By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The Ugandan government has received nine Big Ear Goats from the People’s Republic of China in its efforts to boost livestock production and productivity:
According to a statement issued today, Wednesday, 2nd July, 2025 by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, Frank Tumwebaze, the donation was made the FAO, China to Uganda South-South Cooperation Project (Phase 3).
The consignment was received in Entebbe by a team led by Dr. Anna Rose Ademun, the Commissioner for Animal Health alongside Mr. Julius Twinamasiko the SSC Uganda Project Coordinator and Mr. Peter Muyimbo the Deputy Project Coordinator.
The 9 goats (6 female and 3 male) were put under quarantine at the National Animal Genetic Resources Center and DataBank (@NAGRC_DB) in Entebbe for the next 21 days after which they will be transferred to the Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MBAZARDI).
At this institute, the project will proceed with breeding and cross breeding activities for full rollout.
Rose Ademun, commissioner for animal health at MAAIF, said the Jianzhou big-eared goat is “a superior meat breed known for its rapid growth, high carcass yield, and adaptability to various agro-climatic conditions.
The “Jianzhou big-eared goat,” a new meat goat variety developed in China, is characterized by its large, drooping ears, which are 18-23cm long. This breed is a cross between the British Nubian goat and the Jianyang local goat. The Jianzhou big-eared goat has been exported to Uganda as part of a project to boost the country’s goat meat production.
Key Characteristics of Jianzhou Big-Eared Goats:
Ears: Large, drooping ears, 18-23cm long.
Coat: Brown hair with some black hair on the abdomen and limbs.
Head: Moderately large, sickle-shaped, with an arched nose.
Horns: Angular or absent, with thicker horns in rams.
Size: Tall and strong physique, with a rectangular body shape.
Other: Some have wattles under the jaw, and bearded adult rams.
Significance:
New Meat Goat Breed:
The Jianzhou big-eared goat is a new variety cultivated in China, specifically for meat production.
Export to Uganda:
Uganda is importing these goats to improve its goat meat industry.
Crossbreeding:
The breed was developed through crosses between British Nubian goats and local Jianyang goats.
Potential Benefits:
The long ears may help with cooling in warmer climates, and the breed is known for its good meat production.
