Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health Drives Sustainability in Livestock Production

Strategic Insights -

Prof. Mizeck Chagunda, Director of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), said that the organization is employing innovative techniques to measure methane emissions from livestock and develop more precise classification to improve mitigation strategies. CTLGH is using genetic research to enable purpose-bred animals that are more productive, healthy, feed-efficient, and resilient to climatic and environmental challenges. The mission is to enhance food security in low- and middle-income countries through increased productivity, adaptability, and sustainability of livestock in tropical production systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • CTLGH is working with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop genetic solutions for livestock that enhance livelihoods through genetic research and breeding programs.
  • The organization aims to enhance food security in low- and middle-income countries via increased productivity, adaptability, and sustainability of livestock in tropical production systems.
  • CTLGH has identified genes in animals that can make them survive diseases such as East Coast fever (ECF) and has published information on these genes.
  • The organization is developing a system to evaluate and rank the genetic merit of individual animals so that farmers can shop for the animals they want.
  • The Centre is working on a "Trusted Research Environment" platform that will enable the sharing of data without stealing or misusing it.
  • The livestock sector in Kenya contributes 12 percent to GDP and employs 50 percent of agricultural labour.
  • CTLGH is employing advanced breeding technologies to improve productivity while adapting to local conditions.
  • The Centre's research nodes are located in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Scotland.
  • CTLGH aims to bridge the gap in livestock production between Africa and Europe through the application of advanced breeding technologies.

Statistics:

  • 35-50 litres: daily milk production by an animal in a dairy research Centre
  • 8-10 litres: daily milk production by an animal of the same breed in an African country
  • 12 percent: contribution of the livestock sector to Kenya's GDP
  • 50 percent: proportion of agricultural labour employed by the livestock sector in Kenya
  • 2022-2027: timeframe for CTLGH's program to identify genetic factors that provide protection against East Coast fever
  • 2 years: remaining duration on CTLGH's program

Sources:

  • Kenya News Agency (KNA), 15 Oct 2025
  • Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), referenced in the article
  • Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, referenced in the article
  • International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), referenced in the article