Be The Animal Farmer

Lucerne is a protein-rich fodder crop that can provide nutritious forage for dairy cattle and other livestock when properly cultivated and harvested. lucerne (also called alfalfa),is a useful fodder plant grown to feed livestock such as cows, goats, and rabbits.  Lucerne is a deep-rooted legume that improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, but it needs well-drained soil and careful planting. What Is Lucerne? Properly harvested and stored hay provides a valuable source of conserved fodder for livestock during dry seasons when fresh pasture is scarce. Lucerne is a perennial legume, meaning it can grow for several years and produces protein-rich leaves used as hay, silage, or grazing feed. Its roots can reach deep into the soil, helping it survive dry periods better than many shallow-rooted crops. Because it fixes nitrogen through special bacteria in its root nodules, lucerne can also improve the soil for crops that follow it. Farmers usually leave about f...

A Simple Method of Making Hay for Smallholder Dairy Farmers By Newton Adera Making hay is one of the practical technologies used for conserving livestock feed. It helps farmers preserve forage for periods when fresh feed is scarce and contributes to a more reliable supply of feed throughout the year. For smallholder dairy farmers in tropical regions, maintaining an adequate quantity and quality of feed throughout the year can be a major challenge. Seasonal feed shortages can reduce livestock productivity, particularly when pasture and other sources of fresh forage become limited. Crop residues and some tropical grasses can also have relatively low nutritional value, particularly when they are harvested or managed poorly. Proper forage conservation, together with appropriate supplementation and ration management, can therefore play an important role in dairy production. One practical option available to farmers is hay making . What Is Hay? Hay is forage that has been ...

A Simple Method of Making Hay for Smallholder Dairy Farmers Featured image Hay making is a practical way for smallholder dairy farmers to conserve forage for periods of feed shortage. By Newton Adera Making hay is one of the practical technologies used for conserving livestock feed. It helps farmers preserve forage for periods when fresh feed is scarce and contributes to a more reliable supply of feed throughout the year. For smallholder dairy farmers in tropical regions, maintaining an adequate quantity and quality of feed throughout the year can be a major challenge. Seasonal feed shortages can reduce livestock productivity, particularly when pasture and other sources of fresh forage become limited.For more ideas on planning a dairy farm’s feeding and housing facilities, see my practical guide to  How To Construct A Zero-Grazing Unit Crop residues and some tropical grasses can also have relatively low nutritional value, particularly when they are harvested or managed poorly. ...

Babesiosis in Cattle: Understanding Babesia and “Redwater Disease” By Newton Adera Last Saturday, while observing the cattle on our ranch, I noticed an older cow that appeared unusually weak and did not respond normally to my usual observations. I quickly reported the matter so that the animal could be assessed. This experience reminded me how important it is for livestock farmers to observe their animals closely and report unusual signs early. In this article, I would like to discuss babesiosis, a serious tick-borne disease of cattle commonly associated with Babesia parasites. What Is Babesiosis? Babesiosis is a disease caused by microscopic protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. In cattle, an important species is Babesia bigemina. The parasite is transmitted mainly by ticks. In East Africa, the blue tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, is an important vector of B. bigemina. Babesiosis is commonly known as “redwater disease” because affected cattle m...

How to Construct a Dairy Zero-Grazing Unit: A Practical Guide Zero-grazing isn't just about space-saving — it's about giving your dairy cows a stress-free, productive home By Newton Adera Originally published: September 27, 2014 Updated and revised: 2026 Introduction A well-designed dairy zero-grazing unit is more than just a shelter for cattle. It should provide a clean, comfortable and efficient environment for feeding, watering, resting, milking and managing the animals. Over the years, I have been asked many questions about how to construct a dairy zero-grazing unit and what structures should be included in the design. The same basic principles can also be adapted for beef cattle and other livestock enterprises. This guide is based on the practical ideas I originally shared in 2014, now reorganised and updated for today's livestock farmers. Before beginning construction, however, farmers should consider the number of animals they intend to keep, avail...

🐄 Tips for Healthy Dairy Cows and Better Milk Production Choose healthy breeding bulls Select bulls with good body condition, sound legs and feet, good fertility, and desirable milk-producing genetics.  Avoid breeding from animals with known hereditary problems. Select your cows carefully Keep replacement heifers from healthy cows with good milk production, good fertility, easy calving history, and good temperament. Don't breed an underdeveloped heifer A heifer should reach adequate body weight and physical maturity before breeding.  Breeding too early can compromise her growth and reproductive performance. Feed cows according to their production stage Lactating cows need more energy, protein, minerals, and good-quality forage than dry cows. A balanced ration supports both milk production and reproduction. Pay special attention during the rainy season 🌧️ During prolonged rains, forage quality and availability can change, while muddy conditions can increase hoof p...