1.Identify and discuss feed resources available in Ethiopia for dairy cows
2.Explain the methods of feeding calves, heifers and milking cows.
3.Explain the factors to be considered during Establishing dairy farm
4.Write farmstead structure of dairy farm and necessary equipment for dairy farm
Within introduction,cinclusion and references
1. Feed resources available in Ethiopia for dairy cows include:
- Natural grazing: Ethiopia has vast grasslands and grazing areas that can provide a significant amount of forage for dairy cows. Native grasses such as Setaria, Cenchrus, and Chloris can be found in these areas.
- Crop residues: After harvesting crops like maize, sorghum, and teff, the leftover stalks and leaves can be used as feed for dairy cows. Crop residues are typically dried and stored for later use.
- Improved forages: Various forage crops such as Napier grass, Desmodium, and Lucerne are cultivated in Ethiopia to provide high-quality feed for dairy cows. These forages are rich in nutrients and can supplement grazing.
- By-products from agricultural processing: Ethiopia's agricultural sector produces by-products such as oilseed cakes (e.g., soybean and cottonseed), cereal bran (e.g., wheat bran), and brewery waste that can be utilized as feed for dairy cows.
- Concentrates: Commercially available concentrates and premixes, which consist of various ingredients including grains, oilseeds, and vitamins and minerals, can be used to supplement the diet of dairy cows.
2. Methods of feeding calves, heifers, and milking cows:
- Calves: Calves should ideally be fed colostrum within the first hours after birth to provide essential antibodies and nutrients. Afterward, they can be fed a milk replacer or whole milk until they are weaned. Transitioning them onto solid feed such as calf starter and introducing forage gradually are important steps in their feeding regimen.
- Heifers: Heifers require a balanced diet to support their growth and development. They can be fed a combination of good-quality forage, concentrate feeds, and mineral supplements. The feeding program should take into account their age, weight, and desired growth rate.
- Milking cows: Milking cows need a well-balanced diet to sustain milk production. Their diet typically consists of forage (such as pasture or hay) as the main source of fiber, supplemented with concentrate feeds that contain grains and protein sources. The ration should be formulated based on the cow's body condition, milk yield, and stage of lactation.
3. Factors to be considered during establishing a dairy farm:
- Availability of land: Sufficient land is required for grazing or growing forage crops and constructing infrastructure such as barns, milking parlors, and storage facilities.
- Water availability: Access to clean and abundant water sources is crucial for dairy farming, including for drinking water for the cows, cleaning purposes, and irrigation.
- Genetics and breed selection: Choosing high-yielding dairy breeds that are adaptable to the local environment and have good disease resistance is important for the success of the dairy farm.
- Market demand and marketing opportunities: Understanding the market demand for dairy products and establishing links with buyers or processors is essential before establishing a dairy farm.
- Access to veterinary services: Having access to veterinary services and qualified professionals is important for proper animal health management, disease prevention, and treatment.
- Financial resources: Sufficient capital is necessary to invest in infrastructure, purchase livestock, and cover initial operational costs until the farm becomes profitable.
4. Farmstead structure of a dairy farm and necessary equipment:
- Milking parlor: A dedicated area equipped with milking machines or milking stalls where cows are milked.
- Barns or housing facilities: Sheltered areas designed to provide protection from the elements and sufficient space for cows to rest and move around comfortably.
- Feed storage and mixing areas: Space to store and mix silage, hay, and other feed ingredients.
- Manure management facilities: Systems to collect and manage cow manure efficiently, such as slurry pits or composting areas.
- Water supply and troughs: Access to a clean and reliable water supply for the cows to drink from.
- Fencing: Fencing to separate different grazing areas or to keep cows contained in certain areas.
- Feeding equipment: Equipment such as feeders, troughs, and silage cutters to facilitate the feeding process.
- Milk cooling and storage facilities: Equipment for rapidly cooling, storing, and preserving milk after milking.
- Handling equipment: Tools and equipment for handling and managing cows, such as headlocks, halters, and brushes.
- Veterinary supplies: Basic veterinary equipment and supplies for routine health checks and treatments.
Introduction:
Dairy farming is an important sector in Ethiopia, contributing to food security, income generation, and employment opportunities. To ensure the success of a dairy farm, it is crucial to understand the available feed resources, feeding methods for different categories of cows, factors to consider when establishing a dairy farm, and the necessary farmstead structure and equipment.
Conclusion:
Feeding dairy cows in Ethiopia can be achieved through natural grazing, crop residues, improved forages, by-products, and concentrates. Proper nutrition and feeding practices for calves, heifers, and milking cows are important for their growth, development, and milk production. When establishing a dairy farm, factors such as land availability, water access, genetics, market demand, veterinary services, and financial resources should be considered. Finally, the dairy farm should have appropriate farmstead structures and necessary equipment to facilitate efficient milk production and cow management.
References:
- Central Statistical Agency (CSA). (2019). Ethiopia Livestock and Livestock Characteristics Databook.
- Del Favero, E., et al. (2021). Feeds and Feeding Strategies for Ruminant Dairy Systems in Ethiopia: A Review. Animals, 11(1), 113.
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2021). Ethiopia: Dairy Sector Note. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/CA2936EN.