A DAY WITH THE CAMELIDS OF NJORO Rare animals breeding at Egerton University

By Eric Sindabi

FARMERS in Njoro region of Rift Valley Province are out for a sweet surprise as the local Agriculturally oriented Egerton University plans to breed and introduce a rare animal breed farming in the region.A year ago the University’s Natural Resources Department received a donation of two Llamas from the Mt.Kenya Conservancy to boost research and teaching. The ranch also donated 5 more Llamas to the University recently. Consequently the animals which have been housed at the university’s Botanical garden have started breeding. To date a total of 12 Llammas of varying age and fur colors grace an enclosed park at the nature reserve and are a sight to behold.
Vision
According to a source at the University, the University intends to introduce the rare exotic animal farming to local farmers. According to the source once there are enough collection of the animals, the varsity will train local farmers on breeding methods and give highlights of benefits of the animals before allowing them to buy young ones. The University has in the past introduced a Goat breeding project by involving local farmers. The Vice –Chancellor Prof.James Tuitoek says that one of the University’s strategic plans in achieving its vision of being a world class University in the advancement of humanity is by empowering local communities.
Gift
Llamas are natives of South America which belong to the camelid family together with the popular camel. Llamas are mountainous animals and best known for their quality wool and meat products apart from being “beasts of burden” The rare beasts were first introduced in Kenya in 1975 as a gift to President Jomo Kenyatta from his foreign friends before. The president later donated the animals to the Mt.Kenya based animal breeding ranch.
The Llamas have consequently boosted the diversity of the University’s Botanical garden which was set up in 2003 as a natural environment conservation site and a teaching and research centre.
Other animal lives at the sanctuary include; Leopard, Antelope, Guinea fowl, Tortoise, Snake and rare bird’s species like Owl and others. The site attracts hundreds of visitors including foreign dignitaries, tourists and local nature lovers.
The Llamas for example stole the show at a recent Agricultural Show of Kenya (ASK) in Nakuru when thousands of anxious show goes steamed at the Universities stands to have a glimpse of the rare animals.
Guard animals
Llamas are unique breeds of the camelid family that scientists believe lived in North America at least 40 million years ago. A typical Llama has a thick hair that produces quality wool of varying colors like; white, grey black, or spotted.
The animals can be domesticated for meat, milk and as beasts of burden. It has been researched that the animal’s milk is rich in irons and has a low fat content than the cow’s or goats. A mature Llama can carry a load of up to 140pouds (70kgs) and can travel between 20 and 30 kilometers a day with full load. Their droppings are a good source of manure and can also be used in the production of bio-gas. The hide of the animal can also be used in leather products handcraft and manufacturing. In most Sheep ranches in the United States Llamas are domesticated as guard animals. A guard animal is any animal that protects another animal from attack by other animals like predators. Llamas are ever alert and inquisitive of the presence of strangers. In particular they are naturally very hostile to members of the canid family including dogs, fox, wolf, and coyotes. In sheep ranches in most states of America these animals have been the worst enemies to Sheep farmers for many years. Llamas are in-expensive to rare as they require less attention for food, water and medicine. A female Llama has a gestation period of 11months and interestingly can conceive immediately after giving birth after mating. This guarantees moderate and also non expensive breeding methods.