What to do best to increase milk production in dairy cows

What to do best to increase milk production in dairy cows

Milk production is a factor of genetics and management. Making genetic leaps using conventional artificial insemination is great but it does take time.

If you can manage, you could go in for sexed-semen although this would require that you have virgin heifers.

Once you have a foundation of good genetics, now shift to management. Each of your cows should be fed 15-20kg of chopped forage or hay per day.

Additionally, feed 3kg concentrates (dairy meal) per day for each cow depending on individual production. You may challenge the animals by increasing their respective dairy meal rations up to an optimal level.

Provide quality mineral salt at a rate of 150g for every five litres of milk produced, and an extra 60g for every extra five litres. Free lick Intromin Mineral block should be availed at all times.

Wholesome drinking water must be available all the time. You need reserve feeds during times of shortages. When quality of your pasture is low, you could supplement with molasses which is energy and minerals rich.

Steaming up is done about two months before calving as happens with drying off of milking. This is to facilitate growth and repair of the udder tissues, ensure sufficient energy for the cow which comes calving time, support development of a strong and healthy calf and building up of body reserves that are used during the first two months post calving.

You may steam up your dairy cows by providing good quality hay, dairy meal concentrate 0.5kg per cow per day and Intromin minerals free choice.

You want to avoid fattening the cows otherwise you predispose them to calving difficulties.

_________
DAIRY FARMING GUIDE

E- COPIES AVAILABLE @250/- for softcopy e-books:

For E-COPIES, pay through Mpesa Till 664444 and Text your email to 0724512194.

AVAILABLE AT NEWSPAPER VENDOR OUTSIDE UCHUMI AGAKHAN WALK, behind kenya cinema, Outside Studio one, behind kencom, Outside Cargen Hse, Moi Avenue, Outside Agriculture Hse, Moi/Harambee Avenue, Gill hse opp. Agrho hse

Others Available @250/= each : POULTRY, POULTRY DISEASES, POULTRY FEEDS, PASSION FRUIT FARMING, CAPSICUM GROWING, MUSHROOM FARMING, URBAN FARMING, POTATO FARMING and GREEN HOUSE FARMING.