Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization has encouraged dairy farmers in Trans Nzoia to plant bracchiaria grass for increased milk production.
Speaking to KNA in her office on Monday, KALRO Chief Scientist Dr Mary Koech said that brachiaria grass has more protein content compared to other fodder grasses.
She said that KALRO is promoting the fodder grass in five counties of Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana and Uasin Gishu. The wonder grass takes four to five months to mature and 6 to 8 weeks after the first harvest. Among the varieties being promoted by the organization include basilisk, xaiares, Flata and M G 4.
She said that her department is working with 500 farmers in every county with the hope that they will share the knowledge with other dairy farmers.
According to Koech, the grass can be used by farmers for open grazing field or can be baled for future use with its high protein content for increase milk production.
She said that KALRO is currently giving the seed to a few select farmers and by next year it will be able to sell to other farmers.
By Pauline Ikanda
