Livestock
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Item Preferential Use of Sahiwal Bull Calves by Beneficiaries of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Southern Rangelands of Kenya(European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 2023-06-28) Agutu, F.O.; Mbuku, S.M.; Ondiek, J.O.; Bebe, B.O.; Egerton University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationBull service is the most common insemination method in pastoral herds grazing in the rangelands. To accelerate multiplication and distribution of and access to high quality Sahiwal genetics to pastoral communities, development agencies have promoted the use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in the Kenyan rangelands. However, sustainable use of ARTs is uncertain because pastoral herd owners attach high value to bull calves of high genetic merits for breeding, which is a potential barrier to technology adoption. This study assessed preferential use of ART-bull calves among beneficiaries of the Sahiwal cattle upgrading breeding program that were utilizing OvSynch and TAI protocol in the southern rangelands of Kenya. Preferential use of bull calves was assessed in a choice experiment basing on attributes associated with potential use of bull calves. Overall, the first-choice preference was to retain the bull calves for future breeding (54%) compared to immediate selling for income (44%). This was the firstchoice of pastoralists and agro pastoralists preferred unlike ranchers who preferred selling bull calves for income compared to retaining for future breeding (80% versus 20%). The preference of retaining bull calves for future breeding was higher among women compared to male respondents (59% versus 51%). Second choice preferences were sales for income (58%), breeding (29%), draft power (5%), meat production and cultural practices (3% each) and prestige (2%). Socioeconomic factors had no significant influence on preferential use of ARTs bull calves. The results indicate that high genetic merit bull calves are preferred for breeding, implying that bull calves would be retained within the pastoral herds for bull service. This presents a possible barrier to adoption of ARTs in pastoral herds for upgrading of Sahiwal cattle breed. Policy direction need to invest in Sahiwal multiplication and distribution of bull calves to pastoralists and agro pastoralists. Ranchers have low preference for retaining bull calves for breeding, so it would be best to capacitate them to invest in ARTs to multiply breeding bulls and supply to pastoralists and agro pastoralists.Item Enteric Methane Emission of Cattle Grazing Rangeland Ecosystems of South Eastern Kenya(Research Square, 2022-03-16) Maweu, A.N.; Bebe, B.O.; Kuria, S.G.; Kashongwe, O.B.; Egerton University, Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research OrganizationLarge herds grazing degraded rangeland pastures are associated with enteric methane emission, contributing to Global Warming Potential (GWP). Kenya has large herds of ruminants grazing rangelands yet hardly are methane emissions and associated GWP quantified. This study estimated enteric methane emission and the GWP from cattle grazing in Makueni County, a rangeland ecosystem in Southeastern Kenya. Estimation applied the IPCC Tier II approach that incorporated seasonal differences in feed quality, dry matter intake and animal performance to provide improved methane emission factors (EFs). Data on cattle population, animal classes and their performance and animal activity for the year 2019 was obtained from the County livestock inventory reports while feed quality data was sourced from recently published literature. The resultant EFs were 47.1 kg year-1 for females> 2yrs; 27.2 kg year-1 for heifers 1-2 yrs; 46.5 kg year-1 for males> 2yrs; 32.9 kg year-1 for young males 1-2yrs; and 17.2 kg year-1 for calves< 1yr. These EFs were higher (7.7 to 14.9%) than those of Tier I for females> 2yrs, young males 1-2yrs and for calves< 1yr but lower (5.4 to 12.3%) for males> 2yrs and for heifers 1-2 yrs. The Tier II estimates were 4.4% higher than the estimates with Tier I approach for both total estimated enteric methane emission (9,279,526.80 vs 8,889,997 kg CH 4/year) and GWP (259,826,750.4 vs. 248,919,916 kg CO 2 eq). The results reflect uncertainty of EFs generated from Tier I approach, which necessitates development of region-specific EFs using data from local breeds of animals and feed resources. This will improve certainties of the enteric methane emissions and accuracy in reporting the Nationally Determined Contributions.Item Evaluation of Factors affecting Number of Services Per Conception for Sahiwal x Friesian Crossbred Cattle in Kenya(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2024-03-08) Mwangi, S.I.; Waineina, R.W.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Dairy Research Institute, Kakamega, KenyaThe mean number of services per conception is based on data from served cows and is an estimate of fertility in dairy herds. Artificial insemination data for 1380 cows (2000 to 2021) from KALRO- Naivasha dairy herd under the artificial insemination program were analyzed using a mixed linear model. The effects of parity of cow, sire used, month, time (AM and PM), and year of insemination were evaluated. The individual animal was included in the evaluation and was fitted as a random effect. The parity (p<0.0001), sire used (p<0.0001), year (p<0.0001) and month of insemination (p<0.01), and individual cow effect (p<0.0001) were found to be significant factors influencing the number of services to conception. The season and time of insemination either in the morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) were not significant (p ≥ 0.05). The average number of services per conception per parity was 2.3. The analysis of the findings highlights that conception rates are influenced by multiple environmental factors, emphasizing the need to consider these factors when implementing strategies to enhance cow fertility. Strategies that can reduce the number of services per pregnancy would reduce the number of animals culled for infertility and therefore eventually reducing on production costs. Investigation of other factors reflecting on health, general management, and bull factors would further contribute to improving overall cow fertility for Sahiwal X Friesian Crossbreds in Kenya.Item Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Dairy Goat Populations in Kenya(Wageningen Academic, 2023-08-11) Kamidi, C.M.; Waineina, R.W.; Wasike, C.B.; Ngeno, D.K.; Ilatsia, E.D.This study aimed to decipher the genetic diversity and structure of different dairy goat populations kept at KALRO-research station Naivasha to facilitate national genetic improvement program. We used 49,773 genome-wide SNP data to quantify levels of and patterns of genetic diversity among 243 individuals from five goat populations: Toggenburg (n=69), Alpine (n=54), Saneen (n=24), Toggenburg Kenya Dual Purpose goat (TKDPG) (n=4), Kenya Dual Purpose Goat (KDPG)(n=11) and crosses (n=81). Inbreeding coefficient, observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from-0.01-0.07, 0.56- 0.60 and 0.57 respectively. Principal component analysis clustered the populations into three distinct clusters namely; cluster one-Saanen, Alpine and their crosses, cluster two-Toggenburg, Alpine, TKDPG and their crosses, and cluster three-KDPG, Toggenburg, TKDPG, Alpine and their crosses. Genetically admixed genotypes were identified in each cluster, indicating intermixing within the populations. High number of ROH proofed there is some level of homozygosity in the goat genotypes in Kenya. Results provided understandings into genomic variations and relationships which is vital in furthering genetic improvement and conservation of goat kept at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) research station and Kenya as a whole.Item Sheep Supplementation in the Arid and Semi-Arid Areas of Northern Kenya(ScienceWeb Publishing, 2023-05) Golicha, D.; Josphat, S.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationThe objective of this study was to assess the effects of partial supplementation of 1.5 years old blackhead Persian sheep with hay, molasses and local salt (Chalbi salt). The nutritive values of hay, molasses and Chalbi salt were determined. The selected sheep were assigned to three treatments in a completely randomized design; 10 sheep were given to the farmer and were herded based on his management practice (denoted as treatment A), 10 were grazed for 5 h and later supplemented with 600 g of chopped hay mixed with molasses per sheep daily and Chalbi salt ad libitum (denoted as treatment B), 10 were introduced to a government research farm, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO-Marsabit) flock and managed on the free range with no supplementation except Chalbi salt. They were also grazed for 8 h daily (denoted as treatment C). Feed resources for partial supplementation were analysed for proximate analysis, Van soest, in-vitro dry matter digestibility and mineral profiles. Molasses was spread on hay to increase palatability and intake. Chalbi salt was provided ad libitum to the supplemented group. All 30 sheep were weighed weekly. The data on sheep weights were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The mean sheep weight over the study period was higher among the supplemented group B (25.95 kg), followed by on-station research farm-managed group C (22.60 kg) and lastly farmer-managed group A (19.50 kg). Supplementation of sheep using local feed resources enhances weight gain and this is recommended, essentially in a weight-based marketing system.Item Overview of the climate smart Brachiaria grass programme(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2016) Djikeng, A.; Mureithi, J.G.This overview provides the rationale and genesis for conducting research on Brachiaria grasses for improving livestock productivity in Kenya.Item Review of Kenyan Agricultural Research Vol. 32(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1996) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Mwendia, C.W.These reviews have been produced as part of the Kenya Agricultural Research Database Project which was funded by the Netherlands government over the years 1992 to 1995. The aim of the project was to document all investigations and research related to agriculture in Kenya undertaken since the end of the last century, especially those items which had not been published. The computerised database now contains around 40,000 records, most of which contain abstracts or summaries, full bibliographic details, and information about where the documents can be found. We are conscious however, that many items have not been included, especially the earlier material and many consultancy reports produced by foreign and international donor, development, and research organizations. Specialists who read the reviews nay be aware of important topics which have been omitted by the reviewer. If this is the case, we would ask that both the reviewer and KARI's Library and Information Services be informed so that the topic can be included in future revisions. Constant up-date will be required as new research information becomes available with the National Agricultural Research System in KenyaItem Issues Affecting Beef Industry in Kenya: Proceedings of the Workshp held at Midland Hotel, Nakuru, 19th-20th, 2001(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2001) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Ouda, J.O.; Kimani, F.W.; Mbui, M.K.Agriculture