ISSN 2375-1258
Research Article
African Journal of Dairy Farming and Milk Production Vol. 1 (2), pp. 028-033, September, 2013. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Production, characterization and nutritional quality of Napier grass [Pennisetum purpureum (Schum.)] cultivars in Western Kenya
Elkana M. Nyambati*, Francis N. Muyekho, Evans Onginjo and Charles M. Lusweti
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kenya.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 254-0722-576217. Fax: 054-31126.
Accepted 29 June, 2013
Abstract
Napier grass [Pennisetum purpureum (Schum.)] is the most popular perennial fodder recommended for smallholder crop-livestock farming systems in Kenya, where 80% of the national milk output is produced. The emergence of new diseases resulting in DM yield losses signals the need to develop alternatives to currently grown cultivars. Eight new cultivars (Kakamega 1, Kakamega 3, Machakos hairless, Uganda L14, Soghor Nandi L13, Kitui L7, Ex-Mariakani and Kakamega 8) were compared to four currently grown cultivars (Bana, French Cameroon, Clone 13 and Pakistan Hybrid) in the sub-humid highlands of northwestern Kenya for two growing seasons. Agronomic measurements were made on DM yield, tiller number, length, diameter and angle, leaf length, width, hairiness and colour and disease incidence. Nutritional measurements were made on leaf to stem ratio, intake, milk yields and body condition of Friesian cows. Kakamega 1, and Kakamega 3 yielded similar (p > 0.05) DM yield as Clone 13, Bana and French Cameroon, which yielded more than 16 t ha-1 and greater (p < 0.05) than soghor Nandi L13, Kitui L7, Ex-Mariakani, Kakamega 8 and Pakistan hybrid. The tallest cultivars were Kakamega 1, Clone 13, and Kakamega 3 with 70, 69 and 61 cm, respectively. There was positive correlation (r = 0.65; p < 0.001) between tiller thickness and tiller length. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in DM intake between Bana, Kakamega 1, Kakamega 3 and Machakos hairless. Cows feeding on Kakamega 3 and Kakamega 1 Napier grass cultivars yielded similar (p > 0.05) milk as those fed Bana grass, but more (p < 0.05) than those fed Machackos hairless. Kakamega 1 and Kakamega 3 could be used as alternatives to the currently grown Bana grass in Kenya.
Key words: Napier grass, cultivars, DM, tillers, leaf, intake, milk.
Evans Onginjo and Charles M. Lusweti, Elkana M. Nyambati, Francis N. Muyekho
Page: 28 - 33
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJDFMP/1016Research Article
African Journal of Dairy Farming and Milk Production Vol. 1 (5), pp. 101-103, December, 2013. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows under smallholder condition in Ethiopia
Hunduma Dinka
Artificial Insemination Institute, Adama Science and Technology University, P.O.Box 1457, Adama, Ethiopia.
E-mail: [email protected].
Accepted 23 June, 2013
Abstract
A study was carried out to assess the reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows under smallholder conditions in Asella town, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A total of sixty crossbred dairy cow farmers that owned 3 to 5 cows were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect information on age at first service, age at first calving, days open and calving interval. Simultaneously, reproductive performances of 250 crossbred dairy cows of the selected farmers were studied. The overall estimated mean values for age at first service, age at first calving, calving interval, days open, and number of service per conception were 24.9±3.8 months, 34.8±4 months, 372.8±5.9 days, 85.6±5.6 days and 1.52±0.9, respectively. In this study, 35% of the respondents’ came across return rate after the first service in their crossbred dairy cows. In general, the overall observed reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows was found to be promising considering the management situation and limited supplemental feed utilized in the area. Thus, a sustainable extension service should be established in order to improve animal feed resources management, efficient artificial insemination service and animal health care to bridge the existing gaps.
Key words: Ethiopia, cattle, production, reproduction.
Dinka H
Page: 101 - 103
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJDFMP/1015Research Article
African Journal of Dairy Farming and Milk Production Vol. 1 (3), pp. 067-071, October, 2013. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Analysis of factors affecting dairy goat farming in Keiyo North and Keiyo South Districts of Kenya
Kipserem J., Sulo T.*, Chepng’eno W. and Korir M.
Department of Agricultural Economics, Moi University, P. O. Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].
Accepted 8 August, 2013
Abstract
Dairy goat milk production is undertaken in traditional extensive production systems with limited resources and harsh climatic conditions. Less attention has been given to goat milk and related products to minimize poverty food insecurity. The main objective of this study was to analyze the factors of production for dairy goat farming. It was hypothesized that farmers’ factor inputs do not significantly impact on the output of the dairy goat farm enterprise. The study was carried out in Keiyo District of Kenya using a sample of 100 farmers. Multistage,Purposive and Simple random techniques were used. Cobb-Douglas production model,marginal value product and marginal factor cost were used for computations. The findings of the study revealed that the factors of production analyzed had a significant impact to the total output produced. It was established that land under dairy goat, cost of disease and pest were significant. Policy recommendations towards adequate land under dairy goats and improved management practices aimed at cheaper and effectively utilized inputs may be a priority for the dairy goat industry.
