Maltese ox's cells preserved

Samples of cells taken from the only remaining pure Maltese ox have been sent abroad for preservation.

The samples were taken by Synergene Technologies Ltd, a DNA genetics facility located in Attard.

Synergene has been working with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to assist in the conservation effort of the Maltese Ox species.

The principal scientific officer in the Agriculture Department, Godfrey Camilleri, said the only remaining pure Maltese ox was 14 years old and belonged to Paul Saliba of Zejtun.

Because of the advanced age of the specimen, he said, there was considerable risk that it would soon die so it was important to conserve the biological information.

There are about 15 other Maltese oxen, but none of them is 100 per cent pure. The closest is 97.5 per cent pure.

Mr Camilleri said there were similar breeds in Cyprus, Crete, Egypt and Sicily.

Once the DNA of the Maltese cattle has been established, Malta would be able to compare its results with those from these countries.

Agriculture Minister Ninu Zammit, who visited Synergene yesterday, said that the company would also be collaborating with the ministry on various other projects, including DNA testing on two Maltese grape varieties, the Girgentina and Gellewza.