The economics of trypanotolerance on Galana Ranch

ABSTRACT

Trials on the control of animal trypanosomiasis have been undertaken on Galana Ranch for more than ten years; and the results have been presented in many arenas concentrating primarily on productivity and genetic aspects. There has not yet; however; been a comprehensive economic analysis of these trials. This paper address the issue of the relative profitability of using trypanotolerant orma cattle compared with faster-growing but more susceptivle improved Kenya Boran. The results of eight different trails; mostly of twelve months duration; carried out in two areas of Galana Ranch; Kilifi District; with varying trypanosomiasis challenge between 1981-1989; are presented here. All trails compare the performance of groups of Orma and improved Boran steers; in terms of weight gain and the cost of tsetse/trypanosomiasis control required to achieve those rates of growth. Five of the trials compared alternative drug regimes for trypanosomiasis control; and three involved tsetse fly control using insecticide-impregnated targets. In trails using trypanocides; the important determinant of relative profitability is the trade-off between weight gain and treatment cost; although there is variation between years; especially with Orma cattle. In those trials where the Galana weight gains are significantly higher than Orma; the extra income compensates for increased treatment expenditure. However; in those cases where there is no major weight gain difference; the requirement of the Orma for less drug treatments makes it the more profitable breed. Where targets have been the major control measure; costs are similar for the Galana and Orma animals that weight gain is therefore the major determinant of relative profitability