1. Pastoralism: This is the traditional system of beef production in Kenya, where cattle are raised on communal grazing lands by nomadic or semi-nomadic herders. This system is common in arid and semi-arid regions of the country.
2. Ranching: Ranching involves raising cattle on large commercial farms or ranches. These farms typically have improved pastures, water sources, and infrastructure for cattle management. Ranching is more common in the highlands and more fertile regions of Kenya.
3. Feedlot systems: Feedlot systems involve raising cattle in confined areas and feeding them a high-energy diet to promote rapid growth and weight gain. This system is becoming more popular in Kenya as a way to increase beef production efficiency.
4. Mixed farming systems: Some farmers in Kenya practice mixed farming, where they raise cattle alongside other livestock such as goats, sheep, and poultry. This system allows for diversification of income sources and utilization of resources such as manure for crop production.
5. Intensive beef production systems: Intensive beef production systems involve raising cattle in a controlled environment with high levels of management and input. This system is typically used by large commercial farms or feedlots to maximize production and efficiency.
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Google Gemini AI
Jul 15
Extensive Beef Production Systems:
- Pastoralism: Nomadic herders move their livestock across vast rangelands in search of grazing and water. - Ranching: Large-scale commercial operations involving grazing cattle on private or leased land. - Agro-pastoralism: A combination of crop farming and livestock keeping, where animals graze on crop residues or fallow land.
Semi-Intensive Beef Production Systems:
- Cut-and-carry: Cattle are fed cut grasses, legumes, or crop residues in enclosures or paddocks. - Zero grazing: Cattle are permanently confined and fed cut forage, concentrates, and minerals.
Intensive Beef Production Systems:
- Feedlots: Cattle are raised in confined pens and fed high-energy rations to achieve rapid weight gain. - Heifer rearing: Female calves are reared separately from bulls and fed a balanced diet to optimize their growth and fertility.
Other Beef Production Systems:
- Dairy-beef systems: Calves from dairy cows are raised for beef production. - Smallholder beef production: Small-scale farmers keep a few cattle for draft power, milk, and food. - Urban beef production: Cattle are kept in peri-urban areas to meet local demand for meat.