Cows in Kenya: Breeds and Farming Practices

Dec 08, 2025 0

Kenya is home to a wide range of cattle genotypes. A breed is a race or variety related by descent and similarity in certain distinguishable characteristics. In Africa, there are two main groups of Cattle: Bos indicus (cattle with humps) including the Boran, Sahiwal, and Zebu cows (indigenous) and the Bos taurus (exotic or imported breeds).

Zebu Cattle

Some Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZ's) are not suitable for pure breed high yielding milk cows but can benefit from crossbreeding the local breeds of cattle with exotic breeds. However, this will only be realized through good animal husbandry. Without good husbandry, the survival rate of exotic breeds and crossbreeds is likely to be low. Exotic breeds are more expensive and require more sophisticated housing facilities.

The indigenous breeds are generally more hardy and resistant to diseases. Under sub-optimal conditions, the indigenous breeds stay healthy and animal welfare is less at risk as with exotic breeds in the same situation. Although indigenous breeds' production is low, it might be more economical to have indigenous breeds instead of exotic breeds as their cost is relatively low.

Breeding possibilities in isolated areas are less than in areas with good infrastructure. The use of local breeding bulls instead of artificial insemination could be a limiting factor in improving the production of local cattle.

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Dairy Breeds

For Kenyan farmers, choosing the right dairy cow makes all the difference. It is also important that the breed provides enough milk and can adapt to the environment.

Friesian (Holstein-Friesian)

The Holstein-Friesian breed of Friesian cows is very popular among Kenyan dairy farmers. The exact origins of this breed are difficult to determine, but it is known that in the 18th century, herds of small black-and-white cattle were brought into northern Holland and Friesland from northern Jutland to replace animals that had fallen victim to disease and flooding. Before the establishment of the Netherlands herd book in 1873 and the Friesland herd book in 1879, both black-pied and red-pied animals were maintained separately.

Production levels of this breed declined during the 1950's when excessive emphasis was placed on correct colour pattern. During the 1970's Holsteins were imported from the United States and used to improve the milk production. This resulted in larger animals with more pronounced dairy characteristics. The modern Friesian is pre-eminently a grazing animal and has been developed by selective breeding over the last 100 years. Some outstanding performance of the breed include 12 to 15 lactations in emphasizing their inherent natural fecundity.

Friesian cows lead in milk production among farmers. Large Body Size: Friesian cows are among the largest dairy breeds, with mature cows weighing between 500-550 kilograms. One of the biggest reasons Kenyan farmers prefer the Friesian breed is its unmatched milk yield. Under proper management, a Friesian cow can produce 40 to 50 litres of milk per day.

Characteristics of Friesian Cows:

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Large body size
High milk production potential

Advantages of Friesian Cows:

Unmatched milk yield

Challenges of Friesian Cows:

Feed requirements high (90-110 kg fresh forage/day)
Friesian cows require careful management, especially in nutrition and heat.
Health Sensitivity: Friesians are more prone to diseases such as mastitis, milk fever, and tick-borne diseases.

Note: Milk production will depend on the level of feeding and other management.

Ayrshire

The Ayrshire breed originated from the county of Ayr in Scotland, prior to 1800. The breed was introduced into Kenya in 1908 from South Africa. Kenya Ayrshire cattle breeders emphasize a medium cow balanced for type, production, longer life, and fertility. Ayrshire cows are hardy and adaptable to Kenya. Ayrshire cows are commonly lauded as “trouble free.” They possess some ability for foraging, they are well suited to farms with varying qualities of feed.

Large Body Size: Ayrshire cows are medium to large in size, with an average live weight of around 450 kilograms. Distinctive Coloration: Ayrshires are easily identified by their brown and white coat, with patches appearing in nearly equal amounts. Under good management, the Ayrshire cow can produce an average of 30 litres of milk per day. While this is slightly lower than the Friesian breed, Ayrshires are often preferred for their consistency, milk quality (higher butterfat content), and ability to thrive in diverse environments.

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Purpose: Milk production.

Characteristics of Ayrshire Cows:

Medium to large size
Brown and white coat

Advantages of Ayrshire Cows:

High milk production potential (30 litres/day)
Ayrshire cows are commonly lauded as “trouble free.”
They possess some ability for foraging, they are well suited to farms with varying qualities of feed.

Challenges to Ayrshire Cows:

Feed requirements high (90-110 kg fresh forage/day)
Ayrshire cows require adequate feeding to maintain health and maximize milk production.

