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New grass variety boosts dairy sector

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 08:08 | By
A farmhand harvests xaraes bracharia variety at Illula Dairy Farm, Eldoret.

By Clifford Akumu

Traditional cows have lower milk production, ranging from one to 10 litres daily, compared to crossbreeds or exotic breeds such as Freshians and Jerseys that can produce 30 litres or more in countries such as Israel and New Zealand.

In John Magut’s farm, the Freshian and Ayrshire breeds produce between 19 to 20 litres of milk daily, fetching the 64-year-old farmer a handsome profit from the 40 cows. He sells at Sh50 to Sh60 a litre depending on demand, earning  about Sh40,000 daily.

The farm is located 9km from Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu county. Milk production is high now considering the quantities of milk produced earlier by the same cows, in the first years he acquired them.

After leaving employment in 1992, the father of five bought a farm that had a dairy and cooling facility. He renovated it and stocked up with 19 local dairy cows and a few red and white freshian heifers.

His experience working for a fresh produce firm and later consulting for prominent dairy farmers in the region came in handy. “I started with 19 native cows and 19 heifers, getting  a paltry 30 litres daily, which I sold at between Sh30 to Sh34 each. This averaged less than two litres per cow,” he says.

Magut embarked on a rigorous breeding programme to increase his stock. “Today, my ‘bush cows’ are producing an average of 20 litres each. I sell the milk to New KCC, hotels, and learning institutions in Eldoret town,” he adds during an interview in his farm.

So what changed? “Bracharia grass,” says the farmer as we tour the expansive Illula Dairy Farm. He stops toadmire the cattle grazing peacefully in the field.

The wonder grass

It was in 2016 that Magut first heard about Bracharia and decided to give it a try. “I did not know about this grass until I received a call from a friend in South Africa who had come across it and wondered whether it was available in Kenya,” says Magut.

The farmer did some research after the suggestion. “In 2017, I attended Chepkoilel Trade Fair Show and found Mulato and Piata varieties of Bracharia displayed by the Kenya Agriculture Research Organisation (Kalro). I bought a few splits of the two varieties at Sh1,000,” he recalls.

The splits sprouted well and Magut transplanted the shoots to a bigger plot. “I was excited and impressed by the increase in milk production when I fed some of the cows. So I decided to plant Mulato I and II, Piata and Cayman varieties on one acre,” he says.

Though the farmer grows different types of pasture that is rich in protein including Boma Rhodes, desmodium and maize fodder, bracharia is his favourite. Magut plants the Mulato I and II, Piata, Xaraes, Cayman, Cobra and Basilik varieties. The grass, which he now grows on three-and-a half acres, has boosted milk production.

Drought resistant  

Bracharia takes up carbon dioxide from the air and store it in the soil and inhibits loss of nitrous oxide from the soil. It thus reduces global warming and since it is highly digestible, animals feeding on it emit less methane. Its roots too are deep, hence able to soak up more carbon than other grasses, which help offset global warming.

Giving animals feed balanced both in nutrients and quantities has assured him good milk production all year round. “The heifers and calves need relatively high levels of crude proteins to support muscle growth. Proteins help in muscle growth and milk production,” he says.

When baled too in small dimensions of 36 to 40cm long by 18cm wide by 18cm tall, bracharia grass weighs 20kg while Boma Rhodes weighs 13kg. Bracharia has also a  higher biomass per unit compared to others.

To beat the changing weather patterns, he grows feeds on the farm at different stages to maintain a continuous supply. “During the drought early this year, I had hundreds of tonnes of silage and hay. Lorries used to line up here for milk collection,” he says. 

At the dairy farm, Magut uses technology to boost milk production. Intelligent dairy assessor (AID), a device with sensors that detect whatever is happening to a cow’s body; is put around the cow’s neck and detects whether the animal is sick, on heat, eating or sleeping. It then relays a message to Magut’s phone or his computer. 

“The technology allows us to capture and record livestock data to improve yield and profitability. As dairy farmers, we have to embrace smart technology to avoid gambling when it comes to milk production,” he says.

Magut has invested in a solar water pumping system for watering his animals and crops during drought.  “I benchmark and link up a lot with countries that have excelled in the dairy sector. I also tour other successful farmers,” says the farmer. 

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