I built my 13-cow farm and milk shop from single calf
Dairy farmer Erick Kiprotich in his farm in Nandi County. Kiprotich with his friends (inset) showcase the Dorper sheep that he also keeps in his farm. PHOTOS | RICHARD MAOSI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
His 13 animals are hosted in a cowshed that measures 22 metres long and six metres wide. The unit is partitioned, enabling each cow to occupy a cubicle.
Kiprotich feeds the cows a variety of fodder, ranging from napier grass, desmodium, sweet potatoes and hay mixed with molasses.
The farmer deworms his dairy cows after every three months and the calves every one month to boost growth.
She notes that adoption of improved feeds such as desmodium and brachiaria grass can also be supplemented with other feeds like hay to boost production of milk.
Biribiriet village, some 20 kilometres from Eldoret, is currently a sea of maize and tea. The crops stand on huge plantations that stretch as far as the eyes can see.
It is here that Erick Kiprotich, who quit employment in 2006, farms on two acres.
