Effect of housing improvement and other factors on the growth of heifer calves on Kenyan smallholder dairy farms

Kimeli, Peter; VanLeeuwen, John A.; Gitau, G.K.; Heider, Luke C.; McKenna, Shawn; Greenwood, Spencer J.

doi:10.1007/s11250-020-02548-4

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

References 32 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The observed changes towards early introduction of concentrate (for example calf starter with at least 18% protein) to heifer calves, and increased quantity of concentrate eating at weaning, are positive changes towards improving calf nutrition and growth. In a related study, it was reported that the early introduction of commercial concentrate supplements significantly improved daily weight gain (Kimeli et al, 2021a). This improved weight gain is explained by hastening rumen papillae development, which accelerates nutrient absorption to enhance growth (Reddy et al, 2017).…”

Section: Effects Of the Intervention On Farm Practices And Farmer Perceptionsmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…How farmers support and care for heifer calves significantly influences their growth (Makau et al, 2019a), health (Gitau et al, 1994), and welfare (Kathambi et al, 2018). Kimeli et al (2021a) revealed that calf housing and management improvements increased daily weight gain by 5.6% in the post-weaning period. Improved animal comfort reduces the stress level in calves, enhances immune function and subsequently increases weight gain (De Paula et al, 2010).…”

Section: Smallholdermentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Impact of calf housing improvement and farmer training on finances, management and animal welfare perceptions of Kenyan smallholder dairy farmers

Kimeli¹,

John²,

George³

et al. 2021

J. Dev. Agric. Econ.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This study estimated the changes in economics and farmer perceptions towards calf welfare as a result of implementing low-cost calf housing enhancements and changes in calf management on Kenyan smallholder dairy farms. The trial involved 187 heifer calves from 150 farms allocated to either an intervention or control group. The interventions were improvements on the floor and roof of the calf housing, and training for the farmers on calf care. Animal-and farm-level characteristics were collected every two months over a 16-month period. Data gathered from questionnaires on the first and sixth visits were used to determine changes in calf management and farmer perceptions on calf welfare preand post-intervention. Partial budgeting was used to assess the additional costs and benefits associated with the intervention for heifer calves from birth to 15 months old. The net financial return of undertaking the housing and management improvements was positive at Ksh 6,594 (USD 65.94) per heifer, based on having a larger heifer at 15 months, reduced bedding and medical care costs, and lower risk of death. It is thus concluded that calf housing improvements and on-farm training on calf care are cost-effective and improve management and calf welfare perceptions of farmers.

show abstract

Section: Effects Of the Intervention On Farm Practices And Farmer Perceptionsmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Smallholdermentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of calf housing improvement and farmer training on finances, management and animal welfare perceptions of Kenyan smallholder dairy farmers

Kimeli¹,

John²,

George³

et al. 2021

J. Dev. Agric. Econ.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Effect of housing improvement and other factors on the growth of heifer calves on Kenyan smallholder dairy farms

Cited by 1 publication

References 32 publications

Impact of calf housing improvement and farmer training on finances, management and animal welfare perceptions of Kenyan smallholder dairy farmers

Impact of calf housing improvement and farmer training on finances, management and animal welfare perceptions of Kenyan smallholder dairy farmers

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About