Camel Herd Growth and Milk Commercialization in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties, Kenya
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Date
2025-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Rising animal product demand offers pastoralists a chance to boost economic
growth through camel rearing. Causes of calf mortality, the effect of improving
diet during mating and commercialization factors are inadequate. A study was
carried out in Isiolo and Marsabit counties to investigate factors influencing herd
growth and the commercialization of camel milk. The study aimed to evaluate
the impact of herd structure and concentrate supplementation on performance
and milk quality. Additionally, it examined factors affecting calf morbidity and
survival rates, decisions, and the extent of pastoralists’ market participation. The
findings will be useful to pastoralists, animal health workers and stakeholders in
camel milk value chain. Data were collected through questionnaires from 379
camel-rearing households. The information gathered included the number of
camels by age and sex categories, calf diseases, and market participation. A diet
containing 11.76% crude protein and 2,897 Kcal/kg metabolizable energy was
supplemented for 9 weeks during mating season to 10 camels, while 10 others
served as the control. Post-supplementation parameters included milk yields,
serum glucose, proteins, minerals, and mating dates. Weekly milk samples were
analyzed in triplicate using the Kjeldahl method for protein content and Gerber
method for fat content. Pregnancy confirmation was through progesterone
analysis using micro particle immunoassay. Commercialization was assessed
using a questionnaire to determine the decision and the extent of milk sales, feed
and mineral purchases, and hiring labour. Paired mean comparisons were done
to identify differences in production, serum biochemical levels, milk protein, and
fat levels with 95% confidence. Means and frequencies for herd structure, calf
diseases, and market participation were performed at a 0.05 significance level.
Linear regression analyses were conducted to ascertain the influence of herd
structure on performance and herd management on calf morbidity and mortality.
Further linear regression was done to determine how demographic, physical
resources and human capital affect market participation at a 0.05 level of
significance. In Isiolo, there were more adult female camels (above 12%)
compared to Marsabit (below 10%). The tail cocking method used by pastoralists
for pregnancy diagnosis was ineffective. A higher percentage of 6–8-year-old
females increased production by 18% (wet season) and 25.9% (dry season)
Gross calf mortality was 44.11%, primarily due to predation (11.43%), followed
by tick paralysis (10.51%) and microbial diseases. Less deworming, early milk
sales, and shorter suckling raised the incidence of pneumonia cases (p<0.05). All
supplemented camels were mated within the first two weeks and had a higher
conception rate (40%) compared to unsupplemented camels (10%). Mean daily
milk production was 25.26±0.42 liters for the supplemented group and
22.79±0.41 liters for the unsupplemented group (p<0.001). Mean biochemical
profiles, milk protein, and fat were significantly higher after supplementation
(p˂0.05). Market participation was influenced by the proportion of milk sold
during the dry season and access to extension services. The study concluded that
strategic herd proportions adjustments combined with supplemented feeding can
improve camel fertility, hence the herd growth. Predation, tick paralysis, and
microbial diseases were the main causes of calf mortality. Extension services
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of (Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Sciences) in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences of Kenyatta University. November, 2025
supervisors
Bernard Njehi
Purity Nguhiu
Joshua Arim