Veterinary experts have hailed what they believe is the first birth of a calf following artificial insemination here.
The birth is expected to be the first of many initiated by by Dubai Municipality's Veterinary Services Section for the service of farmers.
The calf was born recently, following a gestation period of 277 days, the normal average at which a naturally impregnated cow gives birth.
The owner of the cow is a UAE national farmer based in the Al Khawaneej area of Dubai.
A pregnancy test on the cow conducted 45 days after insemination confirmed that the initiative was on track.
A source at the Veterinary Services Section said: "We take care with the cow and during the pregnancy the animal was given the necessary vitamins and supplements to be sure that the new calf would be healthy."
The calf is of Jersey cattle stock, known for its high yield of milk. The breed is favoured for artificial insemination due to its easy delivery.
"This successful impregnation is an introduction to a more developed artificial breeding programme, which will take place throughout the winter as it is a suitably mild month and helps the conception process.
He added that it was one of the unique services to farmers in the UAE, which has already achieved more than 90 per cent self-sufficiency in dairy products, poultry, and animal fodder.
UAE dairy herds have an annual milk production which runs into thousands of tonnes. Cream, butter and yogurt are also produced. Livestock farming involving sheep, goats, cattle and camels provide fresh meat from over a million head of animals.
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