Ohio-Israeli collaboration to yield quality beef cattle
Project funded by Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative involves sharing of agricultural ideas and technology between Ohio, Israel
The project, which is funded by the Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative, involves the sharing of agricultural ideas and technology between Ohio and Israel; specifically, it involves the export of superior bull semen from Ohio to Israel and the insemination of Israeli cattle.
The resulting calves will provide Israelis with an alternative to the mostly imported beef they now consume.
“This initiative is one of four bi-national research and development projects that are currently being funded by the Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative,” says Dr. Sarah Horowitz, program director of the Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative of The Negev Foundation.
“The project encourages researchers in both Ohio and Israel to share their knowledge and expertise about the cattle industry in their respective countries, which will create a better beef product for Israeli consumers as well as the opportunity for cattle farms in Israel to compete with the import of cattle and beef from other countries.”
Last fall, Fernando Silveira, an assistant professor of veterinary medicine at OSU, and Gene Steiner, a livestock management consultant with GSM Inc., Mason, OH, traveled to Israel to meet with members of the Beef Cattle Breeders Association of Israel; Dr. Benny Sharir, a veterinary surgeon; and Dr. Meori Rosen, a cattle researcher at the Extension Service of the Israel Ministry of Agriculture, who helped them select the cattle that will participate in this program.
Now, Silveira and Steiner are preparing to return to Israel, where they will work with Dr. Sharir to inseminate the selected cattle herds.
'Generate more dollars from your calf crop'
In addition to the export of cattle genetics, the American team has introduced Israeli cattle breeders to several new technologies that will make it easier and more efficient for them to prepare their cattle herds for artificial insemination.
“Many new products have been developed to help breeders synchronize a cattle herd’s estrus cycle,” Steiner says. “With this technology, a breeder can inseminate most of his cows in one day – which saves time and results in more early-season pregnancies, as well as bigger calves. Bottom line, this technology will help you generate more dollars from your calf crop.”
“The Negev Foundation is proud to be a part of this historic project,” says Sam Hoenig, the President of The Negev Foundation. “This is the first time in the history of Israel’s cattle industry that cattle genetics from Ohio are being used to inseminate Israeli cows. We expect the project to yield significant results.”
The Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative was established in 2002 and is funded by a special Federal grant. It is dedicated to improving agricultural trade and research and development ties between Ohio and Israel by working with government, academic, and business entities and growers in both regions.
The objective of this initiative is to foster greater collaboration between Ohio and Israeli government and research institutions, farmers, and companies; develop joint research and development educational activities; identify agribusiness ventures based on new technologies; introduce potential investors; and expand commercial ties and market access in both regions.
Several projects are currently being pursued, and others are in different stages of development.
The Negev Foundation is a Cleveland-based, non-profit organization dedicated to insuring Israel’s future through the development of the Negev Desert region in Israel.
The Foundation oversees numerous international projects involving joint research and development programs, agritechnology, and trade.
Reprinted with permission of The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute
