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Why a Cow Can Drop from 25 Litres to 5 Litres of Milk.

ByDairyverse Expert

A retiree once bought a cow for Ksh 300,000, excited that it was producing 25 litres of milk per day. But within months, production fell to just 5 litres. Confused and frustrated, he sold it off for only Ksh 40,000.

This is not an isolated case. It happens more than we think—and it’s painful. Here’s why it can happen and how to avoid it:

🔍 Possible Reasons for the Drop:

  1. Change in Diet
    • The cow may have been on a nutrient-rich Total Mixed Ration (TMR) or balanced feed before.
    • Post-purchase, it’s possible the feed was reduced, changed, or lacked essential nutrients like energy, protein, or minerals.
  2. Poor Adaptation to New Environment
    • Cows are sensitive. New surroundings, water, people, or routine can stress them—affecting milk letdown and yield.
  3. Health Issues
    • She might have had subclinical mastitis, ketosis, or other undiagnosed conditions that worsened over time.
  4. Lack of Proper Records
    • Without monitoring breeding, heat signs, and health records, you lose track of her productivity cycle and nutritional demands.
  5. No Transition Plan
    • Moving from a high-production setup to a regular home farm requires a proper steaming-up and transition feeding plan to sustain yields.

✅ Solutions to Avoid the Same Mistake:

  1. Request Feeding & Health History
    • Ask for detailed feed, vaccination, and health records before purchase.
  2. Don’t Cut Corners on Feeding
    • Maintain (or gradually transition) the diet the cow is used to. Use milk boosters if needed.
  3. Work with a Vet or Extension Officer
    • Do a full health check post-purchase to detect early signs of stress or disease.
  4. Record Everything
    • Keep track of milk yield, heat cycles, feeding, and behavior. It’s the best way to detect early problems.
  5. Monitor for Adaptation Stress
    • Use stress-reduction supplements, ensure a calm routine, and avoid drastic changes.
  6. Test for Pregnancy or Reproductive Status
    • Tools like MimbaCheck can help determine if she’s incalf or not—early enough to take action.

Buying a dairy cow is not just a transaction—it’s a transition. Sustaining milk production needs proper care, continued investment in feed, and expert support.

🟢 At Dairyverse, we help you avoid such losses through guidance, products, and farm education.
It’s called the Dairyverse Effect. Have you tried us yet?

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