By Sarah Nabakooza
The secret to successful dairy farming lies in understanding the specific needs and roles of different cow breeds.
This was revealed by Peace Kayesu, one of the directors of the family-owned (Faizo Sserunjogi who is her husband and herself) Kaynela farms in the heart of Kayunga in Bwamulamila village.
Kayesu shared insights into how careful planning and attention to detail are transforming their dairy operation into a model of efficiency and productivity.
“When you want to start a cattle business, you need to ask yourself why you’re doing it. Are you in it for milk, ghee, or meat? This question will guide you in selecting the right breed of cow for your needs,” she said.
She added that at Kaynela Farms, the focus is on maximizing milk production, which means prioritizing female cows and using artificial insemination to ensure the right genetics.
The farm, which sources its cows from Mbarara, currently houses five high-yielding dairy cows. Each cow produces an impressive 28 litres of milk daily on average.
According to Kayesu, “If you want a specific sex, such as a female for milk production, you can use artificial insemination and pay around sh250,000 for that choice. Since our goal is to increase our herd’s milk production, we prioritize acquiring as many females as possible.”
Comfort and cleanliness are key to maintaining high milk yields. Kayesu emphasizes that the well-being of the cows directly impacts their productivity.
“Just like any other business, the more you invest, the more you get. Cows need to be comfortable to produce well. Dirty living spaces can stress the animals, affecting their feeding and overall health. Cleanliness is crucial to prevent the attraction of flies and ensure that the cows remain at peace,” she noted.
At Kaynela Farms, every detail is carefully managed, from ensuring that water is warmed by the sun before the cows drink it to providing ample shade and nutritious food. Kayesu’s hands-on approach ensures that the farm operates smoothly and that the cows are always well cared for.
Kaynela Farms is not just about generating profit; it’s about building a sustainable and productive dairy operation among the other initiatives they are doing for supporting farmers as well as Agro-tourism.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Cows at Kaynela Farm. Comfort and cleanliness are key to maintaining high milk yields. . Photo by Mary Kansiime
