By Umar Nsubuga
Gearld Kibuuka, a resident of Kawanda in Wakiso District would like to buy crossbreed cows. He asks where he can find them.
Peter Mubiru, a veterinary doctor says Kibuuka will not find a large-scale commercial cattle breeding enterprise in Uganda that can supply all farmers who need to stock heifers.
Farmers who need to stock heifers, Mubiru says will have to buy from progressive farmers or a government stock farm.
“Normally, local farmers’ associations or veterinary authorities know about the most progressive farmers, so they will be able to guide you,” he says.
According to Mubiru, it is advised to choose heifers that are fairly big and whose mothers have good milk yields. A cross between local and Friesian cows will produce reasonable amounts of milk.
“The majority are likely to produce between 10 and 20 litres of milk daily. A few exceed 20 litres or fall below 10,” he explains.
He says a farmer should crosscheck the age to make sure he buys a heifer and not a seven-year-old cow. Vets can tell the age of a cow by looking at her teeth.
Mubiru advises farmers to stock disease-free heifers. Let a veterinarian examine the heifers before taking them to your farm.
He says prices vary, from a few hundred thousand shillings to about sh1m, depending on the quality and where you get them.
“You may need a veterinarian or experienced farmer to help you decide whether the heifer is worth the price,” he says.
