Dairy farmers in Gulu have expressed high hopes of increased milk yields as a new factory is set to start producing highly nutritious feeds supplement for dairy cattle.
The multi- million shillings factory situated within Gulu municipality will have a capacity of 1.2 metric per hour can produce up to 25 metric tons of feeds supplement in week if fully operational.
Ms Jane Adokorach, one of the local dairy farmers says she is currently getting a lot of challenges in feeding her dairy cows due to the poor weather.
According to Adokorach, once the supplement feeds are available, a single freshian cow will be able to produce up to 40 litres from the current 15 liters she is milking from a single freshian cow.
Adokorach explained that, “The dry season has led to scarcity of grass leading to low milk production because of the poor feeds.”
Another farmer, Ms Scovia Akello says the long dry spell has caused a lot of setbacks to local farmers.
“Due to the late on set of rain and the low profit margin, at least 78 farmers are finding it hard to provide feeds for their animals,” She said.
The dairy farmers expressed hope that with feeds supplement, it is likely that she can meet the current demand.
Though the market for fresh milk looks pretty good with the sale of around 1,500 litres of milk a day in Gulu town, fresh grass has become a valuable commodity which is hard to find.
During dry season, a hybrid dairy cow gives between 15-20 liters compared to rainy season where a farmer can milk 30 liters due to availability of grass.
Dr. Gimoro Laker- Ojok, the brain behind the new feeds factory says animals feed on feeds supplement will produce more milk than those fed on regular roughages.
Dr. Laker- Ojok also noted that dairy animals which are regularly put on such diet have high fertility as well as good disease resistance.
According to the veterinarian, a milking animal needs around 500 grams of food each day.
Apart from maize brand, the factory will be in need of 22 different raw materials including phosphate and cowries’ shells which will later be used as ingredients in manufacturing the feeds supplement.
