The Introduction of Boran Cattle Into An E.C.F. Endemic Area

Abstract

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.