Dear Daktari, My name is Joshua Kyalo. I have a large tract of land that I plan to turn into a ranch to raise some indigenous but profitable beef cows. I have been doing some research and observing that many ranches are turning to Boran cattle. I am almost convinced this is the breed to keep, and I am already doing my calculations. In your expertise, could you please enlighten me a little more about this breed? [Joshua Kyalo, Yatta]
Thank you, Joshua, for reading Smart Harvest and for your thoughtful question. You are correct in your observation that Boran cattle are increasingly becoming popular among farmers in Kenya and beyond. I have also received numerous inquiries recently on where to source these breeds for beef and milk production in Kenya.
As you’ve noted, the Boran cattle are visually appealing, but their advantages go far beyond looks. The Boran breed offers traits that make them highly desirable as climate change continues to affect livestock farming. Many ranches in Kenya already keep pure Boran herds, and beef outlets are thriving due to the growing demand for their superior meat.
Their body size and traits align well with both farmers’ desires and market preferences. The Boran is primarily a beef breed, though some farmers cross them with Friesians to benefit from their resilience and gain some additional milk production. Boran cattle produce excellent meat and grow relatively quickly. At maturity, a Boran bull weighs between 250–395 kilograms, while cows weigh 225–355 kilograms.
Despite their large size, Borans are generally calm and easy to handle. Their coat colors vary from brown to red and black. Female Borans have better fertility rates compared to other Zebu breeds, making them even more attractive to farmers. To top it all off, Boran cattle are known for their exceptional fertility and reproductive abilities.
Boran cattle are hardy animals, resistant to many diseases, and can thrive in a wide range of ecological zones. It’s no surprise that Borans have found homes as far away as Australia.
Here in Kenya, the Boran Cattle Breeders Society is actively working to ensure the breed's prosperity, and it’s clear that Boran cattle are here to stay. In fact, the Kenyan Boran is larger than the Orma Boran, likely indicating ongoing breed improvement.
The prevalence of Nagana (trypanosomiasis), spread by tsetse flies in Africa, has renewed interest in the Boran due to its relative resistance to this disease. Their thick skin and short, coarse, oily hair help keep their skin moist, deter parasites, and protect them from the sun.
Historically, this unique breed originated from Southern Ethiopia among the Borana Oromo people, where it has thrived for thousands of years after being brought from India. From Ethiopia, Boran cattle have spread across the continent and can now be found in many countries. However, Kenya appears to be the primary home for this breed, given their prevalence in ranches around the country.
But you don’t need to be a rancher to own this special breed. Boran cattle can be kept profitably on a small farm, so go ahead and invest in one!
[Dr Othieno is a veterinary surgeon and currently the head of communications at FAO-Kenya. The views expressed here are his own]