A proper diet is critical in dairy cows after birth to help them adapt to lactation well and maintain production, blood calcium, and rumen health.

Although the cow’s appetite remains low in the first two months of delivery, experts say an increase of between half a kilo and one kilo of the dairy meal after parturition keeps milk yields steady past the two first peak months.

“Milk let down after parturition is impressive because of the high concentration of hormones and accumulation.  The drop is imminent in a month or so despite the rise in the appetite of the cow.”

“That is why an increase in the meal would keep the milk production steady for up to two months to the next calving down,” Said Mr. Kiriga Samuel, founder of Jangara Farming Services (JFS), an animal feeds commercialization company in Voi.

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Kiriga notes that the dairy meal increment should be applied with respect to the size and breed of the cow. For instance, if the cow takes 10kgs of dairy meal daily,  it can be increased by half a kilo for Ayshires and one kilo for Friesians.

The cows, rations should be increased with time to boost their appetite, milk hormones, and mineral deposits lost during gestation.

Kiriga adds that increased rations also help the cow to recover by boosting muscle rebuilding. At least 60 litres of water must be available daily, and the feeds should be highly nutritious.

Protein-boosting feeds such as Lucerne and Calliandra should be included in the diet. An increase in grain intake should be done at one percent to two percent, depending on the body weight.