Following the loss of his employment, David Wamai turned to dairy farming as a means of finding a new direction in life.
Years later, he has made significant contributions to the industry.
He collaborated with nutritionist Alex Gathii to create Rhino Park Dairy.
Additionally, they formed a partnership with a dairy company named Tanolope Consulting to develop alternative feeding solutions.
This initiative aimed to reduce production costs and enhance milk yield.
“We brought in biogas and started mixing our rations for the dairy meal because we were trying to put our overheads down,” he said.
Wamai manages a herd of eight lactating cows, which yield between 30 to 35 liters of milk, with peak production occurring during the initial 3 to 5 months of lactation.
The farmer indicated that milking occurs three times a day, although this frequency may vary depending on the stage of lactation.
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He emphasized the importance of providing a balanced diet and clean water for the cows, noting that access to fresh water enhances their comfort and subsequently increases milk output.
In contrast, Gathii highlighted the significance of maintaining hygiene, asserting that it is essential for the health of the animals, which in turn contributes to improved milk production.
“Breeding is also very important; instead of having 100 herds of cows that are producing 10 litres each, you can keep your 20 cows that are producing 30 litres each and you will be in business,” he said.
Wamai additionally offers mineral supplements to his cows to avert mineral deficiencies that could lead to issues like retained placenta.
All of his cows are registered with the Kenya Statistics Body, and he employs ear notches for their identification.
“If one has a problem and the vet come when I’m not around, I can simply tell him Sydney is the one that requires your attention,” he said.
Wamai sells raw milk to individuals, institutions, and corporations at a farm gate price ranging from Ksh 75 to Ksh 80 per litre, with a portion allocated for yoghurt production.
