TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION : CATTLE EMBRYO TRANSFER SERVICE. R UCIAH W ANZA NGILA BUSS /2009

INTRODUCTION Definition: Embryo transfer is the removal of a fertilized egg from a donor cow and implanting it into the uterus horn of another cow-recipient. Though in Kenya the first commercial embryo transfers were done in the 1970s,to date the technology has not been fully adopted. Current price: Kshs 100,000 per 3 consecutive inseminations.

E. T. TRAINED STAFF ARE LESS THAN 20

LITERATURE REVIEW One of the primary deterrents to beef and dairy cattle producers’ adoption of the technology is the perceived cost. (Anderson,2008). Embryo transfer is a procedure which requires expertise and skill as it requires preparation of both the animals involved and their environment. The intercontinental transport of a live animal may cost several millions of shillings, whereas an entire herd can be transported in the form of frozen embryos.(Mapletoft,2006).

G ENETIC IMPROVEMENT FROM A PROCESSED EMBRYO.

D EMYSTIFICATION OF THE TECHNOLOGY. Training takes: 5 weeks in Kenya 3 days or 30 hours of intensive training in Agtech college in the USA. Availability of embryos: ADC Kitale has been mandated by the government of Kenya to produce at least 1000 embryos every year. Availability of high quality semen in Kenya CAIS,Kabete.

EMBRACING THE TECHNOLOGY: EMBRYO PROCESSING IN KENYA.

RESULTS OF EMBRYO TRANSFER Genetic engineering: Surgical and non surgical techniques. Genetic improvement. Planned mating. Genetic testing. Disease control. Import and export. Research.

PLANNED MATING.

I S EMBRYO TRANSFER FOR YOU ? For poverty eradication Food security Profitability Prestige Genetic preservation Source of employment Economic growth.

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