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Walter Nyamukondiwa Mashonaland West Bureau
CHINHOYI University of Technology (CUT) is pioneering research into cattle breeding, including artificial insemination and animal health, which has seen the development of a vaccine against warts in cattle. The institution has also acquired a cryogenic facility that can store quality breeding bull sperm cells for up to 50 years and facilities for screening unhealthy sperm cells.
Addressing delegates and guests during the CUT’s 14th graduation ceremony last week, Vice Chancellor Professor David Simbi said the university was working closely with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement and the Veterinary Services Department in the project.
“In addition, there is a laboratory facility for screening of unhealthy spermatozoa,” he said.
“The project is designed to grow the national cattle herd through appropriate training (in conjunction with the Veterinary Services Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Land Reform and Resettlement) of human capital, provision of artificial insemination technology, provision of animal health and nutrition education.”
To that end, Dr Simbi said, CUT has constructed a cattle handling training facility at the university farm that is open for use by the community.
Cryogenic facilities preserve and maintain elements at low temperatures.
CUT has also partnered the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) to construct 15 rocket barns to cure between 20 and 50 hectares of Virginia tobacco which is expected to earn foreign currency for the university.
Prof Simbi called on Government to support the establishment of high technology laboratories and workshops to fully harness inherent human resource capacity.
Meanwhile, Prof Simbi said universities have highly qualified academic staff who need appropriate laboratories for research that responds to industrial and societal needs.
Online Reporter