sector is estimated to contribute about 30% of Gross Domestic Product(GDP)in Kenya. The population of beef cattle in Kenya is estimated at 9 million heads. Nearly 70% of the beef herd is found in the semi-arid and arid areas. Local demand for beef is expected to increase with rise in population and improved per capita income. KARI ranks beef industry as the second most important commodity for research only second to dairy,improvement in beef industry will have great impact in improving rural standard of living especially for people in the dry parts of the country who depend on livestock for livelihood. Further more, there is high potential of exporting beef and co-products, thus earning the much desired foreign exchange.Item KETRI ODA Workshop Report 1997(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1997) Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteThe Boran cattle, owned by the Onna people in the Tana River District of Kenya, sometimes known as the Tanaland Boran, originated from the Borana Province in Ethiopia. The Oromo people from Ethiopia are believed to have reached Kenya between 1400 and 1500. They once occupied vast tracks of land in the tsetse infested coastal areas stretching into northern Tanzania. Pressure from the Somali people in the east and the Kamba in the west eventually restricted these nomadic pastoralists to the tsetse infested lands of the Tana River District.Item Participatory Learning And Action Research For Livestock Management(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2000) Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteFollowing a request from researchers in the Range and Arid Lands programme a training workshop on PLAR for Livestock farm management was held at Kiboko Research Centre from 31 July to 4 August 2000. Researchers, extension staff and farmers from Kiboko and Marsabit attended the workshop with a total of20 participants. The objectives of the workshop were to train participants to develop PLAR skills to work with a community-based approach; strengthen research/extension/farmers linkages and promote collaborative learning.Item A Pictorial but Poisonus Fodder Plants of The Semi-Arid Rangelands of South East Kenya(kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2001) Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteNatural pastures contribute to the bulk of the forage resources in the dry lands of Africa in general and Kenya in particular. A recent survey in SE Kenya (Keya 2000) showed that the area of the fann holding under improved pasture was negligible when compared to that under natural pastures. Optimal utilization of the natural pasture is however constrained by among other factors, the presence of poisonous plants in the pasture. Various factors are involved in plants poisoning in livestock.Item The exhaustion of cattle spray-race fluid(1956/1957) Braithwaite, D.P.; Hemsted, W.R.T.When cattle are dipped in a water-soluble preparation such as sodium arsenite, the proportions of water and insecticide removed from the bath are in the same ratio as that existing in the dipping fluid itself. In the case of insoluble substances formulated as oil emulsions or wettable powders, however, there is a relatively greater loss of insecticide, thus causing a gradual decrease in the concentration of active material remaining in the dip tank.Item The realiability of the Butterfat figiures of the East African Milk Recording Scheme(1949/1950) Barrelt, M.APeople join a milk recording scheme for one or both of the following reasons: to have official incontrovertible evidence of the total weight of milk produced by their cows, information solely of value to those who sell stock; or to learn which of their animals produce the milk richest in fat. More people are Interested in the butterfat percentage of milk than in having a certified yield, for it is of interest to the liquid milk seller, of importance to the stock breeder and to the whole economy of the butterfat producer.Item The Introduction of Boran Cattle Into An E.C.F. Endemic Area(1966) Stobbs, T.H.; Stobbs, T. H.In 1958 it was realized that the Serere Research Station cattle br,eeding programme, which relied entirely on local small East African Zebu stock, was a long-term project. It was, therefore, considered desirable to find out if any of the exi:.ting improved breeds of beef or dual-purpose cattle could be adapted to the local conditions more rapidly than the indigenous cattle could be brought up to their standards, by selection. Boran cattle were chosen for the initial investigation because of their excellent record for beef production under difficult conditions in Kenya and their known adaptability to a wide range of climatic conditions. The final determining factor was their rdative availability in comparison with other breeds.Item The Influence of Supplementary Feeding and Grazing Restriction on the Voluntary Intake of Roughages and Live weight Gain By Beef Cattle(1966) Musangi R.SThe voluntary intake of a feed by an animal is the amount of food eaten when the food is offered ad libitum and is the result of the interaction of the animal and its food. It is usual to take the amount of food voluntarily eaten by an animal as a measure of the appetite (the desire for food) of the animal for that food.Item Fat Cow Syndrome in a British Dairy Herd(1983) Higgins, R.J.; Anderson, W.SThe fat cow syndrome development over a two year period in a 100 cow dairy herd following overfeeding in late lactation and the dry period. I was characterized clinically by a high incidence of parturient paresis and chronic Unresponsive ketosis in early lactation. The reproductive performance of the herd was poor throughout this period, with extended