Maseru, June 23 – Dairy farmers in Maseru have been urged to prioritise proper feeding and water provision for their cattle, with experts stressing that milk production largely depends on how well animals' nutritional needs are met.

Speaking during a free dairy farming training workshop held at Lithabaneng on Friday, Lesotho National Dairy Board Technical Consultant, Dr. Nchele Kuleile, said water is the most important component in milk production as it constitutes about 87 percent of milk.

He noted that many farmers overlook the basic principles of dairy management, particularly for cows that have recently calved.

“Water makes up 87 percent of milk. If an animal does not receive adequate water, it will not produce milk to the farmer’s satisfaction,” Dr. Kuleile said.

He emphasised that farmers should first ensure that their animals receive enough feed to meet maintenance requirements before expecting milk production.

“Feed your animal for maintenance first. Whatever remains after maintenance will be used for milk production, and the quantity of milk produced will depend on the amount of feed provided by the farmer,” he explained.

Dr. Kuleile dismissed claims that Lesotho's soils lack essential nutrients, saying research has shown that animals obtain sufficient nutrients from grazing.

He, however, highlighted the need for farmers to supplement feed with protein, vitamins and minerals through the use of premixes.

“The real challenge is ensuring that animals receive adequate protein, vitamins and minerals. Farmers can address this by adding a cup of premix to the feed,” he said.

He further explained that dairy cows generally reach peak milk production after their third calving, when feed utilisation for milk production is most efficient.

To help farmers reduce production costs, Dr. Kuleile demonstrated how they can prepare their own dairy feed using locally available ingredients instead of relying on expensive commercial dairy meal.

He cautioned farmers against improper use of mineral supplements, noting that both deficiencies and excessive quantities can negatively affect animal health.

Dr. Kuleile identified calcium and phosphorus as essential for bone development, while selenium and cobalt help improve disease resistance. He also stressed the importance of vitamin D, which animals obtain from sunlight and use to absorb calcium effectively.

He expressed confidence that the training would improve dairy farming practices and profitability among farmers.