In Kenya the main dairy breeds that have been selected include Ayshire, Friesian, Jersey, Guernsey and their crossbreeds.
Fresian Breed
The Friesian cows have a large body that weighs between 500-550kgs with black and white coat design. Their milk potential is 40-50 Litres of milk daily. They’re the preferred choice for dairy farming in Kenya highlands. They are heavy feeders eating 90-110 kg fresh forage per day or 3 gunny bags. They should have plenty of clean water about 60 Litres/day should be provided. They have a few shortcomings though; They are heavy feeders thus feed expense will be higher than other cows,Susceptible to diseases, milk fever and high temperatures.
Ayshire Breed
Ayshire cow is a large bodied animal with average live-weight of 450 Kgs. Its milk potential is 30 Litres per day. The body of the ayshire cow is covered in brown with white patches in almost equal amounts. It requires around 90-110 kg feed consisting of fresh forage per day or 3 gunny bags. It also needs plenty of clean water about 60 Litres/day should be provided. Ayshire are hardy animals and is adaptable to most climates, thus making it suitable for dairy farming in Kenya.
Guernsey breed
Guernsey cow is yellow to reddish-brown with white patches around its body, adaptable to all climates and management systems with milk yield potential of 25 Ltrs per day. Amount of feed required is 65-85Kg fresh forage per day or 2 gunny bags and 40 Ltrs of water per day.
Jersey Breed
Jerseys usually have a body colour of light brown, though the colour can range from almost grey to dull black. Its average milk production is 20 litres per day. To spot a true its nose is black and bordered by almost white muzzle.