BecA Hub in action Project Title:
A system to cost effectively create a continuous supply of F1 heifer via sexed embryos
| Donor: | Heifer Project International (HPI), USA, United States |
|---|---|
| Partner/Institution: | CAIS, KARI ; Kenya, NAGRC & DB; Uganda, NCARD; Rwanda, NLRI ; Republic of South Korea |
| Project Highlight: | Many of Heifer Project International's projects are centered on the provision of improved animals to and training of low income families. In relation to dairy cattle in a number of sub- Saharan African countries, HPI has indicated that they are unnable to meet the demand for high quality animals from local sources. Whilst this has been partly overcome in the short-term by the importation of animals from USA and South Africa, the cost associated with this is prohibitive ( for example, its cost a minimal of US$3,000 to improve an in-calf heifer from South Africa to Kenya, personal communication , Sahr Lebbie). A system that would ensure the continuous supply of F1 females would be advantageous to HPI and their smallholder dairy clients. A system meeting these needs can be provided through the use of three reproductive technologies in combination , namely sexed semen, in-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer (abbreviated to (SIVET). Current projections indicate that SIVET can result in an increase in profitability of around 70% per cow per year ( over the lifetime of the cow) in comparison to the use of artificial insemination alone, under Kenya smallholder production systems. |
| Total Project Budget $US: | 349,988.00 |
| Scientist Involved: | Okeyo Mwai |
| Scientist Email: | Email: o.mwai@cgiar.org |
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