The Vanuatu agriculture minister has signed an order banning the killing of young cows.
Vanuatu cattle Photo: Vanuatu Agriculture Dept
Under the order, farmers are not allowed to sell or kill cows for seven years which allows them to have calves four or five times.
Matai Seremiah has signed the order under the Cattle Act with the main aim of boosting cattle production.
In 2015, the government launched its National Cattle Restocking Programme to raise the number of cattle to 500,000 by 2025.
Vanuatu cattle arriving on Ambrym Photo: RNZI/Len Garae
Mr Seremiah said he expected some criticism over the order, but said the Ministry and Department of Livestock must make some hard decisions to help increase the number of cattle throughout Vanuatu.
The ban applies to both commercial and non-commercial farmers.