There are many ways that farmers can make money from dairy farming.
You can make money from selling manure, your calves, and most importantly, producing a lot of milk.
To invest in dairy cattle, you first need to list all the costs you will face.
These include:
- Beef Band
- Milking equipment
- Nutrition: You can plant pastures like Calliandra and Napier on your farm.
- Mineral supplements
- Veterinarian and medication fees.
The price of a cow expecting a calf will depend on its production and milk record. Once the cow has a calf and starts milking, you start making money. For example, if your cow produces an average of 20 liters per day, you can sell one liter for KSH 40 and earn KSH 800 per day.
You can invest in supplementary feeds/stimulants to help increase your milk production and make more profit.
However, before starting your dairy business, make sure you have a business plan. A good business plan will show you the goals you want to achieve and how you plan to achieve them. In addition, it will enable you to know your market.
You must also keep good records of your livestock, milk, and business operations. This will allow you to track whether you are making a profit or not.
Pasture
To produce a lot of good milk, dairy cows need a good, varied diet, with a balanced mix of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Power
Green pastures
Green fodder is especially important for greens such as Napier grass , Lucerne , sweet potato leaves , and others.
These usually contain a lot of water.
- Do not feed freshly cut grass to your cattle. Cut the green grass and let the dark part fade, then cut it into 2 inch (5cm) pieces to make it easier for your cattle to eat. This will not waste feed.
- Dairy cows should be given 15-20 kg of green fodder per day, it is recommended in two doses, for example, one in the morning and the other in the evening.
Dry fodder
Forage includes things like rice stalks , rice stalks , corn stalks and other vegetable crops.
Dry fodder
- on the side of the stalks and also the wrong level.
- Mix one part green fodder with one part dry fodder, for example 1 bag of chopped Napier grass and 1 bag of chopped wheat stalks.
Protein and complementary foods
Denmark
Dania is a good source of protein. Your cows use protein to build their bodies and produce lots of high-quality milk.
5 kg of Dania per day is enough protein for your cow. If your cow is not getting enough protein from pasture, use a supplemental feed such as Pukakula from Cooper-K Brands .
Dairy cow food
Dairy cow feed will provide the cow with vitamins, energy and protein in a balanced way, so that the cow can produce good quality milk and have a healthy body weight. Unga Farm Care (EA) recommends feeding your cow 1 kg of Fugo Dairy Meal for every 2 litres of milk the cow gives you over the first 5 litres.
So, if your cow gives you 7 litres a day: 7-5 = 1 kg of dairy meal
For cows producing 5 – 10 liters of milk per day, give them 400 grams of Pupakala. Give half in the morning and half in the evening. For cows producing more than 10 liters, add 400 grams per day for every 5 liters of milk over 10 liters. So for 20 liters, give them 1.2 kg per day.
Vitamins and Minerals
Giving your cows minerals will make your dairy business a success. Your cow will come into heat 60 days after calving so you will have calves within a year. Minerals are also good for milk production and body condition. Powdered minerals, such as Maclik Plus and Maclik Super from Cooper-K Brands are good for older cows. Mix minerals with feed.
Maclik Plus
For pregnant and dry cows, give 10 grams (½ cup) of Maclik Plus daily.
Maclik Super
For the cow being milked
Give him 200 grams (1 glass) of Maclik Super every day.
Plant your pasture with forage crops like Dania and Napier Grass. Use manure from your cattle as fertilizer.
Lots of water
Milking uses a lot of water. You need to give your cows plenty of fresh water every day. Empty the water tank every 3 days and replace it with fresh water.
