Milk consumption has rapidly increased, and the annual per capita consumption of milk in developing countries is projected to increase from 52 kg in 2005 through 2007 to 66 kg in 2030 and 76 kg in 2050 (Alexandratos and Bruinsma, 2012); however, milk production of dairy cows in developing countries in the tropical region is still very low, less than 15 kg/cow/d in average (Aguilar-Pérez et al., 2009; Chingala … Here is a guide. Research shows dry period nutrition and management affects health and performance after birth. Feeding dairy cows and youngstock is one of the highest costs of milk production. Tuko.co.ke News ☛ ★FEEDING DAIRY COWS IN KENYA★ is something every farmer needs to know how to do in order to ensure their business thrives. The animals should have adequate water at all times so the animal can take as much as it needs. Large operations usually feed their cows a diet designed to fully utilize the cow’s … Poor quality, mouldy feeds reduce palatability hence dry matter intake. You need to have the right skills and information to know what makes the cow tick so that it can produce more milk for you. Nutritional strategies that optimize rumen function also maximize milk production and milk components. typical dairy farm, feed costs represent nearly 50 percent of the total milk production cost. This is accepted because to get cows that milk well and remain healthy, they have to be fed properly. Here's all you need to know about feeding dairy cows. This causes the cow to burn body fat and causes ketosis, leading to a decreased milk production. For every 1 kg of peak milk production, the lactation total increases 200 to 225 kg of milk. A good dairy feeding program must consider the quantity fed, the suitability of the feed and how and when the feeds are offered. Feeding high-producing cows continues to challenge dairy farmers and nutritionists. their feeding management. Feeding and management programs for dairy cows the first 2 to 4 weeks after calving have a direct and long-term impact on their health, milk production, and reproductive performance, and thus a dairy farm’s potential profitability. Fodder/roughages are bulky feeds that are rich in energy and proteins, but are not whole meal. Feeding dairy cows for maximum milk production in Kenya Source: farmtario.com A dairy cow can be compared to as a factory which means that the on the feeding techniques and feeding material determines both the quantity and quality of the milk produced. by Steve Judge There are two ways to manage your cow-feed regimen — for maximum milk production or to ensure that your cows live a long, happy and healthy life. For example, a farmer keeping 6 dairy cows each giving 25kg of milk per day can get 150 litres of milk per day, which fetch KSh 6000 per day at Ksh 40 a litre. Your cows' health will determine their productivity. By Alex Wachira. Without further ado, let me get straight to the point and explain how you can boost your milk production. Also, dairy profit margins vary as milk prices and feed costs shift yearly. The essential factors of promoting use AMS for dairy cows are better organization of labour, increased milk yield and improved animal performance. However, it is not uncommon for there to be as much as 2ppl difference in feed costs between two similar yielding systems, a figure that will make a significant difference to a farm's profitability. 2. Learn more about how to restore milk production in your dairy cows. Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Encouraging a cow to eat large amounts of feed is the key to productive and efficient milk production. Maximum energy shortages occur in the first three weeks of the lactation.