Prolonged dry spells have depleted pastures and worsened milk shortages, prompting calls for dairy farmers to take advantage of the anticipated October-December rains to grow and preserve fodder.
The shortage has exposed the vulnerability of dairy farming to changing weather patterns, with farmers who depend on fresh pasture struggling to maintain adequate feed supplies during dry periods.
Farm consultant Bernard Gathumbi said fodder conservation was key to sustaining milk production, noting that farmers needed to store surplus feed when rainfall improved to cushion their animals against future shortages.
“Fodder preservation and conservation is the only lasting solution to perennial milk shortages. Farmers must not only grow fast-maturing fodder but also preserve it for periods of scarcity to avoid recurring losses,” Gathumbi said.
He said the anticipated rains presented an opportunity for farmers to increase fodder production and build reserves that would sustain their livestock when pastures dried up.
Maize, which is widely grown across the country, is among the crops farmers can use to prepare silage and preserve nutritious feed for their animals.
Gathumbi encouraged small-scale dairy farmers to invest in silage bags as an affordable way of storing chopped maize for use during dry seasons.
Silage is made by fermenting green fodder under airtight conditions. Naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria convert sugars in the plant material into lactic acid, which lowers acidity and limits the growth of microorganisms responsible for spoilage.
After harvesting, fodder is wilted under shade to reduce excess moisture before being chopped into uniform pieces. The material is then tightly packed into silos or suitable plastic bags and sealed to exclude oxygen, allowing fermentation to take place.
Properly prepared silage can be stored for extended periods, provided it remains sealed and is handled carefully during feeding to minimise exposure to air.
Gathumbi also emphasised the importance of using certified planting materials and conducting soil tests to determine nutrient requirements and identify fodder varieties suited to local conditions.
Meanwhile, soil analyst Bernard Ndung’u said farmers could improve feed availability by diversifying their fodder crops and choosing varieties that mature quickly, provide adequate nutrition and regenerate after cutting.
He noted that animal feed accounts for a substantial share of dairy production costs, making the selection of suitable fodder essential to improving milk yields and farm profitability.
Ndung’u identified Napier grass, maize, desmodium, Rhodes grass and sorghum among the crops farmers could consider, depending on their soil conditions, climate and livestock feeding needs.
Napier grass remains popular because it is easily propagated through stem cuttings or splits and provides fibre and protein when harvested at the appropriate stage of growth.
Farmers can also explore improved varieties such as Pakchong 1, Juncao grass and Australian Red Napier to increase fodder production.
Pakchong 1, also known as Super Napier, is a hybrid of Napier grass and pearl millet valued for its vigorous growth and high biomass production. Its nutritional content varies depending on growing conditions and the stage at which it is harvested.
Desmodium, a leguminous fodder crop, can be integrated with grasses to improve the nutritional balance of livestock feed. It generally takes three to four months to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Rhodes grass and suitable sorghum varieties can also be used for haymaking, allowing farmers to store feed for dry seasons or sell surplus supplies for additional income.
Ndung’u said combining fodder conservation with sound dairy management practices would help farmers reduce losses, maintain consistent milk production and make dairy farming more sustainable.
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Farm consultant Bernard Gathumbi said that farmers needed to store surplus feed when rainfall improved to cushion their animals against future shortages.
Gathumbi encouraged small-scale dairy farmers to invest in silage bags as an affordable way of storing chopped maize for use during dry seasons.
