Team Assembled to Advance Work on Jamaica Hope Cattle Genetics

A team has been assembled at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining’s Bodles Research Station in St. Catherine to advance work on the genetics of the Jamaica Hope cattle breed, given Jamaica’s changing climate.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, explained that “Jamaica was a big leader when we developed the Jamaica Hope, and the Jamaica Hope was the best cattle for our tropical conditions.

“But what happened? The tropical conditions have changed because the climate has changed,” he pointed out.

The Minister was speaking at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, during the institution’s Founders’ Weekend on Friday (January 26).

Noting the importance of continued research, Mr. Green stated: “One of the things that we have recognised is, if you do the research and you stop and allow time to pass and you don’t continue doing the research, then when you used to be a leader you will fall behind.”

Breeding for the Jamaica Hope started in 1910 and was led by renowned scientist, Dr. Thomas P. Lecky.

It was an attempt to develop an animal that was adjusted to Jamaica’s climate and to be high heat tolerant, highly resistant to ticks and tick-borne diseases, and able to produce much milk even in the poor pasture land typical of tropical climates.

“We have to ensure that we make the Jamaica Hope more resilient to deal with this new modern climate reality. So, there is a lot of work to be done and there’s a lot of work happening,” Minister Green underscored.