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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358 EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 15, No. 1, 2015, pp. 9722-9743
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Bioline Code: nd15008
Full paper language: English
Document type: Editorial
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2015, pp. 9722-9743
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BOVINE IN-VITRO EMBRYO PRODUCTION AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS IMPROVED FOOD SECURITY IN KENYA
Mutembei, H.M.; Tsuma, V.T.; Muasa, B.T.; Muraya, J. & Erastus, R.M.
Abstract
The Boran breed is mainly kept by pastoralist communities as a source of both milk and
beef, and by commercial beef ranches mainly for beef production. Although this breed
Boran may seemingly be low valued, it can be raised to higher reproductive potential
using current reproductive technologies such as in-vitro embryo production and embryo
transfer. In this author’s literature search there was lack of locally optimized procedures
for boosting the reproductive potential of the Boran cow using such technologies. This
paper discusses simplified methods used for in-vitro embryo production and embryo
transfer that have been tested and optimized for the Kenyan Boran cows as described
in text. This article provides the reader with technical procedures, the outcomes and the
challenges experienced during use of the technologies. The results of the reported in vitro embryo production obtained an oocyte maturation rate of over 90%, over 70%
cleavage rate and an embryo output of 30-50% blastocyst rate. Embryo transfer had a
conception rate of 45-50%. All the 17 calves born out of this work have since attained
puberty without any abnormalities. This research was the first to produce a “test tube”
calf in Kenya and built the capacity of 57 staff on these technical procedures within
East Africa. Utilization of the in vitro embryo production technology in Kenya can be
used to do value addition to indigenous cows and improve household incomes and food
security. This avenue can be used to raise household revenues and attract many more
farmers to engage in farming leading to improved national economic and food security.
Kenya can utilize reproductive technologies in the dairy sector due to the massive
potential benefits to revolutionize the sector for enhanced food security by increasing
cattle productivity. The paper highlights practical ways of applying the technologies
discussed therein to help raise the economy of the Kenyan livestock farmers and boost
their food security.
Keywords
Reproductive Technologies; Boran cattle; Kenya
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