HAPPYNES CHEPCHUMBA

ENB211-0034/2021

AHS 2101: ANIMAL PRODUCTION

ABE

ASSIGNMENT 2

PRODUCTION OF BEEF CATTLE IN KENYA

Beef farming is the keeping of large numbers of cattle for meat.

It is practiced in some parts of Kenya. These parts include Rift valley, Central and Eastern regions with
most production being small scale farmers who keep a few animals for subsistence purposes.

Beef cattle are of different breeds including the red angus, Aberdeen angus, Hereford and Sahiwal.Boran
and zebu are indigenous breeds and are most common in Kenya due to their tolerance to harsh climatic,
parasitic and disease resistance.

Beef cattle has brought great impacts and benefits to the Kenyan economy whereby farmers and traders
can sell those beef cattle and get some income. Because beef cattle are kept for meat, they are also
important sources of food as it provides protein.

Beef farming provides employment opportunities to most Kenyans hence improving their living
standards. To the Kenyan economy, beef contributes to foreign exchange by exportation of beef product
to other countries.

Even though beef farming has a lot of advantages, as it also has some disadvantages. Beef production is
a very expensive venture that requires large tracts of land for grazing and pasture establishment. In
Kenya it is largely affected by pest, diseases and drought which put farmers into losses when it occurs.

Beef production is affected by various factors like famine and drought. Parasites and diseases outbreak
also affects the beef cattle. herd size, machinery investment per breeding cow and rainfall are some of
those factors that affects beef farming.

Cattle breeds meant for beef production should have qualities like good feed conversion rate, first
growth rate and this can be achieved through selective productivity. Factors such as parasites should be
effectively controlled.

There are many production systems that can be used in beef production. These systems are determined
by environment and the size of the available land. Examples of these systems include integrated
production, grass feed production system, feedlot production system among others.
Selective breeding should be done to ensure good traits are passed. Breeding method is also an
important factor that should be considered while practicing beef farming.

Reproductive technology for example, embryo transplant can also be used.

For excellent beef production, beef cattle should be provided with proper housing with good drainage
and well ventilated house. The house should be free from drought and well spaced to allow room for
exercise.

Management practices such as dehorning, identification, castration, parasite and disease control among
others should be done for good produce.

Animals with superior traits and well adapted to the environment should be chosen for breeding.

Proper cattle nutrition should be provided and proper management practices should be done for high
production. Also proper feed proportion and quantities should be provided for better produce.

To promote sustainable and efficient beef production the government and stakeholders should work
towards improving through initiatives like development strategy among others.