A new genetically improved breed of sheep was released yesterday to livestock farmers in Vanua Levu.

The F1 Breed is a cross between a Dorper and a Fiji Fantastic and is set to improve the genetic make-up of the existing sheep population.

Handing over the new breed to farmers at the Batiri Research Station, Minister for Agriculture Dr Mahendra Reddy says the improved breed will produce tropical sheep meat with an increased growth rate that will fetch a good price in the local markets.

He says the improved F1 cross-breed sheep aims to substantially increase the production and profitability of sheep farmers throughout Fiji, produce prime lamb/chevron products and reduce sheep meat importation in the local market.

Dr. Reddy says the vision is to get our sheep meat quality up to par with international standards.

Wailevu Sheep Farmer Jovesa Donuya says the new breed is much bigger, heavier and much healthier.

Donuya bought two of the new breeds today to take back to his farm. He is glad government is looking into the development of the livestock sector.

There are 375 sheep farmers in the Northern Division, the highest throughout the four divisions.