Study highlights impact of abortion, calf mortality on food security and emissions in East Africa

KENYA – A new study by ILRI’s Mazingira Centre and the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) has revealed that livestock abortions and calf mortality in Tanzania and Kenya cause significant losses in food production while driving up greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

The findings underscore the urgent need to address these issues to enhance food security and reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming in East Africa.  

The livestock sector accounts for 12% of all GHG emissions globally, with cattle meat and milk contributing 62%. 

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where livestock productivity remains lower than in other regions, emissions intensity (EI)—the amount of GHG emitted per kilogram of milk or meat—is particularly high. 

This is due to limited yields and the multiple roles livestock play in African communities, from providing draught power to serving as financial security.  

The study estimates that livestock abortions and calf mortality in Tanzania and Kenya lead to protein losses equivalent to the annual per capita consumption of 5.2 million people. 

In Tanzania’s dairy systems, researchers found that approximately 113,906 cattle abortions and 564,497 goat abortions occur annually, resulting in a loss of 35,038 metric tons of milk and 6,373 metric tons of meat protein.  

In western Kenya, where calf mortality rates reach 16%, infectious diseases are the primary cause of death among calves. 

These losses reduce food availability and inflate the EI of meat and milk, compounding the environmental cost of livestock farming.  

Addressing livestock abortions and calf mortality presents a promising avenue for reducing emissions and enhancing food security. 

Preventing abortions in cattle, for instance, could lower milk EI by 4.6%, while halving calf mortality could reduce EI by 3%. Eliminating calf mortality could cut emissions by 6%.  

Beyond environmental benefits, reducing calf mortality rates could significantly boost meat production. For example, cutting the mortality rate in Kenya from 16% to 8% could make enough beef available to feed millions more people annually.  

Researchers recommend interventions such as vaccination programs, biosecurity measures, and reproductive management to address these challenges. 

Improved calving assistance and herd health monitoring are also critical to reducing abortions and calf mortality. 

However, the study emphasises the need for more region-specific research and cost-benefit analyses to design effective strategies tailored to local livestock systems and breeds.  

With livestock farming accounting for 32% of agricultural GHG emissions in SSA, these interventions are crucial for balancing the growing demand for meat and milk with the need for sustainable environmental practices.  

The study’s findings highlight a significant opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise livestock health and management investments. 

By reducing losses caused by abortions and calf mortality, East African countries can enhance food security, lower emissions, and ensure the livestock sector remains resilient in the face of climate change and growing demand.  

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