FRIESIAN (HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN) DAIRY BREEDS IN KENYA
This breed is also known as Holstein Friesian, it is the largest dairy breed of cattle in Kenya.
The breed originated from Holland and was imported to Kenya in 1908. Several bloodlines have been imported from Europe, America and Israel. The Kenya Holstein-Friesian, through adaptation overtime and crossing with local lines, produces a fair amount of milk. The Holstein-Friesian is the largest and
most populous dairy cattle breed in Kenya predominantly found in the highlands.
The breed has been crossed with the Sahiwal and Improved Kenyan Boran to produce excellent dual-purpose crosses that
are suitable for the lowlands and semi-arid areas.
The breed is continuously being improved using local and imported semen and is promoted by the Hostein-Friesian Breeders’ Society of Kenya (HFBSK) which is the custodian of the breed standards.
The breed is raised under various production systems ranging from high input zero-grazing to semi-zero systems.
Breed Characteristics
Friesian cattle are identified by their black and white short haired coat and short horns. They are large in size with an average body weight of 500 – 550kg. They are natives of Europe but through importation of semen and local breeding, they are now kept in several countries in Africa.
They are kept for milk production and have the potential to produce 40-50kg of milk per day. The milk however has low butter fat content of 3.2%. High milk production is dependent on good feeding and Friesians are heavy eaters requiring about 110kg of fresh feed and 60litres of water per day.
They do well in cooler regions and are vulnerable to high temperatures. In Africa, they survive well in the cooler highlands. They can easily become sick and are susceptible to milk fever which can kill in a day.
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