A Kenyan economic analysis on utilization of Ovum pick up, in vitro embryo production and embryo transfer technologies in cattle.

Abstract

In Kenya, good quality heifers are in high demand but are generally unavailable and expensive. Innovative usage of in-vitro embryo production (IVEP) system and embryo transfer (ET) has a potential to help deliver appropriate cattle genotypes to farmers efficiently. Use of Ovum pick up (OPU) from live animals and sexed semen in sexed In-vitro embryo production and embryo transfer, 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 these technologies are potentially beneficial, their costs and benefits have not been locally assessed. A cost-benefit analysis was done to assess the economic feasibility of IVEP and ET for commercial utilization in Kenya. The results indicate that the technologies are feasible options for potential investors. OPU, IVEP and ET 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 increased value and demand for both grade cows and Boran cows as donors and surrogates, respectively.