ABSTRACT
Since 1990; a baseline survey of cattle productivity has been carried out on the Olkiramatina Group Ranch; Kajiado District. The aim of this survey was to assess the impact of seasonally high tsetse challenge and the resulting trypanosome infections. Management strategies among the pastoralist farmers and the effects of traditional and introduced tsetse and trypanosomiasis control regimes were also assessed. Two traditionally managed herds (A and B) were monitored by monthly weighing and sampling for trypanosomiasis. Milk off take was recorded every two weeks and herd compositon and dynamics monitored weekly. The major constraint to productivity during the first year of the study was prolonged drought affecting traditional transhumance grazing practices. The trypanosomiasis incidence rate of a control herd was consistently higher than the trypanosomiasis prevelance rate in the survey herds. There was an increase in disease prevalence at the end of along dry season and during the short rain season. Mortality rates at this time also increased. During the period; two calving seasons were recorded; during May to June 1991 and between December 1990 and February 1991. Herd A recorded a 73.5 calving rate between November 1990 and November 1991; compared with 52 in Herd B. Differences in cattle grazing management and drug treatments between herds were recorded. Cattle performance was characterised by a large drop in the body weight of mature animals after calving; long periods of return to service and low calf growth rates. This study is on-going