In an attempt to improve on domestic cattle genetics, the Cayman Islands has imported 22 Jamaican Red Poll cattle.

The 19 heifers and three bulls, which were sourced through the Cattle Breeders Society of Jamaica, departed the island from the Norman Manley International Airport last Thursday (June 22) and was done to bolster the local livestock industry in the Cayman Islands. 

They were transported by a special cargo plane that is used in the Caribbean and South America to move livestock from country to country.

The route of air cargo was chosen as it is much cheaper than using sea freight for transporting livestock. The importation of the cattle came after bilateral talks between Cayman and Jamaica.

Last year, a delegation from the Cayman Islands led by Agriculture Minister Jay Ebanks, travelled to Jamaica, where they had several working meetings with former portfolio counterpart Pearnel Charles Jnr and several agencies of the Jamaican government.