Holstein cows imported to enhance food security

On the directives of the leadership of the UAE to enhance food security in the country, the Republic of Uruguay has sent a shipment of around 4,500 Holstein cows, one of the best breeds for milk production. The first shipment, which arrived at the Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, was sent through the vessel ZEIN 1 specifically designed for shipping livestock between continents.

The import of the Holstein breed was done within a record time of less than 40 days. Federal, local government and international companies together received the shipment. These included the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Food Security Office, Abu Dhabi Ports, Khalifa Port, General Command of Abu Dhabi Police, Gladinor Co., Mira International Shipping Co. under the supervision and management of Emirates Future Co. and Al Ain Farms.

Many more shipments will follow in the coming days. This is part of an ambitious launch for the largest dairy cattle breeding project in the UAE to produce food locally.

Speaking on the occasion, Mariam Hareb Almheiri, Minister of State for Food Security, said: “The arrival of the first Holstein breeds shipment is a perfect step in strengthening the country’s efforts to enhance local production and place it in all UAE markets.”

Emirates Future Co. completed the import after verifying that all health requirements were fulfilled and laboratory tests of the livestock were carried out based on the instructions of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The company, in cooperation with partners, also studied the health reports of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), in all countries, and ensured that the epidemiological situation of COVID-19 does not affect the safety and timing of import of the living livestock.