Nov. 6, 2002 — In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Senepol Cattle Breeders Association, a research symposium on Senepol cattle will be held on the St. Croix campus of the University of the Virgin Islands Friday and Saturday.
More than 60 cattle researchers and producers from the Caribbean, Central and South America have registered for the symposium, which will provide scientific information about the Senepol breed, developed on St. Croix. There has been a long-standing partnership between UVI and Senepol cattle producers on St. Croix. The work of UVI and local cattle producers led to the initiation of record keeping within the breed and the formation of the breed association 25 years ago.
According to Dr. Robert Godfrey, assistant director of UVI’s animal science program, the Senepol breed is recognized for its ability to thrive and reproduce in a tropical climate.
"The symposium will highlight the international notoriety of the Senepol breed and the fact that St. Croix is responsible for developing the breed and enhancing the reputation of the cattle in the livestock community," Godfrey said.
The theme of the symposium is "Senepol Cattle for the New Millennium." On Friday at 9 a.m., Senepol producer Hans Lawaetz of Annaly Farms will give a historical perspective of Senepol breed development on St. Croix, followed by a presentation by Godfrey on the results of breeding soundness evaluations of Senepol cattle in the U.S. Virgin Islands. On Saturday, Senepol producers will engage in roundtable discussions. The afternoon will feature a tour of several Senepol farms on St. Croix.
The UVI Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, the St. Croix Senepol Cattle Breeders, V.I. Agriculture Dept. and U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. are organizing the symposium in order to update the scientific information on Senepol cattle available to producers and the research community.
The last Senepol research conference was held on UVI’s St. Croix campus in 1987. To register or obtain information about the Senepol symposium, call Godfrey at 692-4042.
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