A new breed of dairy cow has been developed in Kenya to help farmers produce more and better quality milk.
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) developed the breed by crossing the high milk producing Friesian cow with the tough, disease-resistant Sahiwal breed.
“The result is a “super breed” expected to give farmers more milk and reduce losses caused by animal illnesses,” says Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.
Speaking at Kinoro, in South Imenti, Meru County Kagwe said the innovation is part of government efforts to strengthen the dairy sector.
He noted that although Meru is among the leading milk producers in Kenya, farmers still lose a lot of milk due to poor storage.
To help solve this problem, Kagwe distributed milk coolers to farmers in dairy societies.
He said the coolers will allow farmers to keep milk fresh for longer, reduce wastage and increase income.
“For many years, farmers have been losing millions of litres of milk. These coolers will protect their hard work and improve earnings,” he said.
Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said Meru has already received 14 milk coolers, including six that run on solar power to cut electricity costs.
He added that several government development programs, such as the NYOTA initiative and modern market upgrades, are restoring public trust and boosting local economies.
Kagwe also advised farmers to be careful about the quality of animal feed, warning that feed contaminated with aflatoxins makes Kenyan milk difficult to sell in European markets.
He said Kenya has opened up new international markets and predicted that dairy farming will soon become one of the most profitable agricultural sectors in the country, alongside tea and coffee.
