For many years, dairy farming has provided
food, income, alternative energy sources such as biogas, social prestige, and
status in local communities. It is estimated that dairy farming composes of at
least a third of the total value of agricultural outputs and this share has
been increasing over time.
In Kenya, dairy farming produces over 3.5 billion liters of milk a year. Kenyans are amongst the highest milk consumers in the developing world, consuming an estimated 145 liters per person per year, more than five times milk consumption in other East African countries.
According to the National Dairy Development Policy, by 2030, Kenya is projected
to become a net dairy exporter.
The dairy sector in Kenya is important to the
economy as it contributes to 12% of the agricultural gross domestic product.
Kenya has about 700,000 smallholder farmers, owning on average 0.4-1.6 hectares
of land, and 1-3 cows, and producing about 80% of the national output.
However, despite the favorable potential,
there are several issues that constrain the development of the dairy sector in
the country.
To optimize the efficiency of available farm
resources, caution needs to be considered when investing in dairy farming.
Taking pre-caution will help dairy farming investors achieve sound health, good
animal welfare, social responsiveness, high milk production, and improved cost
control – all that defines a profitable dairy farm.
Dairy farming methods have remained
unchanged, and this has contributed to the low productivity of animals
mainly attributed to diseases such as milk fever, mastitis, and lameness.
According to Science Direct, the shortage of crossbreed dairy cows, inadequate
animal feed resources both in terms of quality and quantity, poor management,
financial illiteracy, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of veterinary
service provision has had a negative outcome to dairy farmers as
their inputs cannot be equated with their outputs, and in turn, this affects their income and productivity levels.
To achieve desired results, dairy farmers are
quickly realizing the importance of changing farming practices for their
livestock general wellbeing. A spotlight on animal mineral and vitamin
supplements have become increasingly essential, particularly
regarding increasing milk production, animal health, supporting bone
development, immune system function, muscle functions, and nervous system
function.
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For a dairy animal, research by the
Mississippi State University has proven that the livestock require trace
mineral supplementation daily which will lead to good claw health reducing
common hoof diseases.
Furthermore, according to the research,
sufficient consumption of minerals including calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and
potassium is critical for muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission and
enzymatic reactions. Deficiencies in these minerals can result to still
births and more diseases that will affect the productivity of the
livestock.
With the cost of animal health services
provided is a challenge across the country, the costs of drugs on
the high, while veterinary and diagnostic services not being readily available
or accessible to the dairy farmer, there is a need to find a multifaceted
solution that the dairy farmer requires to meet their operational needs.
Global Nutrition Solutions (GNS) has formulated
GNS Bovita and Maziwa Block range of products in Kenya; a mineral and vitamin
supplement prepared to meet the needs of dairy cattle with a focus on improving
milk production, fertility, and the general health of livestock.
Through a range of products and solutions like
GNS Bovita and Maziwa Block dairy farmers can now meet the most important
aspects in the commercial viability of the dairy farm. From quality,
affordability, and formulation. These products facilitate and drive a
healthy dairy sector that will enable farmers to be more productive
and competitive in industry meeting not only local, but international
standards.
Delivering vitamins and minerals to dairy animals involves commitment, coordination, planning, and cooperation – all held together by strong, healthy, and durable practices. The benefit: cost ratio of animal supplementation is unmatched by most health or economic intervention and is critical for improved milk production.
As the sector is
evolving, there is a need for the right nutritional supplements that have a
formulation that is up to date, with components that are well balanced so that
the key elements can work together to achieve the best results for dairy
farmers.
The GNS range of
supplements is distributed by iProcure, GNS’s sole distributor in the East
Africa region.
Written By
Jacktone Agona, an animal health expert and project manager iProcure
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