Nutritive value of forages and diets in some small-scale dairy farms in Kiambu County, Kenya in the short rains season

Sixteen selected small-scale dairy farms were investigated in Kiambu County (Kenya) during the short rains seasonto develop a snapshot of types rations fed, milk yields obtained and sources fodder. On average farmers had1 ha land 2.2 lactating cows yielding 8.93 kg milk/cow/d with feed intake 10.5 DM/d. Only 35% feedconsumed was produced on farm. Boma Rhodes grass hay green Napier main forage components(37.9 28.3% total DM). Protein forages used herbaceous legumes lucerne desmodium (19.9 and15.9% CP, respectively) leguminous shrubs (Leucaena, Calliandra Sesbania 21.1% CP 43.4%aNDFom, average). Grasses had higher aNDFom digestibility (47.1%) than (39.7%). grass, BomaRhodes fiber 51.9, 48.6, 46.8 32.6%, respectively. The energyand protein balances (actual vs. requirements) -19.3 -16.4%, respectively, indicatingthat utilized body tissues to produce levels obtained. Mutiple correspondence analysis showed that amilk yield 9.1 kg/d associated level <5 DM/d, concentration nonfibrous carbohydrates diet >22.0% (DM basis), concentrate >2.63 kg/cow/d CP% ration >9.1%. To improve this season should harvest at younger age, include diets increase concentrates fed. These strategies be demonstrated show possible benefits.