FIELD TRIP FOR SECOND YEARS VETERINARY STUDENTS
by ISTVS
FIELD TRIP FOR SECOND YEARS VETERINARY STUDENTS
As a way of accomplishing ISTV’s principle of learning by doing, second year students from the department of livestock health went out for a 14-day field trip from 16-29 May 2019. The objective of the field trip was to help students see the connections between what is taught in class and in the ‘real-world’. The main areas visited were Hargeisa, Tog Wajaale and Berbera. These areas have many people involved in livestock activities along the value chain.
In Hargeisa, the students visited Mandeeq Poultry farm, one of the few commercial poultry farms thriving in Somaliland. The manager explained to students how the farm operates, and they had an opportunity to visit all poultry houses. One of the main challenges cited was high cost of poultry feeds. This is because most of the feeds are imported from foreign countries.
At night the students visited Mandeeq slaughter house (slaughtering of animals takes place at night). Students participated in carrying out meat inspection. With the guide of their tutor Dr. Herzi Abdullahi, they were able to successfully go through all the meat inspection procedures. No major disease conditions were identified. Students also observed that all the activities in the small ruminant slaughter house were undertaken by women. It was a different case in Tog Wajaale where activities involving cattle were done by men.
Students at Hargeisa Livestock market
Students also visited Hargeisa livestock markets. They were guided by officers from Somaliland chamber of commerce specifically those running Livestock Market Information System (LMIS). Various market stakeholders were identified. With the help from two experienced brokers in the market, students were taken through grading and pricing of various species (shoats, cattle and camels). Data on prices and grades for LMIS were collected twice in a week (Thursday and Saturday). Students had an opportunity to visit Somaliland chamber of commerce where there was a demonstration on how the LMIS system works. Students were also shown how the famous “under the cloth” type of bargaining is done. Apart from livestock market, other markets visited were meat and milk.
Demonstration on how LMIS system works
Tog Wajaale is known for producing, marketing and exporting cattle. Students were taken through all the activities taking place in the market. The market starts at 6 am and ends at 8 am. All the animals to be exported were vaccinated against Foot and Mouth disease (this is one of the requirements before export of animals). Our students (both male and female) took part in the vaccination and certification processes. All cattle vaccinated were labeled using an ear tag.
ISTVS student participating in cattle vaccination at Tog Wajaale
Before animals are exported, they are quarantined and observed for any clinical signs of diseases. Students were taken round the Berbera quarantine. The manager of the quarantine explained the requirements for admitting animals into the quarantine and those for allowing animals to be exported. The quarantine admits goats, sheep, cattle and camels.
From the quarantine, the animals are taken to Berbera port ready for export. However, there are some conditions which need to be satisfied before the animals are allowed to be exported. For example, there must be an evidence for payment of taxes by traders and certificate of veterinary inspection for animals/animal products issued by the ministry of livestock. Additionally, the certificate of vessel inspection must be presented by those operating either boats or ships.
Dr. Ahmed Abdilahi (Regional Coordinator of Livestock and Fishery Development) showing students the required documents before export of animals from Berbera port
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