Kenya being a ‘nyama choma’ nation, Kenyans consumes an average 15-16 kg of red meat annually...

In my field work, I interact with a number of aspiring and practising goat farmers. One fallacy they hold, is the fact dairy goats unlike cows are not prone to diseases. That is false because though goats are hardy animals, if not well taken care of they are prone to attacks from various diseases.

Two weeks ago, I wrote extensively about how to start a pig farm and I promised to continue on the same trajectory. This week we continue on taking care of piglets and pig diseases.

Most farmers are duped by unscrupulous dealers who invoke names of trusted brands in the market. A physical visit at the hatchery is therefore a must to also examine their health and history record.

Just like it is true of lifestyle diseases, we are what we consume.

Picture this scenario: You are a dairy farmer and have this healthy cow that is a super milk producer.

Two weeks ago, I wrote extensively about how to start a pig farm and I promised to continue on the same trajectory. This week we continue on taking care of piglets and pig diseases.

“What livestock farming can I engage in that does not entail a lot of work and the returns are almost guaranteed?” That is a question I get from many young people I interact with. Pig farming is a good bet.

For the period I have actively practised as a veterinarian clinician, I have noticed an interesting problem in livestock — animals failing to come on heat.

The Fleckvieh resulted from cross-breeding of local German stock with Simmental cattle which were imported from Switzerland.

Milk is becoming a favourite of many as people become health conscious, doing their best to avoid non-communicable diseases like cancers, obesity, cardiovascular diseases among others caused by eating unhealthy diets.

Every individual in the animal health profession must be registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) every year to be allowed to practice. KVB is a constitutional board which regulates all matters of veterinary practice and certifies institutions of higher learning, which train individuals on all aspects of animal health from certificate to degree holders.

Always make a point of knowing if your animal health provider has the knowledge and qualifications to use whatever drug on your animals and strictly adhere to defined withdrawal period as this could help save a generation!

Majority of peasant farmers at the heart of Muranga, Laikipia, Kakamega, Narok, Kiambu and other counties have experienced tremendous losses to East Coast Fever (ECF).

In a country where the price of milk rivals that of fuel, something is not right. Stakeholders in this sector need to think differently and out of the box.