A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Usage of Sexed in-vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer Technology in Kenya

Fridah G. Lawrence, Henry Mutembei, Job Lagat, John Mburu, and Okeyo Mwai

 

Research Paper I Published September,2015

 

Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology  Vol. 1 (4), pp.53-58

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

In Kenya, good quality heifers are in high demand but are generally unavailable and expensive. Innovative usage of sexed semen in an in-vitro embryo production (IVEP) system has a potential to help deliver appropriate cattle genotypes to farmers efficiently. Sexed In-vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer (SIFET), which involves both IVEP and embryo transfer (ET), is a breeding technology which ensures a 90% success rate of achieving the desired sex of a calf. While Sifet technology is potentially beneficial, its costs and benefits have not been locally assessed. A cost benefit analysis was done to assess the economic feasibility of SIFET for commercial utilization in Kenya. Our results indicate that SIFET technology is a feasible option for potential investors. SIFET could benefit cattle farmers through availability of cattle of preferred sex (male calves for beef and female calves for dairy production) and better matching of genotype to farmers’ production conditions. Such technologies can enhance regional trade in cattle breeding stock due to increased value and demand for Boran cows and heifers as donors and surrogates.

Key Words: In Vitro Embryo Production, Cows, Cost analysis, Breeding, Kenya.
 

Full Text-PDF