In Kenya, there are 10 dairy cattle breeds, with five of these used for only milk. The other five breeds are for dual or triple purposes, used for milk, drought resistance(adapt well to dry areas) and beef.Despite the benefits from dairy farming, few smallholders know how to choose breeds for greater profits.Let us take the Fresian, for example. How can farmers benefit from keeping it?The Fresian/Holstein breed was originally developed in the northern part of the Netherlands in the province of Friesland and Northern Germany.According to the National Farmers Information Service developed by the National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Programme (NALEP) to enable farmers to get extension information, Fresians have the following characteristics:
- Body colour is black and white;
- Milk production is high;
- Body size is large (500-550kg);
- Feed requirement is very high;
- Meat production is also high;
- The milk has low butter/fat content;
- Average live-weight is 600kg;
- They are very sensitive to management;
- They are important for both dairy and beef production (they are dual purpose)
Although it can produce 40-60 litres of milk a day, its production will depend on the level of feeding and other management practices.
However, Fresians also have some challenges:
- They require high volumes of feed (90-110kg fresh forage day;
- They are susceptible to diseases, and milk fever;
- They are susceptible to high temperatures;
- They require large amounts of water (a minimum of 60 litres a day or more for heavy yielders)
Fresian cows are a great choice to raise commercially, especially in the Kenyan highlands and cooler parts such as central areas of the Rift Valley, including Nakuru, Laikipia, Naivasha and Kitale.
Farmers can obtain this breed from Manera Farm (Delamere Estates), the University of Nairobi, Kabete, Kalro-Naivasha, Kisima farm in Njoro, Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC), Katuke Complex, Kitale and Gichecha farm in Ruiru.
To reap the most out of this breed, farmers need to uphold good agronomic practices.