By Umar Nsubuga
Margaret Nalule has saved sh1.5m and she wants to start a dairy farm around Nalusuga village in Wakiso District.
She wants an expert to advise her on the price of a Friesian cow and a local one.
Jovar Byarugaba, a famous farmer who rears both dairy and local cows says if she wants a dairy farm, she should be think about Friesian rather than local cows because Friesians produce much more milk.
“Pure in-calf Friesian heifers cost between sh1.5 and 2.5m. Cows that have produced before should cost less,” she explains adding that the land required for a dairy farm depends on the grazing method. Open grazing requires more land than zero-grazing.
According to Byarugaba, zero-graze cows, however, make for them a small exercise yard. Whatever the grazing method, cows need some kind of shelter.
“You need an abundant water source. If you do not have piped water, you can dig a well or trap rainwater,” she advises.
“Likewise, you must be sure of the feed sources. They should eat mostly, grass and legumes, but you may also use crop residues and some of the kitchen refuse like potato peelings. Plan for feed supplements during certain periods,” she advises.
Kenneth Kabagambe, another dairy farmer in Nyabugorogoro village, Kyenjojo district says you need labour for farm activities such as herding and feeding the animals, milking, cleaning the premises and marketing milk.
He says before you even buy the heifers, you have to plan how to market the milk. Of course, you need a good source of heifers or risk having low production and, therefore, low profitability.
“You have to plan for general livestock health care, such as spraying, vaccination and deworming. Visit experienced dairy farmers and see how they are doing,” he adds.
