It was in front of the administrative and traditional authorities, that 10 recipients who got trained in cattle fattening received their certificates of completion on March 21, 2023. The BINGUELA Practical School of Agriculture (EPAB) was the venue for the ceremony, which was held in two phases.
« This training will enable SODEPA to be equipped with special skills in cattle fattening, » said the GENERAL MANAGER of SODEPA, KOULAGNA KOUTOU Denis, in his speech just after the presentation of certificates to the 10 (ten) Agronomy and Veterinary Science professionals from the Ndokayo, Faro and Dumbo Ranches as well as the Jakiri Station. SODEPA, the secular arm of the state of Cameroon in cattle production, is responsible for promoting cattle fattening throughout the national territory. Partner of the animal production sector has been chosen within the framework of the PDCVEP (Projet de Développement des Chaines de Valeurs de l’Elevage et de la Pisciculture) funded by the African Development Bank (ADB) to participate in the development of the cattle industry, more specifically in the fields of genetic improvement and cattle fattening. Speaking of the latter, its aim is to strengthen the capacity of players in the sector to produce meat in quality and quantity. One of the trainers, Mr. MENGUE RODRIGUE, made a brief presentation of the training course, noting that the 20 bulls had gone from 298.33 kgs to 398 kgs for animals of over 3 years of age, from 297.38 kgs to 390.125 kgs for 3-year-olds, and from 281.88 kgs to 364 kgs for animals 2 and a half years old.
These cattle were fed mainly with forage crops, concentrated feed and water. The Divisional Officer of Mefou and Afamba, Mrs. ZONGO Antoinette, and Mrs. NKONJOCK Marie (representative of the PDCVEP Project) expressed their satisfaction with regard to the size of the animals during the second phase of the event, which included a visit to the EPAB farm. « We are now sufficiently equipped with the techniques and practices of cattle fattening, and we will endeavor to make the most of this learning in our various operational units, » said one of the learners, Mrs MVONG ADZABA.
The tasting of grilled meat provided an opportunity for all to appreciate the organoleptic qualities of these meat products.
This event which adds to the different partnership agreements signed respectively with EPAB in 2021 and the Chamber of Agriculture in February 2023, helps to firmly anchor SODEPA to the fabric of the National Development Strategy (SND30), a government policy of the Head of State, Mr. PAUL BIYA.
