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TAP FROM A DAIRY FARM

You may get several benefits from dairy farming. Our country's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture as its primary engine. You may not only improve your family's financial situation through dairy farming but also the lives of other families that are in some way tied to your dairy farm. Several advantages of dairy farming include the following:


You will earn money if you practice dairy farming as an income-generating activity. Additionally, your farm will give employment for several adolescents, veterinary physicians, and agro vet stores.

Dairy farming offers farmers financial stability since they can readily convert their cows to cash in an emergency.

Additionally, practicing zero-grazing enables you to generate more money, particularly in areas where enormous tracts of land suitable for farming are unavailable. It can work as a leveler since you may make as much as a farmer with enormous expanses of land if you follow approved procedures.

Additionally, ingesting milk from dairy farms enhances your family's nutritional state. It is especially true for milk-drinking children. It will supplement their usual diet with plenty of protein and calcium, both of which are necessary for growth.

Breeds of dairy cows that are prevalent in Kenya

The following are the most prevalent dairy cow breeds in Kenya:

The Frisian

This breed is distinguished by its short-haired black and white coat and short horns. The Friesian breed's primary function is milk production. It has a daily milk production capacity of approximately 40-60 liters. When fully grown, this breed weighs between 500 and 550 kg.

The Friesian breed is favored due to its strong milk production potential and low butterfat percentage of around 3.2 percent, but this will vary depending on nutrition and other management. However, it is a voracious eater, devouring up to 110Kg of new food every day. Additionally, it requires a significant amount of water every day, making it unsuitable for areas experiencing water scarcity.

County of Ayr

This breed is distinguished by its white and brown patches, with some exhibiting a rich mahogany hue. An adult Ayrshire weighs around 450kg. This breed will produce around 30 liters of milk with a butterfat percentage of around 4% if adequately fed and watered. The Ayrshire is a hardy breed that thrives in various climates and is frequently selected by farmers for its superior milk characteristics.

Guernsey (Guernsey)

Its bands of white and reddish-brown distinguish guernsey. An adult weighs between 400 and 500 kg. Guernsey heifers begin lactating at around two years of age. They are reputed to have an extremely well-balanced disposition. They are not tense or irritated.

The Guernsey bull has an endearing demeanor, brimming with vitality and vigor. It boasts gracefully merging shoulders that demonstrate excellent refinement, strength, and shape.

This breed is capable of producing around 25 liters of milk each day. Its milk has a considerable amount of butterfat, at 4.3 percent. This breed has an excellent feed conversion efficiency, requiring around 20% less feed for each kilogram of milk produced. It needs 65-85 kg of new forage every day to produce optimal milk.

Mercantile

Jerseys in Kenya are bright brown with large eyes. They may also have white patches that cover a large area of the animal. They have a shorter stature than other breeds. The average weight in Jersey is roughly 350 kg. This breed has a moderate milk production capability of around 20 liters per day and a butterfat content of 5.3 percent. It will depend on your feeding and management program.

This breed produces a higher protein, minerals, and trace elements than milk produced by more giant dairy breeds. They require between 65 and 85 kg of fresh feed.

Housing for dairy cows

To ensure maximum milk production, you must safeguard your cows against severe weather conditions such as heavy rain and intense sunshine. Additionally, the area where you house your cows should be free of muck and stagnant water and should be easy to clean. It is critical in preventing infections such as hoof infection from spreading.

The structure you develop will be determined by the environmental conditions in your location and the budget you have available. If you are just getting started and are concerned about a lack of funds, do not be. Even with a modest structure and adherence to recommended standards, you may still be a successful dairy farmer while gradually improving your structures.

Housing for calves

Calves are kept to protect them from predators and harsh weather conditions. Calf housing is also critical for parasite control and ensuring each calf receives sufficient nutrition and care.

A calf pen can be created using materials found locally. It ought to;

Allow a space of two square meters for each calf.

Be well-drained and easily cleaned, and if feasible, elevated by one foot.

Maintain an adequate supply of natural light.

Maintain a well-ventilated environment that is sturdy enough to withstand predator invasion.

Calves should be housed individually during the first month of their lives. If this is not practicable, you can group them. Take care to prevent calves confined in groups from fighting or sucking on one another.

Internal dimensions of an individual calf pen should be no less than 1.2 by 1m. Three sides of the enclosures should be restricted to prevent calves from coming into touch with one another. The front of the enclosure should be designed to provide milk, concentrates, and water to the calf.

Housing for Heifers

When contemplating housing for heifers, you should consider the following:

Simplicity in feeding the cows. Construct buildings that allow you to feed on the outside, as this will reduce your danger of injury.

The construction should be simple to clean, plus it should be easy to replace beddings.

The ease with which animals can be moved and restrained.

Heifers are managed in a way that needs restraint. The building you create should fit the needs of your cows and make handling them simple.

For mature cows in a medium or large-scale dairy facility, the following facilities may be required:

Cows should have an area to rest that is shaded by pavement. It can be paved with concrete or sawdust, which must renew daily. If you have a restricted budget, an open space with trees for shade will suffice. Also, be sure to give enough space for exercise and movement.

Hardwood, concrete, or plastic feeding trough would be ideal if you established the problem to slightly squander feed when the cow drinks it.

A milking station that is handy for both the calf and the milker and the milking chamber should have a feeding trough so that the cow may feed while being milked.

A feed storage facility. Protect the feeds from direct sunlight and dampness since they will degrade in quality if improperly kept.

Furthermore, an isolation pen will be useful for isolating sick animals. It is crucial in avoiding disease transmission.

A slurry pit keeps cow droppings until they decompose and are ready to be used as organic manure.

When building, make allowances for growth.

Calves should be recognized as soon as possible after birth to ensure accurate and efficient documentation. Identification can be achieved in a number of ways, including the following:

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