Develop and adopt a vaccination programme, regular dipping and deworming
of animals to control diseases. Visit the livestock and veterinary
office for advice if need be and possibly identify a qualified reliable
veterinarian to work with.
GROWING ONIONS
I would like to know if onions do well in Nyandarua. And if so, what type can you advise for me to plant?
Brian Nderitu
Onions
do well at altitudes greater than 1,000m above sea level, although
reasonable harvest may be realised at lower altitudes. Bulbing occurs at
high temperatures but ceases at temperatures less than 150C and
vegetative growth occurs at 18-250C.
Adequate rainfall
is also required throughout the growing season for optimum yields. Soil
should be rich in organic matter. Sandy loams are most suitable and the
ideal pH is 5.8-6.8 although the crop may grow on acid soils. The soil
should have good levels of phosphorous and potassium.
Phosphorous
is important for root growth while potassium is important for bulbing.
Onions require 14-16 hours of day length. In your case, the best variety
to grow in Nyandarua is Red Creole or Bombay Red.
Carol Mutua, Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University
***
IRRIGATION KITS
I am interested in farming under irrigation but I have no idea where to get the right equipment for irrigation. Please help.
Fram
You can buy irrigation equipment from Amiran Kenya, G North and Sons and Wilmag Kenya Limited in Nairobi.
Carol Mutua, Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University
A GUIDE INTO DAIRY FARMING
I
want to start keeping at least three dairy cows but I have no idea
where to start. Kindly tell me what to consider and do for a successful
venture.
Andrew
With demand
for milk rising rapidly, many people are venturing into commercial dairy
farming having seen the business opportunity. Below I have a checklist
of things you need to consider before ploughing your cash into dairy
farming.
Capital: Ask yourself how
much money you need for the investment? What is the source and how much
can you access as quick as you want? Dairy investments are
capital-intensive. The structures to build on the farm and equipment you
buy has little or no alternative, thus, you need a good capital.
Develop a plan for final farm set up considering the expected running
capacity.
Land: The size, location and
potential determine the type and size of investment to be set up. You
need space to house the animals, grow fodder and dispose waste.
Market research:
Do a market survey and decide on the target buyers. Also decide whether
to go for milk or heifer market, or both. The business needs to be
solvent hence you should always choose options that maximise your
returns.
Ecological zone: From the
farm’s ecological location, determine the type of fodder and animals
that do well. Exotic dairy breeds will require cool environment while
crosses of these breeds with local ones like Sahiwal may withstand some
level of harsh conditions. In arid and semi-arid regions, look for local
breeds like Sahiwal or their first cross with exotic breeds.
Production system and the level of management: Always
fit the production system with resource available and management.
Intensive production systems are best for efficient utilisation of
resources. In such systems, animals are enclosed and the land is set
aside for fodder production.
Follow regulations: Always
consider the rules and regulations that govern the establishment of
dairy investment. Also think of waste disposal mechanisms and
environment pollution more so on water ways, sound and air.
Labour: Management
and costing of labour remains a mystery to many farmers. Consider the
type of work and the form of labour required. Have permanent employees
for duties that run across the year and casuals for seasonal work.
Remember some services are cheap when outsourced. Proper choice of
labour will increase your savings, relieving unnecessary stress.
Water:
It is required for animals to drink, cleaning of equipment, the dairy
unit and growing fodder. A dairy cow will drink between 40 to 80 litres
of water per day.
Breed: Decide on the
breed and grade of animals to start with by considering the management
level to be adapted. For beginners, consider starting with second or
third dairy crosses rather than the high-bred animals. Adapt a breeding
programme that will improve next generation of animals.
Source of breeding stock: Select
from the existing herd and upgrade with time. Outsourcing breeding
stock rule of thumb is “never buy animals from herds that are managed
beyond your potential, such animals will always disappoint you”. Check
on the animal’s pedigree, production and health records and the dam’s
production record if any. At times you may require a professional to
inspect the animal.
Feeds production and conservation: Feeding
comprises of the highest cost in confined herds and cheapest in free
grazed system with little supplementation. Always adapt to economical
and efficient feeding production and utilisation programme. Reduce cost
of feeds by growing your own. If land is small, consider renting to grow
fodder. Buy fodder at the harvesting season and put in place
conservation measures like silage and hay making.
Feeding the animals: Chop
feeds to reduce wastage and make it easy for the cow to handle. Soak
feeds with molasses mixed with water overnight to make them soft and
palatable. If possible, feed a balance ration and water. Total Mixed
Rations (TMR) are the best but one needs assistance from qualified
nutritionists.
Health management: Put
in place mechanisms for early disease detection, prevention and
treatment. Develop and adopt a vaccination programme, regular dipping
and deworming of animals to control diseases. Visit the livestock and
veterinary office for advice if need be and possibly identify a
qualified reliable veterinarian to work with.
Recordkeeping: Set
up and keep all necessary and updated farm records on production,
breeding, sales, purchases, feed sources and other transactions at the
farm. Regularly analyse them and evaluate the enterprise performance.
The
list is a reflection of the key important issues that need to be
considered. Always seek for detailed information and guidelines from
professionals and relevant authorities.
Musyoka Duncan Mbai, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University.
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