Wednesday, October 29, 2008

"Condoms" for bucks

Maasai herdsmen in Kenya have turned to an age-old contraceptive device, the "olor", to protect their precious goat herds from an ongoing drought.

BBC imageThe olor is made from cowhide or a square piece of plastic, and is tied around the belly of the male goat. It prevents the bucks from mating with the female goats.

The herdsmen are using the device to limit the goat population and ensure there are not too many animals grazing on sparse vegetation. The device helps the herdsmen to restrict kidding to the period during and after the rains.

It is recommended that bucks be kept separate from the does, but that is an added cost that requires two herders. The device will play the part of the herdsman. Those who do not use it could face a hefty fine if their bucks are found guilty of impregnating another herder's doe.

Read BBC article