Key words: Goat farming, dairy goat milk, production, factors.
Kipserem J, Chepng’eno W and Korir M, Sulo T
Page: 67 - 71
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJDFMP/1007Research Article
The effects of alcoholic extract of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna Wight & Arn.) bark on stability of clarified butterfat
Parmar Pankaj, Kaushik Khamrui*, H. C. Devaraja and R. R. B. Singh
Dairy Technology Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal - 132001, Haryana, India.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +91 184 2259242. Fax: +91 184 2250042.
Accepted 26 August, 2013
Abstract
Potential of ethanolic extract of Terminalia arjuna Wight & Arn bark to enhanced the shelf life and anti-oxidant ability of clarified butterfat (ghee) was evaluated using accelerated oxidation tests. Seven percent by weight of ethanolic extract of T. arjuna Wight & Arn bark was effective in retarding the auto-oxidation of both cow and buffalo ghee during storage. It had significant (P<0.05) ability to enhance the antioxidant potential of ghee in terms of its radical scavenging activity. It also improved phytosterol, content in ghee. Shelf life of the Arjuna ghee samples was 8 days at 80±1°C as compared 2 days in the control. Findings suggested that ethanolic extract of T. arjuna Wight & Arn could be used as a natural antioxidant and enhancing the phytosterol content in ghee. Freshly prepared cow milk Arjuna ghee possesses good potential to act as free radical scavenger and thus could help in prevention of many free radical related disorders.
Key words: Arjuna, ghee, antioxidant and radical scavenging activity, phytosterol content, oxidative stability.
H. C. Devaraja and R. R. B. Singh, Parmar Pankaj, Kaushik Khamrui
Page: 96 - 100
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJDFMP/1002Research Article
African Journal of Dairy Farming and Milk Production Vol. 1 (3), pp. 044-050, October, 2013. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Smallholder dairy production in Southern Vietnam: Production, management and milk quality problems
Vo Lam1, Ewa Wredle2*, Nguyen The Thao1, Ngo Van Man3 and Kerstin Svennersten-Sjaunja2
1Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Angiang University, Angiang Province, Vietnam.
2Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Kungsängen Research Center, S- 753 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
3Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture and Forestry Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].
Accepted 23 August, 2013
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the prerequisites for dairy production at smallholder farms in Southern Vietnam and to identify the strengths and weaknesses in management at farm level. Data on milk production, management routines and heat stress were collected during farmer interviews and field observations on 120 smallholder dairy farms. Individual milk samples were taken from 360 cows. The average herd contained 12 animals (ranging from 2 to 17), dominated by lactating cows. The main dairy breeds were Holstein Friesian crossbreeds, mostly at F2, F3 and F4. The mean Temperature-Humidity Index was 81 (range 75 to 97) in the morning and 85 (range 72 to 104) in the afternoon and the mean respiration rates for cows were 54 (range 30 to 102) and 70 (range 35 to 116) breaths per minute, with mean rectal temperatures of 38.8°C (range 38 to 39) and 39.3°C (range 38.3 - 40.9). The milk somatic cell count (SCC) was high in all farms, averaging 1, 300, 000 cells/mL. The strength of the dairy producers was their willingness for further education, as 80% of the farmers attended training courses, while poor udder health and heat stress were the most pronounced problems.
Key words: Milk quality, questionnaire, smallholder dairy farms, milk somatic cell count.
Nguyen The Thao, Ewa Wredle, Ngo Van Man and Kerstin Svennersten-Sjaunja, Vo Lam
Page: 44 - 50
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJDFMP/1009Research Article
Full Length Research Paper
Investments in dairy farms enlargement in Serbia: A tool for poverty reduction in rural areas
Petar Gogić1, Sanjin Ivanović1* and Lana Nastić2
1Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade University, 6 Nemanjina Street, 11080 Zemun - Belgrade, Republic of Serbia.
2Institute of Agricultural Economics, 15 Volgina Street, 11060 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].
Accepted 16 August, 2013
Abstract
Production is one of the most important economic activities in Serbian rural areas, which faces significant problems regarding unemployment and poverty. To increase income and employment, family farms have to enlarge dairy operations, modernize production process, buildings and equipment. The goal of this paper is to determine economic effectiveness of investments in two possible dairy farm developing models. It was supposed that farmers invested in enlargement of dairy farms from 30 to 100 cows herd. It was determined that investments in both production types were economically profitable. To determine which production type is more economically acceptable in risky environment, scenario analysis method was used. In risky circumstances, investments in farms specialized in milk production had greater expected net present value and were less risky than investments in combination of milk, heifers and steers production. In the paper, agricultural policy measures necessary to support such family farms developing model were recommended.
Key words: Dairy production, rural areas, investments, poverty, scenario analysis, risk.
Petar Gogić, Sanjin Ivanović and Lana Nastić
Page: 59 - 66
https://doi.org/10.46882/AJDFMP/1014