Why milk yield in Meru is disappointing

MERU, KENYA: Poor diet and management of dairy cows is the cause of poor milk yields in Meru County, a dairy union official has said.

Meru Dairy Co-operative Union CEO Kenneth Ndegwa said current total production of milk in the area was 100,000 litres per year against a potential of 300, 000 litres.

He said the union is unable to meet the high demand of milk from consumers in other counties.

Ndegwa spoke ahead of this year’s Meru Dairy Farmers Field Day, to be held on Wednesday at the ASK showground at Gitoro whose them is 'Empowering Dairy Farmers through Modern Technologies'.

Over 12,000 farmers are expected to attend the show.

"At present in Meru the average milk yield per cow is four litres, which is disappointing since we have had pedigree cows for the last 20 years," said Mr Ndegwa. "For a cow with potential of 35 litres to produce four litres, it shows that farmers are not feeding and managing their dairy cows well."

The dairy boss advised farmers to ensure their cows are given a balanced diet, and given ample time to digest the feeds, and ensuring the cows are milked at the right time.

 "A cow should be milked by 6.30am. By 9 am it should be fed and allowed to rest. Between 12pm to 1pm, it is ready for milking again. Always make sure to give it a balanced diet, consisting of vegetables, mineral salt, proteins, carbohydrates and roughages."

Mr Ndegwa said cows should be milked again by 6pm.

"Cows are supposed to be milked three times a day, though in Europe, they can be milked for as many as six times, because some of the cows produce 60 litres," he added.

At the same time, Mr Ndegwa said farmers should stick to a feeding routine, instead of allowing the cows to feed the whole day.

"The nappier grass, minerals, and dairy meal should go in one basin. Also, always ensure the water they drink is clean. It is high time we took care of cows like babies, for them to produce good amounts of milk," said Mr Ndegwa.

He said some of the cows to be paraded at the field day is one from Katheri in Imenti Central, which produces 60 litres per day.