Comparison of productivity of cattle grazing systems in small-holder dairy farms in Kiambu District, Kenya

Abstract

Compares the efficiency of dairy production between zero-grazing and free-grazing smallholder dairy systems using LPEC (Livestock Productivity Efficiency Calculator). The value of offtake per carrying capacity unit for zero-grazed farm was KSh 11,230 compared to KSh 9,697 per CCU (Carrying Capacity Unit)/year for free-grazed farms. The milk production was lowest in free-grazing farm with lack of available feed rather than poor reproductive performance being major constraint contributing towards low milk yield. It is suggested in the study that the comparisons made be supplimented with information on the relative opportunity costs of forage under different systems and in different locations, so that resources in smallholder dairy production can be assigned more efficiently