The County Government of Nakuru has launched a breed improvement program in a bid to enhance livestock productivity in the region.
The initial Sh15 million program seeks to establish genetic variation in livestock populations in lower zones of Rongai and Subukia sub-Counties.
The breeding scheme will see 100 Sahiwal and Boran bulls, 130 Dorper Rams and 130 Galla goat bucks distributed to farmers for cross breeding purposes.
Some 42 Sahiwals and Borans bulls have been distributed to farmers in Waseges and Soin Wards, each receiving 16 and 26 animals respectively.
Nakuru County Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Dr Immaculate Maina said farmers have received training on proper animal husbandry.
She said other sub-counties will receive superior breeds suitable for the various climatic conditions for milk and beef production.
Farmers, especially in dairy cooperatives, have been trained on artificial insemination and received kits. Nakuru County produces between 190 million litres to 230 million litres of milk per year.
The County has installed more than 10 milk coolers to enhance farmers’ capacity to aggregate milk to have a better price bargaining power.
Breeds mean livestock industry growth
The breeds are expected to add up to Kenya’s livestock production which data shows have been increasing over the years fueled by demand for meat for an increasing population.
Economic Survey for 2019 indicates that the number of livestock slaughtered has been increasing over time.
The number of cattle and calves slaughtered rose by 7.4 percent from 2.5 million heads in 2017 to 2.8 million in 2018.
Similarly, the total number of goats and sheep delivered to slaughterhouses increased by 11.3 percent to stand at 10.2 million heads during the review period.
The same trend was witnessed with the number of pigs slaughtered increasing by 7.8 percent from 360.1 thousand heads in 2017 to 388.2 thousand in 2018.
Overall, the value of marketed livestock and livestock products increased by 8.3 percent to Sh146.8 billion in 2018.