Evaluating the effect of selected fodder interventions on dairy cow milk performance in smallholder farms in Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, dairy cows produce an average of 8 litres of milk per day, translating to approximately 2,440 litres annually. This is significantly lower than the 21 litres per day, or 7,653 litres annually, recorded in the European Union. The disparity is largely attributed to nutritional challenges affecting over 70% of smallholder dairy farms in Kenya. This study evaluates the effect of selected fodder on dairy cow milk performance in smallholder farms across three counties: Bomet, Nyandarua, and Nyeri. The first objective of the study focuses on evaluating the nutritional value and chemical composition of five selected fodders, within the three counties. The study analysed fodders' proximate composition, metabolisable energy, van Soest composition, and in vitro digestibility, revealing significant variations in their nutritional profiles across the counties. The second objective examines the effects of dietary supplements on milk yield across the three counties. Twelve Friesian dairy cows, all in similar lactation stages, were randomly selected for the study. They were fed a basal diet of Boma Rhodes (Chloris gayana) grass hay and supplemented with a feed mixture containing lucerne(Medicago sativa), green leaf desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum), sweet potato vines (Ipomoea batatas), and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), chopped and mixed in a ratio of 1:2:3:1. Supplementation was provided at four levels: T1 (0%), T2 (10%), T3 (20%), and T4 (30%) of the cows' estimated daily dry matter intake, based on 4% of their live body weight. The study spanned nine weeks, with one week dedicated to backgrounding, two weeks for adaptation, and six weeks for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using ANOVA in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to control for county-level variation. Significant means were determined using New Duncan's multiple range test at a 5% confidence level. The results showed that in Bomet, the highest milk yield (4.1 litres) was achieved at 20% supplementation, while in Nyandarua, the highest yield (10.0 litres) was recorded at 30% supplementation. In Nyeri, 8.0 litres was achieved at 20% supplementation at P<0.05. The third objective focused on the economic feasibility of dietary treatments by calculating the Income Over Feed Costs (IOFC) for each county. In Bomet, the highest IOFC (KSh 55) was observed at 20% supplementation, while Nyandarua recorded the highest IOFC (KSh 169) at 30%, and Nyeri achieved the highest IOFC (KSh 140) at 20% at P<0.05. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of region-specific dietary interventions to optimise milk yield and profitability in smallholder dairy farms. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of these interventions and investigate alternative, cost-effective fodder sources to improve sustainability in smallholder dairy farming systems.