Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Productivity in different cattle production systems in Kenya

  • Regular Article
  • Published:
Tropical Animal Health and Production Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Cattle are kept as an important source of livelihood in many Kenyan farming households whilst also having cultural and social value. A review was undertaken to estimate productivity in the three main Kenyan cattle production systems: small-scale dairy and meat; small-scale dairy; and large-scale dairy and meat. Data on production parameters were collected through a systematic literature search of electronic databases for peer reviewed and grey literature. The parameters included were reproductive rates, mortality rates and yields. Prices for livestock and livestock products were estimated from markets. The data were used to estimate net output from cattle using the Livestock Productivity Efficiency Calculator (LPEC), a deterministic steady state model which measures productivity as net output per megajoule (MJ) of metabolisable energy (ME). The estimated net outputs per livestock unit year−1 were USD 146.6, USD 215.1 and USD 84.8 in the large-scale dairy and meat, small-scale dairy and meat and small-scale dairy systems, respectively. Milk production contributed significantly to net output in all systems and was 91.8 % of total output in small-scale dairy. Cattle sales had the highest contribution to net output in large-scale dairy and meat system (45.1 %). Sensitivity analysis indicated that output was most affected by milk yield, age and weight at maturity and parturition rate. The productivity differences between the production systems call for more detailed research on the constraints to the production systems such as diseases, and to describe the benefits that farmers and society would obtain from disease control and improved management.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alice, W. M. and Ilatsia, E. D., 2011. Factors that determine use of breeding services by smallholder dairy farmers in Central Kenya. Tropical Animal Health and Production 43, 199–207

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bebe, B. O., Udo, H. M. J., Rowlands, G. J. and Thorpe, W., 2003. Smallholder dairy systems in the Kenya highlands: cattle population dynamics under increasing intensification. Livestock Production Science, 82, (2–3), 211–221

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bebe, B. O., Udo, H. M. J. and Thorpe, W., 2008. Characteristics of feeding and breeding practices for intensification of smallholder dairy systems in the Kenya highlands. Livestock Research for Rural Development, http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd20/22/bebe20023.htm

  • Bett, B., Jost, C., Allport, R. and Mariner, J., 2009. Using participatory epidemiological techniques to estimate the relative incidence and impact on livelihoods of livestock diseases amongst nomadic pastoralists in Turkana South District, Kenya,. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 90, (3–4), 194–203

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bett, B., Randolph, T. F., Irungu, P., Nyamwaro, S. O., Kitala, P., Gathuma, J., Grace, D., Vale, G., Hargrove, J. and McDermott, J., 2010. Field trial of a synthetic tsetse-repellent technology developed for the control of bovine trypanosomosis in Kenya. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 97, (3–4), 220–227

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, J., Gulliver, A. and Gibbon, D., 2001. Improving farmers’ livelihood in a changing world; Farming systems and poverty; Analysis of farming systems. FAO and the World Bank, Rome and Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Gachohi, M. J., Kitala, M. P., Ngumi, N. P. and Skilton, A. R., 2011. Environment and farm factors associated with exposure to Theileria parva infection in cattle under traditional mixed farming system in Mbeere District, Kenya. Tropical Animal Health and Production 43, 271–277

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gitau, G. K., McDermott, J. J., Adams, J. E., Lissemore, K. D. and Waltner-Toews, D., 1994. Factors influencing calf growth and daily weight gain on smallholder dairy farms in Kiambu District, Kenya. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 21, (2), 179–190

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gitau, G. K., Perry, B. D. and McDermott, J. J., 1999. The incidence, calf morbidity and mortality due to Theileria parva infections in smallholder dairy farms in Murang'a District, Kenya. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 39, (1), 65–79

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gitau, G. K., McDermott, J. J., McDermott, B. and Perry, B. D., 2001. The impact of Theileria parva infections and other factors on calf mean daily weight gains in smallholder dairy farms in Murang'a District, Kenya. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 51, (3–4), 149–160

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, J. P. T. and Green, S., Eds. 2011. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 (updated march 2011), The Cochrane collaboration, 2011. Available from www.cochrane-handbook.org

  • Ilatsia, E. D., Muasya, T. K., Muhuyi, W. B. and Kahi, A. K., 2007. Milk production and reproductive performance of Sahiwal cattle in semi-arid Kenya. Tropical Science, 47, (3), 120–127

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ilatsia, E. D., Migose, S. A., Muhuyi, W. B. and Kahi, A. K., 2012. Sahiwal cattle in semi-arid Kenya: genetic aspects of growth and survival traits and their relationship to milk production and fertility. Tropical Animal Health and Production,44, 519– 530

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • James, A. D. and Carles, A. B., 1996. Measuring the productivity of grazing and foraging livestock. Agricultural Systems, 52, (2–3), 271–291

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • KARI/ODA, 1996 Manual of livestock production systems in Kenya. Livestock Socio-economics and Epidemiology Project, Kikuyu. Kenya National Veterinary Research Centre Nairobi, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute.

