In 1990, Fiji concluded a significant 10-year quarantine period for sheep at Makogai, aimed at combatting the disease scrapie. Ken Cokanasiga, the principal Veterinary Officer of the Ministry of Primary Industries and Co-operatives, stated that during this interval, no signs of the disease were detected. This quarantine allowed for the successful implementation of crossbreeding programs involving Barbados Black Belly sheep and various woolly breeds, resulting in a breed that suits Fiji’s unique conditions.
Cokanasiga noted that the most suitable combination was found to be the cross between Wiltshire Horns and Barbados Black Belly sheep. As a result, research stations in Nawaicoba, Nadi, Wainigata, Vanua Levu, and Dobuilevu were established to support the sheep industry. By the end of 1989, the government stations reported having 4,382 sheep in total.
The new breed of sheep has demonstrated several advantageous traits, including a wool shedding quality during warm months which reduces shearing costs. Additionally, it has a remarkable lambing percentage and produces lean meat, making it resistant to local tropical conditions. The establishment of a mutton industry in Fiji, initiated by a feasibility study in 1979, has led to significant positive projections, with the potential to cut down mutton imports that currently cost the nation around $7 million annually.
Cokanasiga expressed optimism about rural employment opportunities stemming from the mutton production, emphasizing that this initiative would provide a vital source of protein for communities across Fiji. Furthermore, he noted that sheep are less damaging to the environment compared to goats, particularly concerning soil erosion.
This positive shift towards a mutton sheep industry not only aims to boost local agriculture but also shows promise in enhancing food security for Fiji’s population. The government’s commitment to developing agricultural practices underscores a hopeful future for the nation’s livestock sector, paving the way for self-sufficiency and sustainability in mutton production.
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