calving indices confirming a suggested link between fatty liver and infertility.Item Animal welfare during slaughter and causes of organ condemnation in livestock slaughtered in Eastern Kenya(veterinary Record, 2014) Ndirangu, P.N.; Ithinji, D.G.; Muturi, J.M.; Ireri, R.G.; Kabugi, J.W.; Nginyi, J.M.In order of determine the status of animal welfare during slaughter and to identify major causes of condemnation of edible organs in slaughtered cattle, sheep, goats and camels a croos-sectional slaughterhouse survey was conducted in Eastern region of Kenya, where a total of 11 slaughterestablishments were visited.Item The potential of improving napier grass under smallholder dairy farmers' conditions in Kenya(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1998) Kariuki, J.N.; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteDairy farming is the main livestock enterprise in the mixed crop/livestock farming system in the high rainfall areas of Kenya. These areas are characterised by a high human population density and very small farms. As a consequence, napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) has been widely adopted because of its relatively high dry matter yield and suitability as a cut fodder. The conventional methods of improving napier grass quality through fertilization or use of concentrates to supplement napier grass diets is limited because most farmers cannot afford these inputs. This has led to poor animal performance mostly attributed to the low protein content in napier grass. The most vulnerable group are heifers which receive far less attention compared to calves and cows. This is reflected by low weight gain (less than 0.25 kg day-1) and poor reproductive and life-time performance. Fortunately, several protein-rich forages (PRF) which have the potential to improve the quality of napier grass-based diets have been identified. These include Desmodium spp., Calliandra calothyrsus, Leucaena leucocephala, Ipomoea batatas, Medicago sativa, Musa sapienta, Trifolium semipilosum and Canna edulis. The benefits of using PRF include improved rumen function, increased energy and protein intake, improved feed efficiency, increased availability of minerals and vitamins, and generally enhanced animal performance. Appropriate and adequate information on the nutritive value of napier grass at different stages of growth and the PRF would facilitate ration formulation, allow more reliable prediction of subsequent animal performance and assist in the planning of suitable feeding strategies for the resource poor dairy farmers. Therefore, the overall objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritive value of napier grass and determine the potential for improvement in animal performance using PRF. Results from this thesis indicated that intake and utilization can be improved by manipulating the cutting regime of napier grass and varying the levels of PRF supplements. Indeed, PRF had a profound effect on fermentation and subsequently improved the intake of organic matter fermented in the rumen by up to 50%. Protein supplementation strategies for low crude protein tropical grasses should first target at optimising microbial protein production and then consider supplements containing a combination of ruminally degradable and bypass protein for high animal performance. Inadequately fed heifers grow poorly and show poor reproductive performance. The positive growth response obtained from the supplemented heifers were attributed to additional rumen degradable protein and/or bypass protein from PRF that overcame protein deficiency in napier grass. It was concluded that PRF could play an important role in the improvement of the utilization of napier grass and the subsequent animal performance. The data provided in this study, on the nutritive value of these forages will, consequently, facilitate making appropriate choices for diet formulation at the farm level.Item Derris or Tuba Root(1940) AmaniDerris root is one of the most powerful insecticides known, but is harmless to man and animals. It does not possess the rapid "knockout" power of pyrethrum, but weigh,t for weight its eventual killing power is ~reafer. It is finding increased commercial use mous~hold sprays (mixed with pyrethrum), III fruit sprays, and in cattle dips; the powdered rl100t is also much used for dusting purposes.Item An Evaluation of Silvopastoral System Performance in Arid and Semi Arid Areas of Kenya(Animal Production Society of Kenya, 2002) Aboud, A.A.; Obati, G.O.; Animal Production Society of Kenya; Egerton UniversityA study was carried out in Kibwezi and Kathonzweni Divisions of Makueni District, Kenya, to examine the intricate effects of household socioeconomic status, household use of multipurpose trees and shrubs (MPTS) and appropriateness of MPTS selection, appropriateness of livestock selection on silvopastoral system performance. One hundred and ninety eight rural households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results show that performance of the system was significantly low with 88.4% of the household's performance falling between poor and low. Results of multiple regression analysis indicate that silvopastoral system performance is significantly affected by household socioeconomic status (B=. 361, P < 0.001), household use of MPTS (B=. 159, P < 0.05), appropriateness of livestock selection (B=. 141, P < 0.05). Appropriateness of MPTS selection (B= .096, P > 0.05) and MPTS/ Pasture management (B= -.084, P > 0.05) had no significant effect on the system performance. It is suggested that in order to improve the performance of silvopastoral systems in ASALs, household socioeconomic status should be improved. The households use of MPTS should be regulated and appropriate livestock selected.
