Name:Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre

Industry: Medical Practice

Website: http://www.kagrc.co.ke/

Description: The Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC) formally known as Central Artificial Insemination Station (CAIS) was established by Kenya Gazette Notice Number 557 of 19th June 1946 with the objective of controlling venereal diseases and genetic improvement of exotic dairy Cattle. KAGRC is situated 15 km from City Centre (West of the Nairobi City), and has its Headquarters in Lower Kabete in Nairobi and has land capacity of about 358 Acres, 124 bulls in the stud. The functions of the management committee have since been taken over by the Board of Directors, appointed vide the Gazette Notice No L.N. 110 of 5th Sept. 2011. The mandate of KAGRC is to produce, preserve, and conserve, animal genetic material (semen embryo, tissues and live animals) and rear breeding bulls for provision of high quality disease free semen to meet the national demand and for export. In order to meet its mandate, KAGRC works in close collaboration with other breeding organizations such as the Kenya Stud Book, the Dairy Recording Services of Kenya and the Livestock Recording Center. Together, these organizations implement the Contract Mating and Progeny Testing Programmes. The organization also works closely with the breed societies as well as individual and institutional farms which provide herds for the breeding program. It is a profound achievement that the centre has attained the ISO 9001:2008 QMS certification in management standards on the world best practices. Bull Stud The station initially started with an importation of six bulls in 1946 ; four Guernsey and two Jersey bulls from America and Scotland respectively. Ayrshire and Friesian breeds were later introduced. The number of bulls at the centre has grown over the years due to semen demand. Currently we have a total of 124 bulls standing at the centre; with 85% are semen production and 15% below the semen production age. Friesian 54 : Ayrshire 52 : Jersey 8 : Guernsey 4 : Sahiwal 4 : Boran 2 The bull purchasing committee has put measures in place to recruit more Friesian and Ayrshire bulls to the stud to meet the high semen demand. Bull calves are recruited to the centre at the age of 1 month and therefore in the structure above, we have a good succession programme. Semen Production and Distribution Semen is produced in accordance with Internationally Accepted Standards (OIE regulations). All semen produced is properly labeled and examined for viability before being distributed. A 0.5ml straw of deep frozen semen produced at KAGRC contains at least 25million spermatozoa of which 50% and above are in progressive motility. Reports from our Agents and farms indicate that the conception rates with KAGRC semen on heifers and adult cows is averaging 1.2 and 1.4 inseminations per conception respectively. With KAGRC semen you are assured the cow/heifer will concieve if all other factors are right. To develop and promote optimum productivity of national livestock population through provision of high quality disease free animal germplasm and related breeding services for socio-economic development and conservation for posterity The Functions of KAGRC ØOrder No 112 and the Gazette Notice No L.N. 110 of 5th Sept. 2011; under The State Corporation Act CAP 146. Centre’s mandate was expanded to includes:- ØEstablishment of a National Livestock Resources Genebank. ØIt shall therefore take custody of livestock tissues, DNA, semen and embryos of all important livestock and emerging livestock strategic semen production. ØServe as reference laboratory for certification, testing of semen, embryos, and related livestock reproductive materials, for purposes of exportation and importation; }Develop and produce chemicals, media and laboratory products for use in the production of animal GermPlasm either alone or in collaboration with other institutions; }provide information to livestock farmers on the suitability and effectiveness of animal breeding products, }either alone or in collaboration with other institutions; } provide training and consultancy services on animal resource conservation procedures, semen, in-vitro embryo production and transfer, and related technology transfer