Cattle farmers in Sokoto State have shared the secrets behind their successful cattle rearing techniques, emphasizing proper feeding, milking practices, and breeding to maintain healthy cows and boost milk production.
These local farmers ensure their cows receive the right nutrition and care, contributing to the state’s growing dairy industry.
Farmers revealed that cows require a balanced diet and consistent care to remain healthy and productive. They feed their cows three times a day, offering a mix of foods such as beans, grains, and rice water to strengthen them.
During the dry season, when crops are scarce due to lack of rainfall, they grow their own crops to ensure a steady supply of food for the cows.
Special attention is given to female cows, which are fed a diet tailored to increase milk production. When female cows’ udders fill with milk, regular milking is essential not only to ensure health but also to facilitate pregnancy. If the milk is not regularly removed, it can prevent the female cows from conceiving because it interferes with the male cow’s sperm.
This focus on care and nutrition enables farmers to maintain healthy herds, ensuring a steady milk supply that can be used both for consumption and for sale.
Cow dung and cattle breeds
Cow dung, a by-product of cattle farming, has many uses. It is an effective natural fertilizer, aids in the production of biogas for energy, and serves as an insect repellent. Additionally, it can be used in construction and paper-making.
In Sokoto, cattle breeds fall into two major categories: Bos taurus (including Shorthorn and Jersey) and Bos indicus (such as Brahman). Crossbreeds, like the Santa Gertrudis, combine traits from both species and offer enhanced milk production.
Breeding and cattle types in Sokoto
Cattle breeding in Sokoto involves selecting cows with specific traits, such as color, size, and milk production ability. Over time, this selective breeding has led to the development of distinct breeds, each with its own characteristics. In Sokoto, three primary breeds are common:
- Sokoto Gudali: A local breed that produces both milk and meat. Typically, a Sokoto Gudali cow produces about 3 liters of milk per milking and weighs between 300 to 400 kilograms.
- Brangus: Known for rapid growth, Brangus cows can reach up to 1,000 kilograms in a short period.
- Crossbreeds: When Sokoto Gudali is crossed with exotic breeds, the offspring can produce up to 15 liters of milk per milking, far surpassing the milk yield of the pure Sokoto Gudali.
These breeds play a crucial role in the livestock economy, providing both milk and meat as valuable sources of income for farmers.
Cattle care practices in Bodinga, Sokoto State
AsheNews recently visited Bodinga Local Government Area to explore how cattle owners care for their cows and manage milk production.
Mr. Musa Muhammad, a cattle rearer in Bodinga, shared his approach to feeding his cows.
Muhammad said he provides them with a mix of dustar, bean filters, sole beans, and surfe three times a day, occasionally adding parboiled rice water for added nutrition.
During the dry season, he cultivates his own crops to ensure his cows receive fresh food, contributing to their health and growth.
Mr. Musa pays special attention to his female cows, feeding them sole beans to boost their milk production. He milks them regularly when their udders are full to maintain their health and fertility.
Another farmer, Mr. Yusuf Isa, explained how he cares for his female cows to ensure good milk production and successful breeding.
Isa says that he feeds them well to promote udder growth and milks them twice a month when their udders are full. He highlighted the importance of milking, noting that if the milk isn’t removed regularly, the cows’ ability to conceive may be compromised.
He also observed that male cows who cannot mate with a female due to full udders become sluggish until they are able to mate successfully.
For Mr. Mohammed Mustapha, another cattle farmer from Bodinga, who raises Sokoto Gudali, Brangus, and Rahaje cows, these cows are fed well, especially the females, to ensure they produce enough milk for both personal use and sale.
The milk is often used to make fura, a popular local drink.
Another cattle farmer, Mr. Mahmud Sidi shared how he received 9 cows from the state government, including 6 pregnant heifers of Jersey and Brangus breeds.
These exotic cows, he said have greatly improved milk production, with each cow now yielding 20-25 litres of milk, compared to only 2-3 liters from their local cows like Sokoto Gudali and Rahaje.
This increase in milk yield has had a significant impact on their farming operations.
The importance of cows in farming
Cows are vital for many farmers. Known for their gentle nature, these herbivorous animals are primarily raised for their milk, which is not only nutritious but also supports the immune system and helps prevent illnesses.
Cow milk is also used to produce other dairy products such as butter, cream, yogurt, and cheese. Thus, the proper care of cows is crucial for farmers looking to maximize the potential of their livestock.
