Klein Karoo livestock arrives in Kenya

OUDTSHOORN NEWS - The appointed Eastern Africa Representative for Karoo Livestock Export, Henry Carlos Kioko from Kenya proudly received a total of 37 top studs and T5s from Karoo Livestock South Africa from well-known exporter, Gerrie Ferreira from Oudtshoorn.

The head office of the livestock export company of Ferreira and Ockie Nel, Karoo Livestock Exports (KLE), is located on the farm, Chandelier, just outside of Oudtshoorn.

According to Ferreira they have been exporting livestock since 1996 to 55 countries.

Kioko is an independent livestock enterprise development consultant based in Kenya. His objective is to breed full-blooded, Boer-, Kalahari Red-, and Savannah goats, as well as Meatmaster- and Dorper sheep in Eastern Africa. According to him, the Arab nations are currently the highest consumer of goat meat products from Kenya.

"At Masaku H&L we work with the government, community and financial institutions to empower local farmers, goat farming is a very lucrative business for small farmers in Africa."

Kioko further explains that it is important for them as an export company to ensure they only work with producers of top genetics for their farmers. Exploring new technology is also a priority.

"We are exploring semen harvesting and storage, embryo harvesting and storage, as well as AI technology. Kenya has clear protocols for sheep and goat genetics."

According to Kioko, Meatmaster Sheep and Kalahari Red goats is the top exports. "Meatmaster sheep, a South African breed known for its hardiness and meat production are gaining popularity in Kenya. Farmers are drawn to the Meatmaster sheep due to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions, its resistance to disease and parasites, and its strong flocking behaviour making it easier to manage."

Ferreira mentions that they were particularly impressed by the stockmanship of the East African farmers during their visits to the countries.

"The farmers in especially Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania share our passion for livestock and we decided to add East Africa to our export portfolio. We started eight years ago to export the first livestock to East African countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and recently even Somalia."

According to Ferreira South Africa is blessed with livestock breeds that adapt easily and thrive under harsh conditions. "We are exporting Boer goats, Kalahari Reds, Savana goats, Meatmaster, Dorper and Persian sheep, as well as several milk goat breeds to East Africa."

Vorige artikels:

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’