A cost-benefit analysis of usage of sexed invitro fertilization embryo transfer technology in Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, good quality heifers are in high demand but are generally unavailable and expensive. Innovative us age of sexed semen in an i n - vitro embryo pr oduction (IVEP) system has a potential to help deliver appropriate cattle genotypes to farmers efficiently. S ex ed I n - vitro F ertilization E mbryo T ransfer (SIFET) , which involves both IVEP and embryo transfer (ET), is a breeding technology which ensures a 90 % success rate of achieving the desired sex of a calf. While SIFET technology is potentially beneficial, its costs and benefits have not been locally assessed. A cost benefit analysis was done to assess the economic feasibility of SIFET for commercial util ization in Kenya . Our results indicate that SIFET technology is a feasible option for potential investors. SIFET could benefit cattle farmers through availability of cattle of preferred sex (male calves for beef and female calves for dairy production) and better matching of genotype to farmers’ production conditions. Such technologies can enhance regional trade in cattle breeding stock due to increased value and demand for Boran cows and heifers as dono rs and surrogates