Africa Farming

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Africa Dairy Farm – Successful Management, Insemination & Deworming

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HEALTH MANAGEMENT

The following diseases are quite prone in my areas;

  1. East Cost Fever – I usually use Bupervex, Diminazene, and Adamycin
  2. Milk Fever- I inject Calciject and give the cow a higher ratio of minerals especially calcium.
  3. Mastitis, which is rare – I use Terrexine tubes and if severe I inject Gentamycin.
  4. Pneumonia – I inject Penstrep and Bimahistamine.
  5. Eye infections – I use Opticlox.
  6. Injuries/Wounds due to cuts, bite etc – I inject Penstrep and Alamycin aerosal spray.

To control ticks, fleas and flies, I spray Sypertix after every two weeks.

INSEMINATION

 

East Africa Dairy Development says that Kenyan dairy farm yields are substantially lower than the international standards. This is because of Poor breeding practices. The bulk of Kenya’s dairy herd has a relatively low genetic base due to years of inbreeding and the use of unproven bulls. This lowers potential productivity. Artificial insemination (AI) is still not widely used because of its high cost.

The objective of a breeding policy is to produce cows with genetic potential for optimum milk production, health & fertility, conformation, longevity, and reliability. All these attributes contribute to productivity of my herd and have their ultimate effect on the profitability of my dairy enterprise.

A properly feed heifer should be served between 12 to 18 months for Holstein Friesian cows. After calving, a cow may be served approximately two months after calving..

I rely on Artificial Insemination (AI) service as I can be supplied with full information on the merit of the semen. Artificial insemination (AI) – a method where bull semen is introduced in to the cow’s uterus artificially using a tube. Pedigree semen imported from Europe and USA can be very expensive but ministries of livestock and agriculture in various African countries have departments that provide relatively cheaper AI services.

DEWORMING

I deworm my calves every month for the first six months and then every two months for up to one year.

For heifers and adult dairy cows, I deworm after every months. I usually alternate between, Albendazole (e.g. Duotech, Valbazen), Levamisole and Oxyclozanide (e.g. Levafas extra, Nilzan Super) based drugs.

In between the deworming period, I inject anti-nematodes drugs like Closamectin, Trodax and Ivermectin. N/B This inject is strictly subcutaneous (between the muscles and the skin and around the neck area).

SALES

The following are items sold from my farm;

  1. Milk – Am currently selling a litre of milk at Kshs 30.
  2. Hay – One bale of hay is selling at Kshs 250.
  3. Manure – One ton of manure is selling at Kshs 3000.
  4. Dairy cows – One dairy cow is Kshs 120,000.

Read more about my dairy farm and how I’m handling Insemination and De-worming, and Sales

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wanjiru says

    Hi,

    I found your articles very intriguing indeed especially because I want to be practice animal husbandry.

    I am looking to start and I have no idea where to start i.e. where to buy land, which place is the best, how much land is required etc.

    Would you be so kind as to assist? I would really like to engage you more.
    Please contact me.

    Kind regards,
    Wanjiru

  2. milton ochieng otieno says

    It is in deed encouraging to read such an articles.
    I have three animals for i been it for the last three years.
    It will boast my farming techniques.
    Thanks.

  3. Abdulrahman Mohamed Muse says

    That was interesting articles amd indeed i copied all of them because it seems to me fascinating and crucial since East africa instantly developing and moving forwarmd.
    Even Somalia had this dairy farm in a little but know where the feed for this dairy can be generated.
    This is why i interest your articles man

  4. mbaka morrs muriuki says

    Woow i really appreciate your story because uts very timely to me at atime when am thinking can diary farming be my job?How can i get in touch with you please?

  5. victor says

    my name is victor. I need to start dairy farming very soon and i need about 40 pure freshian cattle and a steady source of hay. Please assist me. write me via my email please.

  6. dennis mugambi says

    there are these holland genetics (bulls) available in kenya and distributed by cooper kenya ltd.i av used them n the heifers got are awesome..if there is any cooper k distributor in ur region make mor inquiries please..or visit http://www.crvgenetics.com

  7. Sam Githinji says

    Good stuff for anyone interested in dairy farming. Looking forward to using the technique in my small farm. Will definately make a visit to this great farm very soon. How far is the farm from Nyahururu town?

  10. Dr Hamimu Hongo says

    I am a Tanzanian with about 10,500 acres of land and I hold title deed of this land. I want to start a dairy farm business. Please advise how many animals should I start assume I have the capital.