MANUAL ON IMPROVED FEEDING OF DAIRY CATTLE BY ... - Gart

- The sold milk provides the farmer with a regular income throughout
the year.
- Income from milk is more reliable than from beef. Milk sales continue
during outbreaks of diseases when livestock movements are banned.
- The animals provide income through the sale of surplus heifers, and at
the same time form a source of meat.
- The animals provide organic (kraal) manure, which is essential to
maintain a good soil fertility at the farm.
- The animals provide other by-products, like skins for leather, etc.
- Small scale farming is an agriculture based rural development
enterprise, which creates employment in the rural areas.
- Small scale farming contributes to the formation of a commercial
agro-industry and creates business opportunities.
- Dairy farming requires and therefore develops discipline among farmers
and their workers.
- Milk enhances the immune system of people and in that way
contributes considerably to the reduction of child mortality. Moreover,
it remains available during periods when common food often is in
shortage.
FIGURE 2: A smallholder dairy farm
3.1 Conditions that favour dairy farming
The following conditions are required to enable a good environment for
dairy farming:
- A good climate with sufficient rainfall, preferably well distributed over
the year.
- A good water supply from rivers, streams, dams, boreholes, etc. Water
is essential for the animals to drink and to maintain a good hygienic
standard at farms.
- A nearby market for the milk within reach. Either informally direct
to consumers or formally through Cooperative Societies and milk
processors.
- Availability of inputs, like stock feeds and veterinary drugs.
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Manual on improved feeding of Dairy Cattle by Smallholder Farmers