The journey from a
start-up farmer to a modern, well-established farmer is not an easy path. As
much as this business is profitable and lucrative, if the farmer lacks the
basic know how on how to navigate the murky waters, this business might at the
end become frustrating to the start-up farmer.
So, what exactly do start-up farmers require in their journey?
The initial step of a start-up farmer is deciding where to set up the farm. Land is very important because it will determine the nature of dairy farming that the farmer will undertake. The two main types of dairy farming are zero grazing and free-range farming. In zero grazing, the cattle are usually
kept in the farm and farmers bring the feed and water to the animals. Zero grazing requires a small piece of land, a quarter acre is essentially enough, making this system suitable in areas where a farmer owns a limited amount of land for grazing.
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Free range farming on the other hand is a form of farming where the animals are allowed to freely roam outside for a few hours instead of being confined in one enclosure for 24 hours. However, this system requires a farmer to own vast acres of land, this method is very popular especially in ranches.
Land also helps farmers determine whether they will grow their own feed or buy it. Farmers who choose to grow their own feed should focus on the Brachiaria grass, this type of grass is becoming popular especially in East Africa because of its nutritive value, livestock productivity and climate
change adaptation. Brachiaria grass is suitable for both grazing and cut and carry systems.
A farmer with a limited amount of land is advised to set up structures fit for zero grazing and buy feeds for the animals.
Knowledge of the right breed to put up is essentially paramount for any start up farmer as the breeds have a direct correlation with production and the amount of animal feeds, The four main breeds of dairy animals are: Friesian, Guernsey, Jersey, and Ayrshire. Friesians on average require a lot of feeds due to their weight and size, they are also very delicate. Cold areas offer favourable conditions for farmers to keep Friesian cattle, preferably the Kenyan highlands. Averagely Friesians produce close to 60 litres of milk in a day. Ayrshire on the other hand produce 40 to 50 litres with the Guernsey and Jersey producing on average about 20 litres of milk or below 20 litres.
Proper breed selection will determine the nature of feeding that the farmer needs to undertake. The breed of choice will also determine the locality where the farm will be set up, this is because different breeds will react differently to the diverse weather conditions. As an example, Friesians require areas with cool temperatures, such a breed is popular in the Kenyan highland areas like Kiambu. Some farmers however improvise by building shade structures to ensure that the Friesians are not exposed to direct sunlight, this helps to limit instances of Photosensitization which is a serious skin condition characterized by “sunburned,” crusty white or non-pigmented skin on the cattle.
The success of the farm will require proper management from the farmer. Soon after the farmer decides on the where to set up the farm and the type of breed that is fit for him, it is essential for the farmer to decide on how the farm will run. This requires proper management and planning. Every farmer should be aware of the number of feeds that cattle require yearly, this will help a great deal in early planning. During the dry season, the price of fodder tends to shoot up because of scarcity, a farmer who is well prepared and has stored enough fodder for his animals will not be affected by this.
It is important, however, for the farmer to ensure that the feeds given to the dairy animals contain all the nutrients, and that apart from the feeds, there is proper supplementation of minerals and vitamins from trusted organizations like GNS who have rolled out the Bovita maziwa products. A farmer also needs to consider livestock diseases and how to limit these diseases long before they occur. One way of doing this is by ensuring that the environment where the animals are should always be kept clean. Apart from proper hygiene it is also paramount that every farmer invests in proper supplementation of minerals with all the required nutrients like Zinc and vitamins.
As farmers strive to maintain proper hygiene footbaths are paramount in every farm. A footbath is one of the most important tools used on farms to prevent lameness and maintain hoof health. When used properly and paired with a disinfectant, a footbath can prevent and control foot rot and digital dermatitis a disease which results to lameness on the dairy cattle if not treated. These footbaths are used by anyone who is approaching the farm to disinfect, before coming into contact with the dairy animals.
A disease like foot and mouth can easily be spread by veterinary doctors who move from one farm to another inspecting the dairy cattle, this is why it is very essential for any start up farmer to consider a footbath on the farm.
Other ways farmers can ensure proper hygiene is when milking the cattle. If the farmer is doing hand milking the udder of the dairy cattle should be disinfected before and after the milking process. If a farmer has sick cattle among the herd, the healthy cattle should be milked first. A farmer who is using machines to help in milking should also properly disinfect the machines before and after the milking process.
Most farmers prefer using machines while milking because of several reasons like, there is reduced labour cost, short time for milking, less injury to teats and it is a hygienic method of milk production, regardless of the system the farmer decides to use, good hygiene should be strictly always
adhered to.
Find more here
Jacktone Agona, an animal health expert and project manager iProcure.
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