Zebu cattle of Kenya: Uses, performance, farmer preferences, measures of genetic diversity and options for improved use

Table of Contents

Animal Genetic Resources Research 1

J.E.O. Rege, A. Kahi, M. Okomo-Adhiambo, J. Mwacharo and O. Hanotte

Authors’ affiliations

J.E.O. Rege, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
A. Kahi, Department of Animal Science, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya
M. Okomo-Adhiambo, ILRI, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya
J. Mwacharo, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, KARI, Kiboko Research Centre, P.O. Box 57811, Makindu, Kenya
O. Hanotte, ILRI, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya

© 2001 ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute)
All rights reserved. Parts of this document may be reproduced without express permission for non-commercial use but with acknowledgment to ILRI.

Cover photo courtesy of Clemens Wollny.

ISBN 92–9146–094–X

Correct citation: Rege J.E.O., Kahi A.K., Okomo-Adhiambo M., Mwacharo J. and Hanotte O. 2001. Zebu cattle of Kenya: Uses, performance, farmer preferences, measures of genetic diversity and options for improved use. Animal Genetic Resources Research 1. ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute), Nairobi, Kenya. 103 pp.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Foreword

1 Introduction

2 Background on African cattle

2.1 Origin and current classification of African cattle
2.2 Zebu cattle breeds of eastern Africa

3 On-farm

3.1 Objectives
3.2 Materials and methods
3.3 Results and discussion
3.4 Summary and conclusions

4 Molecular characterisation of Kenyan zebu cattle

4.1 Objectives
4.2 Materials and methods
4.3 Results
4.4 Discussion
4.5 Summary and conclusions

5 Breeding strategies for Kenyan zebu

5.1 Animal production systems
5.2 Goal traits in genetic improvement of Kenyan zebu
5.3 Open nucleus breeding schemes
5.4 Options for improved use of the Kenyan zebu
5.5 Development of a breeding programme

6 Research priorities

7 References

Appendix I

Appendix II