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, conclusion and references
1. Feed resources available in Ethiopia for dairy cows:
Ethiopia has diverse feed resources for dairy cows, including the following:
- Natural grazing: Ethiopia has extensive natural grazing lands, especially in the highland areas. These areas provide a range of grasses and legumes that can serve as forage for dairy cows.
- Crop residues: In Ethiopia, crop residues like wheat straw, maize stover, and rice straw are commonly used as a source of roughage for dairy cows. These residues can be partially or fully replaced by improving their quality through treatments like chopping and ensiling.
- Grazing on crop aftermath: After farmers harvest crops such as maize, wheat, and teff, dairy cows can be allowed to graze on the remaining stubble and leaves, providing them with additional forage.
- Pasture and forage cultivation: In some areas, farmers cultivate improved pastures and forages to feed their dairy cows. Common forages include alfalfa, Rhodes grass, Napier grass, and lablab.
- Agro-industrial by-products: Ethiopia has a growing agro-industry, which produces by-products suitable for feeding dairy cows. Examples include brewer's grain, oilseed cakes, and molasses.
- Concentrates: Commercial concentrates such as grains, oilseed meals, and mineral supplements are also available in Ethiopia, although they might be relatively expensive.
2. Methods of feeding calves, heifers, and milking cows:
- Calves: Calves should be fed colostrum immediately after birth to receive maternal antibodies. After that, they can be fed milk or milk replacer twice to three times a day. It is common to introduce starter feed (concentrates) from around two weeks of age, along with free access to fresh water and good-quality forage.
- Heifers: Young heifers should be fed a balanced ration to support their growth and development. This can involve a combination of milk or milk replacer, concentrates, and good-quality forage. The feeding regimen should be gradually adjusted as the heifers grow, aiming for a target weight for breeding.
- Milking cows: Milking cows require a well-balanced diet to support milk production. This usually consists of a combination of roughage, such as grass hay or silage, and concentrate feed. The amount and ratio of roughage to concentrates may vary based on factors such as milk yield, body condition, and stage of lactation. Cows should also have access to fresh water at all times.
3. Factors to consider when establishing a dairy farm:
When establishing a dairy farm, several factors need to be considered:
- Location: Choose a location with access to markets, good-quality water, and suitable climatic conditions for dairy farming.
- Land availability: Sufficient land is needed for grazing, forage cultivation, and manure management.
- Breed selection: Select appropriate breeds based on their adaptability to local conditions and milk production potential.
- Housing and infrastructure: Construct suitable housing and facilities for cow comfort, milking, and feed storage.
- Feed resources: Assess the availability and quality of feed resources in the area and plan for the growing or procurement of feed ingredients.
- Veterinary support: Ensure access to veterinary services for animal health management and preventive care.
- Marketing: Establish a market for milk and milk products to ensure a steady income from the dairy farm.
4. Farmstead structure of a dairy farm and necessary equipment:
The farmstead structure of a dairy farm typically includes several components:
- Milking parlor: A dedicated area or building for milking cows. It should be equipped with milking machines or equipment, sufficient lighting, and proper hygiene facilities.
- Dairy cow housing: Cow barns or sheds designed to provide comfortable resting areas for the cows, protection from weather elements, and proper ventilation. Separate areas may be needed for calving and maternity pens.
- Feed storage: Space or structures for storing different types of feed, including silage, hay, grain, and concentrates. Adequate protection from moisture and pests is necessary.
- Manure management: Facilities for proper collection, storage, and disposal of cow manure, such as slurry pits, composting areas, or biogas digesters.
- Water supply: A reliable source of clean drinking water for the cows, with sufficient troughs or waterers located across the farm.
- Equipment: Necessary equipment includes milking machines, feeding troughs, waterers, cooling tanks or milkers, feeders for calves/heifers, equipment for forage harvesting, and cleaning tools for maintaining hygiene standards.
In conclusion, Ethiopia has diverse feed resources for dairy cows, including natural grazing, crop residues, pasture cultivation, agro-industrial by-products, and concentrates. The methods of feeding calves, heifers, and milking cows involve a combination of milk or milk replacer, concentrates, forage, and water. When establishing a dairy farm, factors such as location, land availability, breed selection, housing, feed resources, veterinary support, and marketing need to be considered. The farmstead structure of a dairy farm includes milking parlors, cow housing, feed storage, manure management facilities, water supply, and necessary equipment.
References:
- Alemayehu, M., & Kefelegn, K. (2019). Review on feed resources and their utilization practices in Ethiopia. Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 10(09), 464-481.
- FAO. (2021). Ethiopia: Dairy production and products. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/ethiopia/dairy-production-and-products/en/
- ICARDA. (2012). Feeding Dairy Cattle in East Africa: A Manual for Smallholder Dairy Farmers. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: International Livestock Research Institute.