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Factors that influence the efficiency of beef and dairy cattle recording system in Kenya: A SWOT–AHP analysis

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Abstract

Animal recording in Kenya is characterised by erratic producer participation and high drop-out rates from the national recording scheme. This study evaluates factors influencing efficiency of beef and dairy cattle recording system. Factors influencing efficiency of animal identification and registration, pedigree and performance recording, and genetic evaluation and information utilisation were generated using qualitative and participatory methods. Pairwise comparison of factors was done by strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats–analytical hierarchical process analysis and priority scores to determine their relative importance to the system calculated using Eigenvalue method. For identification and registration, and evaluation and information utilisation, external factors had high priority scores. For pedigree and performance recording, threats and weaknesses had the highest priority scores. Strengths factors could not sustain the required efficiency of the system. Weaknesses of the system predisposed it to threats. Available opportunities could be explored as interventions to restore efficiency in the system. Defensive strategies such as reorienting the system to offer utility benefits to recording, forming symbiotic and binding collaboration between recording organisations and NARS, and development of institutions to support recording were feasible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal breeding in the Tropics and Subtropics, Humboldt University of Berlin, Philippstrasse 13, Haus 9, 10115, Berlin, Germany

    Chrilukovian B. Wasike & Kurt J. Peters

  2. Livestock Recording Centre, Department of Livestock Production, Ministry of Livestock, P.O. Box 257, 20117, Naivasha, Kenya

    Thomas M. Magothe

  3. Animal Breeding and Genetics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, 20115, Egerton, Kenya

    Alexander K. Kahi

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  1. Chrilukovian B. Wasike
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  2. Thomas M. Magothe
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  3. Alexander K. Kahi
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  4. Kurt J. Peters
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Correspondence to Chrilukovian B. Wasike.

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Wasike, C.B., Magothe, T.M., Kahi, A.K. et al. Factors that influence the efficiency of beef and dairy cattle recording system in Kenya: A SWOT–AHP analysis. Trop Anim Health Prod 43, 141–152 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-010-9666-3

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