Effect of intensification on feed management of dairy cows in the Central Highlands of

As population density increases, crops and livestock become increasingly integrated as farming systems intensify. In order to increase output per unit of land farmers are forced to alter feeding practices as availability of feed resources change. In order to make appropriate recommendations to farmers it is important to understand these changes. The present paper describes a study in two areas in the Central highlands of Kenya representing areas of low and high population density and consequently low (LI) and high (HI) levels of intensification. Quantity and source (on or off-farm) of feed DM offered by type and milk production were monitored regularly for one year. Seasonal effects were considered by comparing parameters measured in months above and below average rainfall recorded in each area. Numbers of animals owned were higher in LI compared to HI, and milk production per animal similar. However production expressed per unit of land, an indicator of intensification was significantly higher (p<0.05) in HI. Results showed that in the more intensive systems planted fodder tended to replace grazing while crop residues represented a similar proportion of total feed DM offered. On average, farmers in intensive systems offered around 5 times the amount of concentrate in the more extensive areas, probably influenced by the good market access in the HI area. Similar amounts of feed were sourced from off-farm sources, however HI farms purchased on average 20 % of the fodder offered whereas in LI purchased material accounted for only 10 % of fodder. In the dry months all farmers increased th