Wet Season Nutrient Supply to Lactating Grade Animals Managed Under Different Production Systems

Abstract

Small holders are the largest producers of milk in Kenya accounting for about 80% of the annual marketed value (Abate et aI., 1987). One of the main features of small holder dairying is the use of animals of high genetic potential capable of Producing at levels higher than what is normally reported. Production rarely matches genetic capability mainly because of inadequate nutrition (Wachira, 1982). It is possible to improve present output levels through rationalized feeding programmes based on knowledge of nutrient supply .and intake. This paper aims to report on the quality and consumption of different types of feeds fed during the long wet season to lactating animals on farms practicing zero--, semi zero-and grazing systems of production.