Zero-Grazing Dairy Cattle Management (Annual Cycle)
A complete annual management programme for zero-grazing dairy farmers in Kenya. Covers feeding, milking hygiene, health management, breeding, calf rearing, and financial record-keeping. Suited for herds of 2–10 Friesian or crossbred cows.
Dr. Mary Achieng
DVM, University of Nairobi; MSc Livestock Production Systems, Egerton University
16 years experience
Dr. Mary Achieng is a veterinarian and livestock systems specialist with deep expertise in dairy cattle management, goat production, and ruminant nutrition. She has provided extension services to over 5,000 farmers in Nakuru, Nandi, and Uasin Gishu counties and has coordinated AI (artificial insemination) programs that improved milk production by 40% in participating herds.
Sample Schedule (First 2 Weeks)
Herd Health Check — Day 1
Conduct a full health assessment of all cows: body condition score (BCS), coat condition, hoof health, udder condition, eye clarity. Record findings in individual animal cards.
Feeding Programme Review
Calculate daily dry matter requirements: 3% of body weight. For a 450 kg cow: 13.5 kg DM/day. Source includes Napier grass (70%), dairy meal (25%), and mineral supplements (5%).
Water Supply Check
Each dairy cow requires 60–80 litres of clean water daily. Inspect troughs, pipes, and water source. Clean troughs and flush pipes. Contaminated water reduces milk yield.
Milking Hygiene Audit
Review milking routine: wash udder with warm water before milking, fore-strip milk to detect mastitis (abnormal milk), dry with individual paper towel. Post-dip teats with Iodophor dip after every milking.
Mastitis Testing
Conduct California Mastitis Test (CMT) on all cows. A positive reaction (gel formation) indicates sub-clinical mastitis. Treat affected quarters with intramammary antibiotic (Tetroxy LA or Synulox).
Deworming Programme
Deworm all cattle with Albendazole or Levamisole at full therapeutic dose. Weigh cattle (use heart-girth tape) to calculate correct dose. Underdosing is a leading cause of anthelmintic resistance.
Acaricide Dipping/Spraying
Spray cattle with acaricide (Bayticol, Diazinon, or Triatix) to control ticks. Tick-borne diseases (East Coast Fever, Anaplasmosis) are a major cause of dairy cattle mortality in Kenya.
East Coast Fever Vaccination
Administer ECF vaccine (Muguga cocktail) to unvaccinated animals or young stock. ECF is the most economically important cattle disease in Kenya, causing mortality without vaccination.
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