Kenya through its agriculture research body, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has developed a new and improved probiotic that increases livestock production by up to 30%, promotes better animal health, lowers dependence on antibiotics, and cuts down methane emissions in dairy cattle.
Willis Adero, the project’s lead researcher said that initial KALRO trials in Naivasha showed a 20-33% increase in milk production in cattle when KALPRO was added to their diet, varying based on the cow’s breed.
“Commercial beef producers in Oljororok and pig farmers in Kikuyu reported similar weight gain percentages, with pigs reaching target weight in just 75% of the typical timeframe,” he added.
Probiotics consist of beneficial living bacteria or yeast that naturally occur in the human body. They are often used in industrial animal production to alter the gut microbiome in ways that enhance the animals’ productivity and health.
The key benefits of probiotics include increased growth rates, decreased mortality, and improved feed conversion efficiency.
Boosts animal production
KALPRO boosts animal production by aiding the breakdown and absorption of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids through the intestinal walls.
Moreover, it helps reduce the excessive use of antibiotics, a major challenge for both the food system and public health.
The agricultural sector contributes to two-thirds of the global rise in antimicrobial use.
This leads to the spread of bacterial clones and resistance genes, higher mortality and morbidity rates, and increased costs for treating otherwise preventable illnesses and infections.
“Probiotics strengthen the immune system, helping animals better resist diseases and pests,” Willis explained.
The liquid probiotic can be given orally through drenching, drinking water, or feed.
“We recommend farmers add KALPRO to water, as this is the most efficient and effective way to administer it,” he stated.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for each animal is 30 milliliters per week.
“Ideally, dairy cows and bulls should receive 15ml twice a week, while heifers, hogs, and swine should be given 10ml, and piglets 5ml. Since probiotics are naturally occurring, there are no negative effects from overfeeding, and they can be administered at any stage of the animal’s life. However, farmers need to use KALPRO consistently to achieve its full benefits,” explained Ian Alusa, a KALRO research assistant.
The product also helps reduce methane emissions by approximately 25-30% per cow by converting the harmful gas into water and carbon dioxide.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas released from cattle dung and digestive processes, constitutes around 32% of human-induced methane emissions.
Demand for protein
According to recent reports in Kenya, the demand for animal protein is projected to increase by up to 70% by 2050 due to factors such as record population growth, economic development, urban migration, and the world’s population nearing 10 billion.
“While a comprehensive report on KALPRO’s impact on livestock is yet to be published, the initial results have been promising, as confirmed by the farmers we’re collaborating with across Kenya,” stated Adero.
KALPRO is available for purchase at KALRO Kabete for Ksh600 ($4.83) per liter, with potential discounts for bulk buyers.