Guernsey

The Guernsey originated on the small Isle of Guernsey, situated in the English Channel just off the coast of France. Guernsey milk is prized for its rich color and high protein. Thus, it’s often seen as top-quality.

Purpose: Milk production.

Characteristics to Guernsey Cows:

Moderate feed requirements (65-85 kg fresh forage/day)
Guernsey reach reproductive maturity at an early age and can calve at 22 months of age.
The bull weighs 600 to 700 kg.
The Guernsey bull has an attractive individuality, revealing ample vigour and masculinity.

Advantages to Guernsey Cows:

Milk with rich color and high protein

Challenges to Guernsey Cows:

Moderate feed requirements (65-85 kg fresh forage/day)

Jersey

Despite considerable research, nothing definite is known as to the actual origin of the cattle first brought to Jersey Island. Jerseys in Kenya are typically light brown in colour, though this can range from being almost grey to dull black. They can also have white patches which may cover much of the animal. Jersey cows produce rich, high-butterfat milk. Ideal for dairy farmers producing rich, quality milk; Jersey cows. They are smaller in size and thus live for less area of grazing.

This breed is well known for milk with high quality - it is particularly richer in fat, protein, minerals and trace elements than those from the larger dairy breeds. They stay in the herd longer than any other dairy breed.

Characteristics of Jersey Cows:

Light brown in colour (ranging from grey to black)
Well known for milk with high quality

Advantages of Jersey Cows:

Milk is particularly richer in fat, protein, minerals and trace elements than those from the larger dairy breeds
Feed requirement is relatively low (65-85 kg fresh forage/day)
They stay in the herd longer than any other dairy breed.

Challenges of Jersey Cows:

Smaller in size and thus live for less area of grazing.

Crossbreeds

Ready to run a profitable dairy farm in Kenya? This is catching on in the country. It is the best traits of many breeds merged into one. A Friesian-Sahiwal, for instance, may produce fewer litres of milk than a pure Friesian. However, it is heat-tolerant and disease resistant.

Advantages of Crossbreeds:

Combines the best traits of different breeds
Increased heat tolerance and disease resistance

Challenges for Crossbreeds:

Milk production may be lower compared to pure breeds like Friesian

Talk to farmers or vets to pick the best cow for your farm. The best cow on paper might not be the best for your farm.

Breed	Origin	Milk Production (litres/day)	Key Characteristics	Advantages	Disadvantages
Friesian	Netherlands	40-50	Large, Black and White	High Milk Yield	High Feed Requirements, Health Sensitivity
Ayrshire	Scotland	30	Medium to Large, Brown and White	Hardy, Adaptable, Consistent Milk Quality	Requires Adequate Feeding
Guernsey	Isle of Guernsey	N/A	Moderate Feed Requirements	Rich Milk Color and High Protein	Moderate Feed Requirements
Jersey	Jersey Island	N/A	Light Brown	High-Quality Milk (Fat, Protein, Minerals)	Smaller Size
Crossbreeds (e.g., Friesian-Sahiwal)	Kenya	Varies	Combination of Traits	Heat Tolerance, Disease Resistance	Milk Production May Be Lower Than Pure Breeds

Beef Breeds

Boran

The original strains of the breed came from Ethiopia and were adopted early in the 20th Century by commercial cattlemen in Laikipia, Machakos and the Rift Valley Districts of Kenya. The Boran society was formed in 1951 and its panel of inspectors continues to ensure that the breed progresses and keeps up to date with the demands of modern beef production.

The Boran is typically white in colour with dark points and pigmented generally black skin. Steel-grey with black points is not uncommon. Fawn and red also occur, but black is rare and is not considered a true Boran colour. The head is carried well, of medium length and slightly convex. Ears are small in comparison with the Indian breeds and not pendulous. The hump is well defined and thoracic; it is larger in the male than in the female. The Boran shows a surprisingly straight top line for a Zebu animal. The well-developed hindquarters have frequently been remarked upon. The rump is long, wide and muscular in the male and the buttocks are well fleshed. Skin is generally thin, with loose folds and pliable.

The Boran is generally vigorous and alert. Boran cattle live a long time. Boran cattle are recognized as being generally quiet, docile and easy to handle. The cow has a well-carried udder with strong attachments and neat, small teats. Boran heifers reach puberty at an average age of 13 months. She is an excellent mother, not only will she feed her calf so well that high weaning weights are attainable, but she guards against predators, and will never allow her calf to get lost in the bush. Calving problems hardly exist.

