Having improved breeds for maximum production is a desire of many dairy farmers. However, getting embryos and quality breeds has been difficult due to the high costs involved. This is set to change with the launch of the first ever cow Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) Embryo Transfer (ET) laboratory by a Kenyan company; Indicus East Africa in partnership with a Brazilian company-Invitro Brasil. The Managing Director of the laboratory which is based in Uasin Gishu County will use genetics to improve cattle breeds which will be sold to farmers at affordable prices. Specifically, improvement of breeds through IVF locally will cut costs for farmers who have been importing pedigree animals from South Africa. The laboratory has the capacity to produce more than 20,000 embryos annually with a projected success rate of 45%. The technology has an advantage over that the traditional Artificial Insemination (AI) in that it has a capability of determining the ideal sex for the unborn calf.

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000187026/local-farm-se...