Kenya is endowed with a diverse range of cattle breeds, ranging from indigenous types and exotic breeds that have been introduced mostly from Europe and improved to adapt to the country's unique climatic conditions.
However, due to these conditions experienced in different parts of the country, some breeds are better adapted to thrive in Nairobi's subtropical highland climate while others are adept to semi-arid regions.
With the scramble for space to settle in the already densely populated city, it becomes difficult to set up areas for livestock keeping in the miniature parcels of land that prospective farmers would want to grow their businesses.
In that light, however, here is a list of various cow breeds that are ideal for rearing near Nairobi, that will not break the bank but are guaranteed to earn a farmer millions at the comfort of their home.
Friesian
This breed is the most populous of the cattle breeds in the country owing to the favourable attributes that make it stand out. It is renowned for its high quality of milk, averaging from 26,000 litres of milk in one lifetime and produces good quality lean meat. Farmers prefer this breed as the cattle are good-natured and are easy to handle.
In terms of space, the breed does well in high input zero-grazing and semi-zero systems, alleviating the challenge of sourcing for pasture to cater to the animals.
In fact, the breed has been crossbred with indigenous breeds like Sahiwal to produce excellent dual-purpose crosses that are suitable for the lowlands and semi-arid areas.
Kenyan Sahiwal
The Sahiwal cattle breed has been developed as a dual-purpose breed for milk and meat. It is used for crossbreeding with exotic breeds to improve milk and meat production.
The Sahiwal breed is reared in smallholder farming systems, beef and dairy ranching in marginal areas found in Southern parts of Kenya, such as Nairobi.
It is heat and drought tolerant and at the same time has high immunity against internal and external parasites - making it ideal for rearing in the city owing to the harsh environment filled with pests and parasites.
It has the ability to survive in harsh drylands and walk long distances in search of water and pastures, but is also vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, so can acclimatize to adapt to Nairobi's climate.
Guernsey
The red-brown breed is another popular breed in the country and is the most ideal for rearing for their high-quality milk and meat. The breed is preferred for its docile nature and low incidents of calving difficulty of all other major breeds.
The breed is known to perform well under various production systems ranging from high input zero-grazing to semi zero-grazing system which is ideal for setting up sheds in small parcels of land.
The breed requires moderate daily feed requirements and good feed conversion efficiency (the conversion of grass-feed to milk) which aids in early reproductive maturity.
Jersey
The golden breed is best known for its longer life expectancy, reduced feet problems and lesser mastitis cases - when compared to other breeds.
The benefits of the jersey breed draw over the other benefits of dairy breeds, such as high-quality meat and milk. In this regard, the breed does not require too much effort to rear with low calving difficulty, and improved fertility, an attribute that farmers who enjoy low maintenance can take advantage of.
The breed is also ideal for small-holder dairy producers where land parcels are small, doing well in high input zero-grazing and semi zero-grazing.
Ayrshire
The Ayrshire breed is relatively immune to most tropical diseases and has adapted solar radiation while exhibiting minimal congenital diseases. This, therefore, saves the farmer costs in sourcing for veterinary services which are quite expensive especially in the city.
The breed's benefits also draw over the other dairy breeds in terms of high product quality. Ayrshires respond to good management and feeding practices, hence are very ideal to raise in the city owing to their low maintenance.
This breed is widely distributed in medium to high rainfall regions and is hence suitable for any prospective farmer who wants to rear the animals in the Nairobi climate.
