase production and productivity on the farm, improve farm income and farmers’ welfare

Livestock Research Department

 

 

 

Strategy

The Livestock Research Department comprises two divisions namely, Animal Production and Animal Health.  Livestock research strategy is meant to meet clients’ needs, overcome clients’ problems and provide opportunities for wealth creation as well as enhance quality of life. The policy of Livestock Research Department is to conduct strategic and adaptive research implying the relevant knowledge and techniques gained elsewhere, are applied and adapted to local conditions. Livestock Research Department also ensures that there is proper and rapid transfer of new knowledge gained from strategic studies into relevant production systems for the benefits of farmers, consumers and the environment. AREU’s research programme is conducted in a planned, multidisciplinary and participative manner.

The Livestock Research Department work in close collaboration with the Livestock Extension Department whereby the latter is responsible for the dissemination of research findings to the farming community.

 

  •  To identify and solve researchable problems and non-researchable problems of farmers

  •  To develop feeding packages using locally available resources

  • To carry out research in nutrition, breeding, reproduction and waste management

  • To improve output through the use of modern techniques of animal production and efficient use of local resources

  • To maintain conservation and utilization of farm animal genetic resources

  • To identify and advise on opportunities in the livestock sector

 

 

 

National collaboration

The Livestock Research Department very often solicits support and cooperation with other stakeholders in Mauritius for optimizing efforts and resources for the benefits of the farming community.

International Collaboration

Linkages and collaboration with other international institutions are continuously maintained. These include International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the implementation of projects with peaceful applications of nuclear technology and Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)

Research station, facilities and animals

The Curepipe Livestock Research station was built in 1920 and covers an area of 8 ha. At that time, the station was known as Government Dairy. In the 1960’s, the station was renamed Curepipe Livestock Breeding station. In the 1970’s, the station was upgraded under the UNDP/FAO funds in the context of a Milk and Meat project. In 1999, AREU managed the station and renamed it into Curepipe Livestock Research Station (CLRS). Livestock species which are reared on station are dairy cattle, goats , sheep, goats and rabbits.

 

 

 

 

 

Supports

Scientific work undertaken is supported by:

  •  the Biometry Division to ensure that AREU’s Research is problem and quality oriented
  • The Agricultural Engineering Division to develop appropriate and safe technologies with regard to mechanization, farm designs and waste management.

Research on the following species are catered for:

-        Cattle

-        Goat

-        Sheep

-        Deer

-        Poultry (Layers, broilers, ducks, quails)

-        Rabbit

-        Pig

The following themes are also addressed:

-        Farm Animal Genetic conservation

-        Nutrition and reproduction

-        Farm economics

-        Animal husbandry practices

-        Waste management

-        Fodder production and conservation

-        Milk processing

 

 

 

 

 

 

Titles of research studies for year 2011

  1. Monitoring of milk quality at Curepipe Livestock Research Station
  2. Monitoring of milk quality on-farm
  3. Effect of a new supplement, cow concentrate, on milk production, body weight and reproductive performance of lactating cows.
  4. Effect of a new supplement cow concentrate, on milk production, body weight and reproductive performance of lactating cows.
  5. The effect of early weaning at 75 days on the performance of calves up to the age of 6 months
  6. Milk Processing and Product Development
  7.  
  8. Evaluation of the impact of crossing local animals with semen of “new breeds” of cattle.
  9. Seasonal availability and nutritive value of forages and browses offered to stall-fed goats in the smallholder village system in Mauritius – International Foundation for Science (IFS)-funded project.
  10. Evaluation trials on introduced fodder species (Mucuna, Cratylia)
  11. Assessment of yield, nutritive value and conservation characteristics of 3 varieties of Lucerne.
  12. Assessment of yield, nutritive value and conservation characteristics of three varieties of alfalfa (Lucerne) and two varieties of fodder maize in 2 agro climatic sites
  13. Assessment of yield and nutritive value of new fodder species
  14. Establishment and evaluation of shrub species
  15. Degradability studies
  16. Monitoring of broiler performance at AREU Station, Belle Mare.
  17. Evaluation of the productive and reproductive performance of Muscovy ducks at Flacq Model Farm.
  18. Comparison of the effect of two types of concentrates used for fattening of rabbits
  19. Evaluation of the productive and reproductive performance of breeding pigs imported from South Africa.
  20. Composting of poultry mortality.
  21. Composting of cattle manure

 

Aims of the station

To provide research and development facilities and training for the benefit of farmers and entrepreneurs

Facilities

Stomoxys laboratory

Parasitoids (Trichopria Spp) are reared in the laboratory for the biological control of stable fly (stomoxys nigra). Some 125,000 parasitoids are bred in the lab per month and are released in deer chassees, sugar cane fields and other farms.

Ruminant laboratory

The laboratory provides facilities for the determination of dry matter degradability of feeds ( in-vivo and in-vitro in order to assess the efficiency of utilization of various feeds by ruminant. Analytical facilities for determining parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, dry matter, bulk density, etc. are also available.

Milk processing laboratory

 In order to create agri-business opportunities, this unit had been modernized to provide training and demonstration on milk processing/transformation to farmers and entrepreneurs.

Fodder trials

New fodder species are planted and evalauted.

Services to the community

Fresh milk, cattle manure, and surplus animals are sold to the local community. The breeding animals sold to farmers help to upgrade their stock.