Local farm sets up lab to offer cheaper and better embryo

A rear view of Indicus laboratory that has the capacity to produce over 20,000 embryos annually with a projected success rate of 45 per cent. [PHOTO: SILAH KOSKEI/STANDARD]

The search for improved breeds that offer optimum milk quantities by farmers in East Africa could soon be over after a local organisation launched the first cow Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) Embryo Transfer (ET).

Indicus East Africa has set up the first IVF laboratory at Makongi farm in Uasin Gishu County. IVF is a new technology which uses genetics to improve cattle breeds. Indicus East Africa Managing Director Tim Chesire says the firm entered into a partnership with Invitro Brasil, one of the largest embryo companies in the world, to set up the first laboratory to offer farmers cheaper breeding options.