The Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture's Animal Resources Department announced today, Wednesday, the implementation of several criteria for importing livestock for breeding. It is required that the animals have high genetic performance, a health certificate, and a certificate of lineage and breeding value. The Director General of the department, Walid Mohammed, stated that "the ministry and the Animal Resources Department have established controls and standards for importing livestock for breeding, which must be of high specifications from accredited sources, have high genetic performance, breeding value, and must have a health certificate and lineage certificate." He emphasized that "this procedure is internationally adopted, and Iraq is currently following these steps," according to the Iraqi News Agency.
He mentioned that "genetics play a significant role, but the environment can affect genetic factors negatively or positively. If the livestock comes from countries with a moderate climate and standard health conditions, the same environment must be provided. If not, the desired genetic performance will not be achieved." Mohammed confirmed that "the door for investment is open and ongoing at the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Animal Resources Department encourages investment in all sectors of animal resources, including various types of livestock and poultry, and the ministry is ready to support all projects for all types of poultry such as ostriches, turkeys, and quails."
