The Executive for Quality Assurance at the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN), Dr. Anja Boshoff-de Witt, said that the Department of Veterinary Services is on site where the second consignment of cattle destined for Mauritius is in the process of being loaded. 

“It is the same vessel, the Gelray Express, that transported the first shipment to Mauritius, and DVS approved the vessel's facilities and processes in terms of animal welfare,” said Boshoff-de Witt.

“As previously stated, this is an opportunity for Namib

ia's livestock industry. Responsible marketing remains a priority, and Namibia's image as a trading partner focused on strict veterinary regulations and animal welfare is central to negotiations and decision-making.

"The required permits were issued as confirmed by the marketing department of the LLPBN. The condition for such a permit is that a veterinary import permit has already been issued by the importing country, as well as a Namibian veterinary export permit,” said Boshoff de Witt. 

The current export operation involves 28 cattle trucks assembling at Kilo 40 north of Otjiwarongo to transport 2,700 head of livestock to the Port of Walvis Bay. This second consignment responds to a shift in the Mauritian market, which pivoted to Namibia following the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in South Africa.

These cattle, primarily weighing between 250kg and 390kg, fall below the 450kg threshold designated for local value addition and slaughter at Namibian export abattoirs, exempting them from the standard 30% government export levy. 

According to Goliath Tujendapi, LLPBN acting CEO, this weight class holds potential for livestock producers in the Northern Communal Areas who often lack the grazing capacity to raise animals to full slaughter weight. By accessing this niche market, Namibian farmers can secure competitive pricing for lighter livestock, bypassing the prohibitive costs of local feed which can account for 75% of production inputs.