New high-genetic-merit bulls arrive in Rwanda to boost livestock productivity

By Clementine Nyirangaruye.

New efforts to strengthen Rwanda’s livestock sector took shape on Tuesday as the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) received the first batch of 10 high-genetic-merit dairy bulls, aimed at scaling up the national bovine artificial insemination (AI) programme.

The Holstein-Friesian bulls, sourced from leading cattle breeders in Germany, were officially received in Huye District on January 21, 2026.

According to RAB, the bulls carry the genetic potential to sire cows capable of producing more than 10,000 litres of milk per lactation, a level that could significantly raise productivity in Rwanda’s dairy industry.

RAB said the consignment marks a major milestone in accelerating genetic improvement in the livestock sector, particularly by increasing access to superior cattle genetics for farmers across the country.

The imported bulls will be used to produce high-quality bovine semen, helping to close existing gaps in both the quantity and diversity of semen available for artificial insemination services.

An additional 20 high-genetic-merit bulls are expected to arrive in April 2026. These will include Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, and Brown Swiss breeds for dairy production, alongside Angus and Charolais breeds to support beef production.

Authorities say the mix of breeds is intended to respond to Rwanda’s growing demand for both milk and quality beef.

The imports form part of a broader investment supporting the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Bovine Genetic Improvement at Songa, in Huye District.

The centre is expected to serve as a national hub for improved dairy and beef genetics, while also promoting advanced reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer. In addition, it will offer training, research, and innovation services for farmers and livestock technicians.

RAB officials note that strengthening genetic improvement is key to raising farmer incomes, improving milk and meat quality, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of Rwanda’s livestock value chains.

The initiative aligns with national development frameworks, including the fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5) and the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

Under these strategies, Rwanda aims to increase annual national milk production to more than 1.32 million metric tonnes by the 2028/2029 financial year, in a bid to strengthen food and nutrition security and accelerate agricultural transformation.

With the arrival of the first bulls and more expected in the coming months, authorities say the programme is set to play a central role in modernising Rwanda’s livestock sector and supporting long-term productivity gains for farmers nationwide.

All of those bulls were bought by the Rwanda Dairy Development Project -Phase 2(RDDP2) ,a project funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented under the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board(RAB).