  • King, J. M., Parsons, D. J., Turnpenny, J. R., Nyangaga, J., Bakari, P. and Wathes, C. M., 2006. Modelling energy metabolism of Friesians in Kenya smallholdings shows how heat stress and energy deficit constrain milk yield and cow replacement rate. Animal Science, 82, (5), 705–716

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • KNBS,2009 Statistical abstract. Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Government Printer, Nairobi

    Google Scholar 

  • Latif, A. A., Rowlands, G. J., Punyua, D. K., Hassan, S. M. and Capstick, P. B., 1995. An epidemiological study of tick-borne diseases and their effects on productivity of zebu cattle under traditional management on Rusinga Island, western Kenya. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 22, (3), 169–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Machila, N., Fevre, E. M., Maudlin, I. and Eisler, M. C., 2008. Farmer estimation of live bodyweight of cattle: implications for veterinary drug dosing in East Africa. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 87, (3–4), 394–403

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maichomo, M. W., Ndungu, J. M., Ngare, P. M. and Ole-Mapenay, I. M., 2005. The performance of Orma Boran and Maasai Zebu crossbreeds in a trypanosomosis endemic area of Nguruman, south western Kenya. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 72 (1), 87–93

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maichomo, M. W., Kosura, W. O., Gathuma, J. M., Gitau, G. K., Ndung'u, J. M. and Nyamwaro, S. O., 2009. Economic assessment of the performance of trypanotolerant cattle breeds in a pastoral production system in Kenya. Journal of South African Veterinary Association, 80, (3), 157–162

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maritim, K. W., 2009. The seroprevalence and risk factors of contagious bovine pleuropnuemonia in the North Western areas of Turkana district Kenya. Unpublished MSc thesis, univeristy of Nairobi.

  • Martin, S. W., Meek, A. H. and Willeberg, P., 1987. Veterinary Epidemiology; Principles and Methods. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA

    Google Scholar 

  • Mburu, L. M., Gitu, K. W. and Wakhungu, J. W., 2007 A cost–benefit analysis of smallholder dairy cattle enterprises in different agro-ecological zones in Kenya highlands. Livestock Research for Rural Development http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd19/17/mbur19095.htm

  • Meme, M. F., 1998 Descriptive and Gross Margin analysis for the case study farmers. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Reading.

  • Menjo, D. K., Bebe, B. O., Okeyo, A. M. and Ojango, J. M., 2009. Analysis of early survival of Holstein–Friesian heifers of diverse sire origins on commercial dairy farms in Kenya. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 41, (2), 171–181

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MoLD,2007 Provincial Summaries of Livestock Population Statistics. DAP. Ministry of Livestock Development; Animal Production Division, Nairobi

    Google Scholar 

  • Muendo, N. E., Mbatha, M. P., Macharia, J., Theresia, H. A., Janszen, P. V., Pastoor, R. and Smits, H. L., 2012. Infection of cattle in Kenya with Brucella abortus biovar 3 and Brucella melitensis biovar 1 genotypes. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 44, (1), 17–20

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Muhuyi, W. B., Lokwaleput, I. and Ole Sinkeet, S. N., 1999 Conservation and utilisation of the Sahiwal cattle in Kenya. Animal Genetic Resources Information, 26, 35–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Munyua, P., Murithi, R. M., Wainwright, S., Githinji, J., Hightower, A., Mutonga, D., Macharia, J., Ithondeka, P. M., Musaa, J., Breiman, R. F., Bloland, P. and Njenga, M. K., 2010. Rift Valley fever outbreak in livestock in Kenya, 2006–2007. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 83, (2 Suppl), 58–64

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Muraguri, G. R., McLeod, A. and Taylor, N., 2004. Estimation of milk production from smallholder dairy cattle in the coastal lowlands of Kenya. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 36, (7), 673–684

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muraguri, G. R., McLeod, A., McDermott, J. J. and Taylor, N., 2005. The incidence of calf morbidity and mortality due to vector-borne infections in smallholder dairy farms in Kwale District, Kenya. Veterinary Parasitology, 130, (3–4), 305–315

