DAIRY CATTLE BREEDS

DAIRY CATTLE BREEDS

Malawi Zebu is the only local dairy cattle; however, it produces low milk. Farmers are encouraged to cross breed with exotic dairy cattle to improve on milk yield.

Advantages of Exotic Breeds.

• They grow faster and produce more milk
• They are usually large
• They are sold at higher prices
• They are docile hence easy management.

Disadvantages of Exotic Breed.

• They require high investment
• They require better knowledge and management skills
• They have low disease resistance.

Advantages of Dairy Crosses

• They withstand diseases better than exotic breeds
• Produce more milk than indigenous breed
• Have smaller body size than exotic breeds hence lower feed requirement than the exotics.

Disadvantage of Dairy Crosses.

• Produce less milk than exotic dairy breeds
• Produce milk with less fat content than indigenous
• They have short lactation length compared to exotic breeds.