Proper fodder planning is the backbone of any successful dairy enterprise. Without a steady and nutritious supply of feed, cows cannot produce quality milk consistently, and farmers risk losing both income and animal health.
Managing fodder is not just about planting grass; it’s about strategic planning, measurement, and efficiency.
Samuel Nyabongo, the proprietor of Kimoome Mixed Farm, says fodder planning starts with knowing exactly how much feed your cows need in different seasons.
“I plan for a whole year ahead, this avoids shortages during the dry season when pasture growth slows down,” he explains.
He advises commercial farmers to plant drought-resistant forage, harvest in time, and store it properly as silage or hay.
Lilian Kobugabe, another commercial dairy farmer, says she calculates the daily feed requirements for each cow and ensures her land can produce that amount.
“It’s not about guesswork. You need to know your production capacity to avoid overstocking,” she says.
Charles Kintu, a veterinary doctor, adds that balanced feeding ensures better milk yields, healthier cows, and fewer diseases.
“Poor feeding leads to weight loss, low fertility, and high veterinary costs,” he warns.
Tips for proper fodder planning
Equipment you will need: A machete or sickle for cutting samples, weighing scales, notebooks, and measuring tape.
Cutting the samples: Harvest representative sections of pasture to determine biomass.
Weighing the samples: Record the fresh weight to assess yield.
Calculating pasture yield, multiply the sample weight by the total area of pasture.
Right calculations: Divide the total yield by the daily intake needs of your herd to estimate how long it will last.
With the right planning farmers can maintain consistent production, reduce feed costs, and secure their dairy business year-round.
