High-yielding dual-purpose cattle breed arrives in Kenya

By Peter Orengo

A world renown dual-purpose cattle breed arrives in Kenya today.

With an excellent milk production yielding of 10,000 litres a cow per lactation period and proper feeding regime, Fleckvieh milk is considered the highest quality in the world.

Fleckvieh, acclaimed as the perfect solution to a breeder’s problem, makes its debut entry in the East African market, following the successful introduction of the breed in South Africa and Namibia.

The breed is being introduced in Kenya by Fleckvieh EA Ltd in partnership with Brookside Livestock Breeders. Dr Thomas Grupp, CEO of Bavarian Fleckvieh says the company intends to crossbreed the Fleckvieh with Holstein-Friesian, Ayrshire, Jersy and other local breeds like the Boran, to produce a robust dual-purpose breed.

robust breed

"We intend to come up with a robust breed that encompasses a more moderate frame, sound udders with large milk wells and masculine at the back," he said in a statement.

The breed is said to have a low somatic cell count of about 70,000 cells/ml. This curbs against poor quality milk through rapid deterioration during handling and transportation.

They also have higher fertility rates, assuring farmers of high output from minimal input and real value for money.

The breed will be showcased at the Nairobi ASK Showground’s from Wednesday to Friday this week.

Grupp said two animals will be showcased. One 100 per cent pure Fleckvieh breed while the other is a crossbreed of a Fleckvieh and a Holstein Friesian.