INTRODUCTION

DAIRY CATTLE FARMING

INTRODUCTION

Milk production in Malawi is low which leads to low milk consumption per individual. More efforts is therefore required to increase milk yield by increasing the number of dairy cattle and milk yield to ensure increased milk consumption by the population. Different exotic dairy cattle breeds are available and they adapt well in Malawi’s environment cool environments. This is one of the enterprises that helps in poverty reduction and improve rural livelihood in Malawi.

Advantages of dairy cattle farming

• Milk that is nutritious for human diet
• Income to farmers
• Employment for many people
• Easy market through formal and informal markets
• Source of manure to improve crop production
• Source of meat.

Constraints in dairy cattle farming

• Lack of adequate knowledge on how to take care of calves hence there is slow dairy cattle population growth by smallholder farmer
• It needs a farmer to have relevant business skills
• Little breeding knowledge by farmers
• Climate change.