Livestock ownership in Kenya currently supports the livelihood
of an estimated 700 million small holder farmers. It accounts
for the largest share of agricultural enterprises- contributing
more than 40% of the agricultural GDP and 10% of the total GDP.
Dairying is one of the most important livestock investments
owing to its inherent value and potential (incomes, nutrition).
Kenya is the largest milk producing country in south Saharan
Africa, with a herd size larger than the rest of east and
southern Africa. The dairy industry accounts for 4% of the
country’s GDP. Currently, the level of milk production is about
5 billion litres against an estimated consumption of 7. This
translates to a deficit of 31.8 to 43.5% for medium growth rate,
and 16.8 to 32.8% for high growth rate. Small holder farmers
contribute over 80% of total milk production, 56% of milk sold
in unregulated (informal) market.. Breeding and nutrition are
the major determinants of a successful livestock industry in
Kenya. While breeding is a long-