Livestock to be boosted by government’s ‘family practice’ system: Minister

ISTANBUL

Livestock will also be eligible to benefit from the Turkish government’s “family practice” system, Food, Agriculture and Livestock Ahmet Eşref Fakıbaba stated on Dec. 19.

"Vaccinations will be free and veterinary care will be free. We are installing a similar ‘family practice’ for animals as well as people,” Fakıbaba said in Ankara, discussing the changes in animal breeding policies.

He also stated that ear tags will also be free of charge for animals.

Touching on the issue of livestock imports, Fakıbaba vowed that the government will do more to support local breeders.

“We will stop imports and support small-sized breeders. TİGEM will feed 1,500 calves. Small family businesses will be supported in a way unseen before,” he said.

“We will support those who are knowledgeable about the job. We will reinforce the cow, ram and goat breeding centers that we established this year. With all these changes we believe we will become a livestock-exporting country, not a livestock-importing one,” Fakıbaba added.