Background

A cross-sectional survey of 365 households (1.2% estimated sample) in Kiambu District in Central Province of Kenya (a primary source of milk for the Nairobi market) estimated that 77% of households were involved in dairy production (Staal et al., 1998). However, the survey also identified that milk yields were generally low. The farmers said that inadequate feed supplies were the major cause.

A 12-month longitudinal study that followed this survey confirmed farmer observations. Despite recommendations from agricultural extension officers that concentrates should be provided in early lactation and gradually increased until no further response in milk yield was observed, the study showed that farmers did not feed concentrates in this way.

In subsequent interviews with the farmers it became clear that the farmers were using feeds opportunistically and fed whatever was available. Fodder shortages, especially in the dry season, were usually replaced by concentrates, but farmers tended to purchase the cheapest forms of concentrate feed and not necessarily the most desirable ones

Typical quantities of just 2 kg/day of concentrates were fed at a flat rate throughout lactation with no extra feed given at the start of lactation when the need for nutrients was greatest. Reasons given for these low levels of concentrate offered were the high costs of concentrates and the difficulties in taking advantage of credit facilities to buy them.