Kenyan farm strengthens dairy industry with Brazilian Girolando embryos

KENYA – Kenya’s dairy and beef sectors are set for transformation as Eldoret-based Makongi Agri Limited, through Indicus East Africa Ltd., introduces over 350 Brazilian Girolando cow embryos.

The embryos, imported from Brazil, were officially received in a ceremony attended by prominent stakeholders, including Brazil’s Ambassador to Kenya, Silvio Albuquerque, and Makongi Agri Limited’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Chesire. 

This initiative aims to enhance Kenya’s dairy sector by introducing the Girolando breed, a cross between India’s heat-tolerant Gyr cattle and the high-yielding Holstein cows, renowned for their resilience and efficiency in milk production.

According to industry experts, the Girolando breed can yield an average of 3,600 kilograms of milk per lactation over 305 days with two daily milkings. 

Makongi Agri Limited plans to fertilise these embryos using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo transfer technology, a process facilitated by an IVF laboratory established in 2015 with Brazil’s assistance.

Speaking at the Brazilian Embassy in Gigiri, Nairobi, Tim Chesire highlighted the arrival of the embryos as a transformative moment for Kenya’s dairy industry. 

“Today, we mark a historic moment in Kenya’s dairy sector and celebrate the enduring partnership between Kenya and Brazil,” Chesire said. “This occasion is not just about the arrival of over 350 Girolando embryos, it is about a shift in mindset, a revolution in African dairy farming.”

Chesire emphasized that the Girolando breed’s adaptability to tropical climates and high feed conversion rate could significantly boost milk yields, potentially reaching 35 litres per day—more than double Kenya’s current average of 16 to 17 litres per day. 

This project aims to address the challenges associated with European breeds, which often struggle with Kenya’s heat and disease conditions.

A report by Makongi Agri Limited highlights how Brazil successfully transformed its dairy industry by adopting the Girolando breed, which now contributes to 90% of the country’s milk production. 

Chesire noted that despite Kenya’s pioneering role in commercial artificial insemination, the country has lagged behind due to reliance on genetics that are unsuitable for local conditions. 

“We need to work with our environment, with genetics that are suited to us,” he added.

Ambassador Silvio Albuquerque described the importation as a reflection of the strong bilateral ties between Kenya and Brazil. 

“More than a business transaction, this initiative represents a meaningful exchange of knowledge, technology, and shared aspirations for a thriving agricultural sector,” he stated.

Dr. David Ojigo from the Directorate of Veterinary Services confirmed that the importation met strict health and quality standards, ensuring the genetic material’s safety and effectiveness. 

The project is further supported by the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre and is set to expand, with plans for nearly 1,600 additional embryos in collaboration with the government.

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