5 Ways to Increase Productivity in your dairy cows

5 Ways to Increase Productivity in your dairy cows

Low yielding cows are a detriment to your bottom line as a dairy farmer. The goal is therefore to convert them into a high yielding herd. While there is no quick fix in the process of increasing your milk production from your cows, there are tips and proven methods that farmers across Kenya have applied consistently to improve their yield. Here, we share these five tips;

  1. Using the finest Feed and monitoring milking regularity

The first step towards growing a healthy highly yielding herd is getting the finest nutritious feed for your cows. In fact, when your cows are feeding right, you are already on the right track towards increasing your production. At Feed and Fodder, we consistently advise our farmers and partners to opt for the highly nutritious maize silage which has many additional benefits.

On milking, it is commonly recognized that regularity in milking increases cow productivity by more effectively using the animals’ milk-producing organs.

2. Water

We know water is important, and in a dairy farm, even more so. You need to provide clean water continuously with an adequate flow rate and provide enough water space between your cows. To ensure cleanliness and to avoid disease it is also important to ensure your water infrastructure is cleaned regularly without fail.

3. Cows’ General well-being and comfort

As a farmer, you must take good care of your cows, ensure their comfort, both at individual level and surrounding to ensure they serve you well. This includes details such as every cow having its own spacious stall, clean bedding, secure footing in all walkways, adequate airflow for proper ventilation and generally ensuring the stalls are comfortable.

It also helps to in good time, treat cows with sore feet, trim feet at least once or twice a year, and taking good care of your cows when sick.

4. Professional farmhands and employees

Having the best team results to the very best for your cows. It is important, especially on large farms, to have workers who understand the importance of having the basics right. Skilled employees who can keep a clean environment for your cows, who understand and follow the set feeding programs, professional breeding teams, and even veterinary teams – if possible.

5. General Health

To prevent disease, vaccinate cows and heifers as necessary and check for internal parasites and regularly deworm if on pasture. If you’re not able to maintain an internal veterinarian then you must establish a working relationship with a veterinarian and schedule regular herd health checks.

While it begins with good feeding, it is important to look at the general well-being of your cows in order to increase productivity. Good luck dear farmer.

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