The Complex Livestock Feeds Equation

Some of the livestock at the farmer's exhibition at KALRO center in Naivasha feed on drought-resistant forage. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

Dear Daktari, I read your column with lots of satisfaction. I come from Webuye, where I have a dairy farm, which is doing well and I can meet my retirement needs from the income. Feed is the single most important factor of production, one that the government should be supportive of if the livestock sector is to play a critical role in our economy [Justus Maloba]

Thanks, Justus. I like your forward-looking approach, which is well captured in your question. Feeds constitute the largest cost of production in any livestock venture; unfortunately, I am not sure we take it as such. Until recently, I must say, it has not been important.