Universiti Malaya Barbados Blackbelly (UMBB)

UNIVERSITI MALAYA BARBADOS BLACK BELLY SHEEP PROJECT

Universiti Malaya Barbados Blackbelly (UMBB) Sheep project is one of the pioneer projects in PPBGL and it was led by our first Centre Coordinator, Dr. Noraida Ismail from Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science. The objective of the project is to make the University of Malaya as one of the best breeders of Barbados Black Belly in Malaysia. There are two (2) initiatives being undertaken in this project, namely Barbados Blackbelly's breeding and trait improvement. In general, the breeding initiative is to increase the existing Barbados Blackbelly population in the Centre, while trait improvement is the best breed selection initiative for breeding by measuring traits such as weight, mating ability, gestation rate, multiparous abilities and disease resistance. 

The use of modern technologies in this project greatly helps to achieve the objective of this program. Among the technologies used are sperm collection (artificial vagina), artificial insemination, ultrasound scanning, and sperm cryopreservation. In addition to the ongoing research program, the Centre also conducts workshops and breeding exercises by using Barbados Black Belly as a model with the participation from the public, staff of the University of Malaya and surrounding communities. The objective of the workshop and exercise is to increase awareness and knowledge about the field. Every year, this project has been visited by many parties including the Vice Chancellor University of Malaya, Datuk Ir. (Dr.) Abdul Rahim Hj. Hashim, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Development, Professor Dr. Faisal Rafiq, University of Malaya Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee members, private agencies, students, public and many more.

Throughout the years, many studies have been conducted on the UMBB, including research on reproduction, nutrition, biometeorology, heat stress, and more. The program also offers university students opportunities to gain experience in the fields of animal husbandry and animal biotechnology. This program indirectly accepts students to conduct research for their final year projects, master's degrees, doctorates, and industrial training. Collaboration among researchers, research centres, and industries is one of the visions for this program, aiming to exchange opinions, expertise, experiences, and technology in the area of study.

The project currently is supervised by Mr Mohd Shahmi Hakimi Mazlishah (shahmi@um.edu.my).