Boran Cattle

Boran cattle have developed adaptive traits of crucial importance for their survival. The well-developed beef conformation shows up in carcass appraisals. Even under harsh conditions the Boran cow will continue to breed and rear calves and do this without punishing herself. Boran produce a calf a year.

Key Features of Boran Cattle:

Typically white with dark points
Well-developed beef conformation
Adaptive traits for survival

Advantages of Boran Cattle:

Average weight gains per day on grass and feedlot: Grass = 0.7 - 1.0 kg depending on grass quality; Feedlot = 1.3 kg per day depending on type of cross used
Boran has a useful degree of host resistance to ticks and it is reported that the breed is 'completely resistant to buffalo fly'
Borans are generally less affected by Foot and Mouth Diseases than exotics and recover faster
The herd instinct of the Boran makes it very easy to manage in bush country
Excellent mothering abilities with high weaning weights

Sahiwal

This Zebu breed originates from India and Pakistan. The national stud was established in 1963 in Naivasha with the purpose of improving the breed for milk and beef i.e. as dual purpose breed. For a long time the breed was confined to government farms where the focus was conservation, characterization, improvement and utilization in smallholder systems. The milk yield is highly variable because of variation of management regimes.

Breeding Practices

Planned breeding programs yield the best results when the breeder considers the production and other trait characteristics in individual cows and how they can be passed on to offspring. Genes determine the way animals look. For example the coat colour in cows is the phenotypic expression of the genes that regulate coat colour. The breeder can only plan according to the trait observed.

Individuals selected must possess desirable characteristics which have good repeatability and heritability and will, therefore, be passed on to offspring. Selection may be direct or indirect. The direct method selects cows having the best expression of the trait to be improved. Indirect selection improves a trait by selecting cows with a related trait. The effectiveness of indirect selection depends upon the correlation between two traits. This is of great importance since animal breeding usually involves more than one trait.

To increase disease resistance in exotic dairy breeds: Introduction of animals with better resistance to disease such as Boran or Sahiwal will improve the disease resistance of the dairy breeds. If AI is practiced - look carefully at the pictures and specifications of sires offered to determine whether the proposed sire will add better body conformation to the animal offspring.

Breeding Methodologies:

Natural mating (proven and healthy bulls)
Artificial insemination (AI)
Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer (MOET) (Not approved for Organic certified herds): is the process of taking embryos (fertilized ova) from a super ovulated dam (the donor) and transferring them to a surrogate dam (the recipient).

Crisscrossing: A continuous program of crossbreeding in which there is an alternate use of males belonging to two breeds. Using two breeds designated as P1 and P2, a crisscrossing program, beginning with the two-breed cross animal (P1 x P2), would begin by backcrossing to one of the parental breeds [(P1 x P2) x P1].

Three-breed rotational cross: A continuous program of crossbreeding in which males of three breeds are used on a rotational basis. Using three breeds designated as P1, P2 and P3, the first generation would involve production of two-breed cross animals, P1 x P2.

Kenya Stud Book (KSB): This is a book which contains all the proven animals, their parentage and how one can acquire them. When trading in breeding cattle, it is often found that registration with the Kenya Stud Book (KSB), will more than double the price of your animals. Buyers want to know the history of their breeding stock and how to choose the mates without resorting accidentally to inbreeding through AI, and they are willing to pay for this service. By consistently following the up-grading scheme the farmer is assured of owning a proved stock after each successive generation. There are also many opportunities for the registered stock to participate in competitions such as ASK shows and breeders shows. Prizes are offered in these events and they also offer a perfect opportunity for the farmer to market his/her stock.

Inbreeding may be defined as mating of individuals more closely related than the average relationship of the population. In small herds inbreeding is a real danger for continued productivity of livestock. Farm animals are very sensitive to inbreeding, and usually full-sibling matings should not be done because of a marked decrease in viability and fertility.

All cows and bulls, even the very best bull, in any breed, have genetic traits that could be desirable or undesirable from a farmer's perspective. The problem arises when in both parents the genetics for the same undesired traits are present. When two lines are crossed, then any undesired traits present in one line but not in the other are masked (hidden) and there is typically a boost in the fitness of the offspring. This effect is known as heterosis or hybrid vigor, and is the opposite of inbreeding. This effect even extends to crosses between breeds of cattle, which is why crossbreeding programs are popular (for producing cattle for beef operations, for instance).

Use AI or natural mating - carefully noting the name of the sire providing semen at each AI service or the bull mating the cow - next to the name of the cow in your diary. So that after some time you will have a record of the family tree of every individual.