How to Increase Milk Production

Milk yield is the result of three things working together: good genetics, the right feed, and consistent management. Even a high-grade Friesian will under-produce if she is hungry, thirsty or stressed. The good news is that most farmers in Uasin Gishu can lift their daily yield by 2–4 litres per cow within a few weeks just by tightening the basics.

1. Feed a balanced ration every day

A lactating cow needs roughly 1 kg of dairy meal for every 1.5 litres of milk above maintenance (about 5 litres). Split the dairy meal into two feeds — morning and evening at milking — so the rumen stays stable. Combine this with quality forage: Boma Rhodes hay, Napier chopped at the right stage (1–1.2 m tall), and silage if you have it. Top up with a handful of mineral salts daily.

2. Water is the cheapest milk booster

Milk is about 87% water. A cow producing 20 litres needs 60–80 litres of clean water every day. Keep a clean trough in the shed at all times — not just after milking. Walking the cow long distances to drink reduces yield more than most farmers realise.

3. Stick to a milking routine

Milk at the same times each day, ideally 12 hours apart. Wash the udder with warm water, dry it, and milk fully — leftover milk in the udder signals the cow to produce less next time. Calm handling matters: a stressed cow holds back milk through hormones (adrenaline blocks oxytocin).

4. Mind the dry period and transition

Give every cow a 60-day dry period before calving and feed a steaming-up ration in the last 3 weeks. This is when the next lactation is built. Skipping it costs you the whole next cycle.

Visit Solai Agrovet at Chepkoilel Junction for Fugo Dairy Meal, mineral licks, calf pellets and dewormers. Our team will help you build a feeding plan that matches your herd and budget.