FARMERS in West Berbice, part of the West Berbice Sheep and Goat Association (WBSGA), have celebrated the positive impact of the Black Belly Sheep Project, launched under the leadership of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.
This initiative, designed to boost sheep production and meet local and regional demands, involved the importation of 1,000 Barbados black belly sheep, which were distributed nationwide to enhance the genetics of local flocks.
In Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), the results have been impressive, with notable improvements in birth and weaning weights.

This success is attributed to the introduction of black belly sheep, as well as comprehensive support services provided by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), including extension services, ambulatory care, training, and monitoring.
Yvonne Morris, a seasoned livestock farmer from Golden Grove, West Coast Berbice, shared that the introduction of black belly rams and ewes, combined with the use of ‘slotted floor’ pens, has led to healthier offspring and improved flock quality.
With over 10 years of experience as a shepherdess, Morris also praised the continuous support from the GLDA team.

Similarly, Shepherd, an experienced farmer, noted the exceptional service provided by the GLDA Region Five extension team, led by Dr. Dilchand and Sachi Hercules.
His daughter, a member of WBSGA, received a black belly ram, and he is already seeing a high conception rate and is looking forward to healthy offspring in the upcoming lambing season.
Small ruminant farmer, Ramdat Baichoo, who transitioned from goat farming, has also benefitted from the Black Belly Sheep Project.

He highlighted the quality of his flock’s offspring and the development of his sheep herd thanks to the introduction of the black belly ram and slotted floor pens.

He expressed gratitude for the support from GLDA staff, particularly Carmen Fleming, who facilitated his expansion into sheep farming.
Region Five is home to over 60 percent of Guyana’s small ruminant population, with farmers adopting a mix of intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive farming systems. Some are even transitioning to feedlot systems to accelerate lamb growth and fattening for slaughter.