In dairy farming, the type of breed a farmer chooses to keep matters a lot as it determines the amount of milk produced as well as the revenue generated.

In Kenya, there are different dairy breeds to choose from, including Ayrshire, Jersey, Guernsey, and Friesian.

While Friesian is the most popular breed in Kenya due to its high milk production and adaptability, some farmers prefer Jersey cows owing to their superior characteristics.

Jersey, a breed of small short-horned dairy cows is said to be the easiest cow to manage compared to other popular breeds.

Peter Ndung’u, the farm manager at Acacia Veld Breeders says the animals are ideal for dry areas due to their tolerance to harsh climatic conditions.

The animals also consume much less food, making them ideal for small-scale livestock farmers. At Acacia Veld Breeders, the maximum feed consumed by the highest feeding cow which weighs 460kgs, is 14kgs per day.

The cows feed on silage which accounts for 75 percent of the total feed consumed, 20 percent protein sourced from lucern and sweet potato vines, and 5 percent fibre from good quality hay. They also get some minerals including salt supplements and dairy meal.

Evans Kibor: I became the richest Dorper sheep farmer after quitting banking

Ndung’u adds that Jerseys are the most efficient breed at converting solid feeds to milk. His farm which hosts 13 Jersey cows produces 140 litres of milk daily with the highest producing cow giving 22 litres of milk per day.

”Currently we are milking 10 animals which are in different production stages; some cows are in-calf, some are almost drying, while others are in early gestation,’’ he explained.

According to the Jersey Cattle Society of Kenya, Jersey milk has more fat than most other cattle breeds. The average protein in Jersey milk is 30 percent more than in Fresian milk.

It also has 40 percent more butterfat and 35 percent more calories, making it the best for such byproducts as cheese, yoghurt, and butter.

Unlike many dairy farmers who use sawdust in cows’ sleeping areas, Ndung’u uses cow mattresses which he says are easy to clean and disinfect.

He notes that while sawdust can be warmer, it attracts diseases such as mastitis especially when wet. Ndung’u has one word for anyone intending to venture into dairy farming.

”Going by what is happening with the weather and the cost of feeds, most people have given up. So in case you are planning to do dairy farming you better focus on it. Don’t give up! Agriculture is the way to go!,” He said.