News
Department of Agriculture (DoA) Procures New Animal Chute
Minister for Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands (EYSAL) Hon. Juliana O'Connor-Connolly today announced the DOA's procurement of a portable animal chute.
"I am quite pleased at the acquisition of the portable chute. Its purchase will allow farmers greater access to animal inspection services and allow the DoA to better manage aspects of animal husbandry, ultimately improving our local livestock," stated Minister O'Connor-Connolly.
The new chute, acquired at the cost of $ CI 20,000.00, will facilitate activities including reproductive and pregnancy checks, physical examinations and treatment of unhealthy animals including surgical procedures, ear tagging, deworming and any other procedure that might require the restraint of an animal.
Director of Agriculture Adrian Estwick outlined that the new equipment has already begun to prove quite beneficial. "Since the chute's arrival on 13 January, it has been used on three occasions. Each time, its use facilitated the safe and efficient handling of cattle resulting in reduced risk of injury to the veterinary staff, the livestock owner and the animals being handled," Mr. Estwick stated.
Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Larry Caven also welcomed the new equipment. "Before the arrival of the portable chute, farmers from around Grand Cayman had to transport their livestock to the DoA for various procedures. As this was a costly and tedious task, veterinary staff were oftentimes left to work in unsafe conditions on farms," said Dr. Caven.
"The design of the new chute will allow us to move it around the island quite easily. Set up is also simple, and with a few steps, we can direct up to five animals (dependent on their size) safely into the chute," he continued.
The DoA will utilize the portable chute on a case-by-case basis. Determining factors will include the existing facilities on each farm, the procedure to be performed, the temperament and ease of handling the particular animal, the availability of an area to set up the chute.
To learn more about how to request the use of the portable chute, contact the DoA’s Veterinary Team at 947-3090.
