Livestock Festival Celebrates 41 Winners In Best Weights Competition Across All Breeds

The Livestock Festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) alongside the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, recently concluded with 41 winners in the Best Weights Competition. This event, held across Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, and Al Lubsa in Umm Al Qaiwain, highlighted the dedication of UAE breeders to enhancing animal production and local breeds.

The competition saw unprecedented body weights: goats at 87kg, Harri sheep at 103.2kg, Dhai sheep at 101kg, Naeemi sheep at 115kg, Saeedi sheep at 69kg, Najdi sheep at 129.2kg, Arab sheep at 95.2kg, and Aaradhi sheep at 66kg. These figures underscore high standards in animal care and feeding practices among breeders.

Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi of ADAFSA emphasised that these achievements reflect breeders' commitment to developing local breeds and contributing to a sustainable food security system. She noted that the record weights demonstrate best practices in nutrition and health care for animals.

Adel Al Shibeibi from the Livestock Festival team highlighted that expanding competition rounds fostered positive competition nationwide. The festival's success supports breeders while reinforcing national food security goals. The event awarded AED2.624 million in prizes to recognise excellence among participants.

The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award continues to advance agriculture's role in food security by promoting innovation and inspiring sustainable farming practices. This aligns with the nation's vision of safeguarding resources for future generations.

Expanding Competitions Across Emirates

Since its inception in November, the festival has seen remarkable success with wide participation from breeders across the Emirates. Expanding competitions beyond Abu Dhabi has strengthened breeder support and encouraged healthy competition while advancing production quality.

Winners expressed gratitude for the platform provided by the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award. They acknowledged that it has raised benchmarks in livestock production and motivated them to refine their practices further.

Following this year's Best Weights Competition, preparations are underway for the Best Breeds Competition scheduled from December 8th to January 9th, 2026. Interest is already evident as breeders register for participation.

The Livestock Festival remains a dynamic platform supporting livestock breeders annually. It highlights their initiatives while celebrating distinguished local breeds as part of an integrated sustainable food security system.

With inputs from WAM