Risa-Molito dairy farm, owned by Samson Muthomi, has established itself as one of the top milk producers in the Limuru region. In an interview with Agri Innovation Hub, Muthomi revealed that the farm was established in 2004 with just five cows. However, as of April 2022, the farm boasts a herd of 115 cows, with 54 of them being milked while five are dry, 10 are calves, and 45 are heifers.
According to Muthomi, the cows are divided into different groups and fed accordingly based on their lactation stage and age. The high yielders are cows that are less than 120 days after calving and have the potential for high production. Meanwhile, dry cows are given a mix of napier grass and hay, while steaming cows receive dairy meal in their ration. Calves under three months old feed on four liters of milk each day, in addition to early calf weaner pellets and water.
Muthomi named cows using ear tags that bear their name, mother’s name, father’s name, and date of birth. The cows on milking are fed on a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) comprising carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and trace elements.
While dairy farming offers a significant profit margin, Muthomi noted that the major challenge is the cost of feeds. He explained that the prices of fertilizers used to grow crops for silage are high, which ultimately impacts the cost of producing one liter of milk.
In the next five years, Muthomi hopes to milk at least 1,500 liters of milk per day and sell a minimum of 10 heifers annually to increase revenue. Additionally, the farm has become a learning center for individuals interested in dairy farming.
