The County Government of Nakuru has launched a breed improvement program in a bid to enhance livestock productivity in the region.
The first phase of the 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.
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.
Soin Ward MCA Ms Irene Chebichii commended the County Government of Nakuru’s initiative adding that having superior livestock traits was a sure way of ending poverty in pastoral communities.
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