Diary of small scale Dairy farm in Sheringal area Dir Upper

Published: February 9, 2024

By: Hassan Khan / Farm Manager at Azikheli Buffalo Farm Swat, Livestock & Dairy Development Department KPK.

Mr. Rehmanullah resident of Maina Doug valley is only 10th class passed livestock farmer, has acquired about two Kenal land on rent basis for the establishment of a small scale dairy farm.
A compartment 25 feet long, 15 feet wide and 10 feet high has been constructed, having two big windows on one side only.
25 feet manger have been constructed from concrete along both sides of the walls longitudinlly. Another manger type tank relatively wide and deep (4 feet x 3 feet) has been constructed of the same materials for soaking wheat brain, wheat straw, kahl and dried breed.
Animals are tied-up tail to tail quite apart from each other to avoid the danger of fighting or unnecessary injury, etc.
Current strength and status of the farm is 08 lactating cows with individual peak production 30kg max and 20kg min.
All animals are cross-bred except one fresian cow & two female calves.

The first two are mixed thoroughly and soaked in water and then offered @ 6kg to each adult lactating cow per day. The later two are put together in water for an hour and when softened then is offered to each animal @ 3kg per day. Commercial wanda is offered @ 2kg/cow/day. Total milk production = 150 lit/day. Average ≡ 19 lit/day. Milk is sold @ Rs 210 /kg.
Team Livestock Dir Upper has vaccinated all the animals against FMD with free extension services. Since commercial silage feeding is costly at this end hence, he was suggested to be trained in maize silage making in the upcoming season to enhance his farm production and income further. This made him happy and welcomed the suggestion.
Team livestock Dir Upper strewing its best to improve livelihoods opportunities in mountains and snowy region Dir Upper.