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mwangi, E. K., Stevenson, P., Gettinby, G., Reid, S. W. and Murray, M., 1998. Susceptibility to trypanosomosis of three Bos indicus cattle breeds in areas of differing tsetse fly challenge, Veterinary Parasitology, 79, (1), 1–17

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nyariki, D. M., Makau, F. B., Ekaya, N. W. and Gathuma, M. J.,2005 Guidelines for emergency livestock offtake handbook. Nairobi, Arid Lands Resource Management Project.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyariki, D. M., Mwangomb'e, A. W. and Thompson, D. M., 2009. Land-use change and livestock production challenges in an integrated system; The Masai–mara ecosystem Kenya. Journal of Human Ecology, 26, (3), 163–173

    Google Scholar 

  • Oba, G., 2001. The effect of multiple droughts on cattle in Obbu. Northern Kenya, Journal of Arid Environments, 49, (2), 375–386

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Okuthe, O. S. and Buyu, G. E., 2006. Prevalence and incidence of tick-borne diseases in smallholder farming systems in the western-Kenya highlands. Veterinary Parasitology, 141, (3–4), 307–312

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Omore, A. O., McDermott, J. J., Arimi, S. M., Kyule, M. N. and Ouma, D., 1996. A longitudinal study of milk somatic cell counts and bacterial culture from cows on smallholder dairy farms in Kiambu District, Kenya. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 29, (1), 77–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Omore, A. O., McDermott, J. J., Arimi, S. M. and Kyule, M. N., 1999. Impact of mastitis control measures on milk production and mastitis indicators in smallholder dairy farms in Kiambu district, Kenya. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 31, (6), 347–361

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • PAN- Livestock Services Limited. 1991. The Livestock Production Efficiency Calculator, User Guide. PAN Livestock Services Limited, Department of Agriculture, Reading, UK. pp. 113

    Google Scholar 

  • Rich, K. M. and Wanyoike, F., 2010. An assessment of the regional and national socio-economic impacts of the 2007 Rift Valley fever outbreak in Kenya. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 83, (2 Suppl), 52–57

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roderick, S., Stevenson, P. and Ndung'u, J., 1998. The production parameters influencing the composition and structure of pastoral cattle herds in a semi-arid area of Kenya. Animal Science, 66, 585–594

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roderick, S., Stevenson, P. and Ndung'u, J., 1999. Factors influencing the production of milk from pastoral cattle herds in Kenya. Animal Science, 68, 201–209

    Google Scholar 

  • Roderick, S., Stevenson, P., Mwendia, C. and Okech, G., 2000. The use of trypanocides and antibiotics by Maasai pastoralists. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 32, (6), 361–374

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thumbi, M. S., Jung’a, O. J., Mosi, O. R. and McOdimba, A. F., 2010. Spatial distribution of African animal trypanosomiasis in Suba and Teso districts in Western Kenya. BMC Research Notes 3, (6)

  • Upton, M., 1989. Livestock productivity assessment and herd growth models. Agricultural Systems, 29, (2), 149–164

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Upton, M., 1993. Livestock productivity assessment and modelling. Agricultural Systems, 43, (4), 459–472

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Schaik, G., Perry, B. D., Mukhebi, A. W., Gitau, G. K. and Dijkhuizen, A. A., 1996. An economic study of smallholder dairy farms in Murang'a District, Kenya. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 29, (1), 21–36

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wakabi, W., 2006. Worst drought in a decade leaves Kenya crippled. Lancet, 367, (9514), 891–892

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wanyoike, S. W.-K., 2009 Epidemiology and socio-economics of CBPP and its control by vaccination in Narok district of Kenya. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Reading

  • Wasike, C. B., Indetie, D., Irungu, K. R. G., Ojango, J. M. K. and Kahi, A. K., 2006. Environmental effects on variation in growth and reproductive performance of Boran cattle in ASAL of Kenya. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa, 54, (3), 156–167

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The first author acknowledges the financial support from Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, United Kingdom.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, AL97TA, Hatfield, UK

    Joshua Orungo Onono, Barbara Wieland & Jonathan Rushton

  2. Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, 00625, Nairobi, Kenya

    Joshua Orungo Onono

Authors
  1. Joshua Orungo Onono
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Barbara Wieland
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jonathan Rushton
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joshua Orungo Onono.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Onono, J.O., Wieland, B. & Rushton, J. Productivity in different cattle production systems in Kenya. Trop Anim Health Prod 45, 423–430 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-012-0233-y

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-012-0233-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation