The Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has introduced improved dairy breeds in bid to boost milk output.
The breeders from Maasai community in Trans Mara South have been incorporated in a community-based genetic improvement and multiplication programme funded by the government through National Research Fund (NRF) for a three-year program to restock the superior breed of Sahiwal.
According to the breeders’ spokesperson Mr. Wilson Kibeno, the KALRO-led programme has assisted the community to produce 309 superior Sahiwal AI calves which have been distributed among members of community-based breeding scheme in Trans Mara.
Currently, the spokesman notes that accessing the right Sahiwal heifers and bulls at affordable prices has been the worst nightmare for many farmers, especially Maasai pastoralists across the country who heavily rely on Sahiwal genetic resources for their livelihood. Compared with small indigenous zebu which is the dominant variety in Narok County, Mr. Kibeno points out that the new breed produces five to 15 litres more milk per day.
Demand more feed
“The body weight of the cross-breed perks is up from 250kg live weight to 350kg and is highly tolerant to pests, diseases and adverse climatic conditions compared to exotic breeds that are vulnerable to diseases,” he said.
The new cross breed requirement for feed is less compared to Holstein Friesian that will demand more feed per litre of milk produced. The breeders and the pastoral community in Trans Mara South, Mr. Kibeno adds, are further being enlightened about the Kenya Livestock Insurance Programme (KLIP), a National Government’s initiative in collaboration with county governments whose objective is to protect livestock against the risks associated with drought effects, through satellite-based index insurance.
Under the programme, which started in 2016, the cover is also an asset protection to provide payouts to pastoralists for purchase of fodder to keep their livestock alive. In the event of a trigger, payouts shall be transferred to the bank accounts or mobile payment systems of the registered beneficiaries.
“The overall objective of Kenya Livestock Insurance Programme is to minimize risks emanating from drought-related disasters and build resilience of pastoralists for enhanced and sustainable food security,” says Mr. Kibeno.
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