VIVA deliver AI training in Kosovo

VIVA have been involved with their Kosovar partner, Heifer Kosovo, since 1999 after the war there ended. VIVA's first intervention was to organise the importation of winter feed for livestock as the harvest was interrupted by the war. Since then VIVA has delivered training programmes in dairy cow management and pig husbandry in conjunction with Bothar, the Irish NGO which has organised livestock shipments to Kosovo.

At present VIVA is involved in an Artificial Insemination (AI) programme in Kosovo. This involves the training of AI technicians, the supply of semen straws and equipment and the subsisisation of the service to farmers. A VIVA team has just returned from a trip to Kosovo where they delivered a refresher training course for AI technicians. The course was delivered by Cork vet, Denis Healy and Brendan O'Connor, an AI technician with Munster AI. Over two days, in Vermice, the team covered AI techniques and various aspects of dairy cow fertilty and management. Practical training was carried out a local slaughterhouse in the city of Prizren. In addition, a dairy farm was visited to discuss dairy cow nutrition and management.

The AI programme is an essential component of Heifer Kosovo's dairy projects as it is playing a significant role in increasing the productivity of these cows. In addition, it is a vital service in some areas where there may not be adequate availability of bulls.

VIVA would like to thank Munster AI for their co-operation in this initiative, in particular, Brendan O'Connnor for giving his time and expertise, Anthony Cronin for his help in the shipments of semen straws and Dr. Doreen Corridan.



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Midland Showjumping donate €4000 to VIVA

Theresa Sheehy (Pat the Baker) and Brendan Mimnagh (VIVA) present the Pat the Baker Grand Final trophy to Harry Hughes

Mary Gannon, Brendan Mimnagh (VIVA), Mairead Higgins (Pat the Baker), Brian Gormley, Ann Gannon at presentation of cheque to VIVA in Granard

Following their recent summer shows, Midland Showjumping have donated all the entry fees from the four events to VIVA. At a recent function in Granard, Brian Gormley MRCVS, chairman of the Midland Showjumping Committee presented a cheque for € 4000 to VIVA's Brendan Mimnagh. VIVA would like to thank all the sponsors of the event as follows:

Oliver Glancy, Pat the Baker, Lady Georgina Forbes, Seamus Kane (Kane Motors), Ann Gannon, Mary Gannon, Olaf O'Neill (C & M Veterinary)

Pfizer support VIVA

(Pfizer Marketing Manager, Roy Geary (R) presents a cheque to Mike Burke of VIVA)

As part of their ongoing support to charities in the area of agriculture and animal welfare, Pfizer recently donated € 1500 to support VIVA's overseas programmes. VIVA was selected by the company's staff as one of three organisations to receive support in 2009. This type of support is vital to ensure the expansion of VIVA's livestock projects abroad and is greatly appreciated by VIVA.