Gatundu dairy farmers are set to experience increased milk production following the introduction of a new Artificial Insemination (AI) breeding system which utilises the semen of superior breeds.
This comes as over 2,000 dairy farmers received semen straws and 400 litres of liquid nitrogen from Brookside Milk Processing Company.
Addressing the farmers at Gatundu town during the handover ceremony yesterday, Brookside General Manager Emmanuel Kabaki divulged that the genetic material, which is of reputable genomics from local bull stations, will be a great milestone towards facilitating breed improvement by the farmers.
Kabaki said the company has been training farmers on how to detect their cows heat signs, which are critical in the application of this breeding method, and urged them to effectively utilise the skills learnt from the training.
He assured the farmers of full support by the company through its extension services team, who will be monitoring and making follow-up phases of the breeding project.
While citing the seasonality of production brought about by the vagaries of weather as one of the greatest challenges to the dairy enterprise in the country, Kabaki said the company has launched a conservation of silage competition as a way of encouraging fodder conservation, especially during dry spells.
Gatundu United Dairy Co-operative Society Chairman Njau Gathaga commended the initiative, saying the technology will bring forth superior breeds.
He added that it will not only triple their milk production but will also help in producing quality calves, which will yield further benefits.
Gathanga said that more farmers from other areas are set to join them for training and adoption of the technology.
Njau said many farmers have been grappling with challenges when their cows get untimely heat and end up losing the breeding opportunity due to lack of money to pay veterinary officers.
Farmers Pauline Muia and Titus Naomi expressed their optimism that the new breeding system will revolutionise dairy farming in the area through increased production, which will boost earnings.
Source: Kenya News Agency