JERSEY DAIRY BREEDS IN KENYA
The breed originated from the Jersey Island of the coast of France. It was introduced to Kenya in 1920 by the white settlers. Jersey breed is the third largest among the four exotic dairy cattle populations in Kenya. The herds are found mostly in Nairobi area, coastal region, Kiambu and Nakuru counties. The Jersey Breed Society of the Kenya is the custodian of the breed standards and its promotion. The breed is ideal for small-holder dairy producers where land parcels are small.
The breed is known to perform well under various production systems ranging from high input zerograzing to semi-zero system. A Jersey cow in milk is able to sustain itself without losing body condition throughout the lactation period. The Jersey is hardy and adapted to varied Agro-Ecological Zones. It has hard black feet that are less prone to lameness. They are well-known for their high feed conversion efficiency and produce high quality milk rich in fat, protein, minerals and trace elements and has relatively low feed requirements. The breed is suitable for cross breeding/ improving local breeds due to its small size.
The breed in Kenya is kept widely in the coastal counties and can survive in the western belts of Kenya under hot climates.
A purebred Jersey weighs averagely 350 kilos with a daily milk production of about 22 litres per day on about 60 kilos of forage per day. The jersey produces quality of milk unlike quantity with the highest butter fat content of 5.3 per cent.
The milk is ideal for making butter, cheese thus offering greater nutritional value. For this reason, Jersey milk commands a premium price in many markets.
Jersey cows have little or no calving problems, greater fertility, a shorter calving interval, and earlier maturity. They also stay in the herd longer than any other dairy breed due to their hardy nature. It is a good breed to invest in if you have access to the market niche or would want to do product value addition at the farm level.
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