Farmers always look for the best ways to keep their cows healthy and productive.
One thing they might forget about is salt, which is actually really important for cows to stay healthy and make good milk.
Here are the best salt for dairy cows in Kenya right now.
1. Maclik Super
Maclik Super is a type of mineral supplement that’s made specifically for dairy cows.
It has the right amount of Phosphorus and Calcium that the cow needs for maintenance and for producing milk and calves.
Maclik Super has all the essential trace minerals in the correct amounts, and if you feed the supplement as directed, you shouldn’t have any problems with the cow having a deficiency.
Giving Maclik Super to cows replaces the minerals they lose when they are milked, which helps them make even more milk.
2. Vital Joto
Vital Joto is a mineral supplement designed specifically for dairy heifers in Kenya.
It helps them stay healthy and boosts their ability to get pregnant.
The supplement is formulated to address common deficiencies in cows without adding extra iron, and it contains a special blend of copper sources.
To use it, give heifers 75-100g per day from the time they are 12 months old until the last two months of pregnancy when it’s best to switch to Vital Dry.
3. Vital Dry
Vital Dry is packed with minerals and trace elements essential for cows.
Only high-quality ingredients are used and are carefully selected to ensure easy absorption by the cow’s body.
Vital Dry contains three different sources of copper to prevent copper lock-up, and it doesn’t have added iron or molybdenum.
This is particularly important in Kenya, where forages can lead to copper deficiency.
Pregnant cows should have 100g of Vital Dry daily for the last two months before giving birth.
Switching to Vital Maziwa about 4 or 5 days before calving is recommended.
4. Vital Maziwa
Vital Maziwa is a supplement that helps keep dairy cows healthy and produce lots of milk.
It gives them important minerals like zinc, calcium, and copper, which can sometimes be hard for cows to get from the soil in East Africa.
This is because there’s too much iron in the soil, making it hard for cows to absorb enough copper.
But Vital Maziwa has a special blend of three types of copper to help solve this problem.
It also boosts the cows’ immune systems, making them stronger and more resistant to disease.
Features That Make a Good Salt for Dairy Cows
- High mineral content: A good salt for dairy cows should contain a high mineral content, including essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
- Appropriate mineral ratio: The salt should contain a balanced ratio of minerals, as imbalanced minerals can negatively affect the cow’s health and milk production.
- Bioavailability: The minerals should be in a bioavailable form so that they can be easily absorbed and utilized by the cow’s body.
- Palatability: The salt should be palatable to the cow, meaning it should have a taste and texture that the cow finds appealing and will readily consume.
Choosing the best salt for dairy cows in Kenya is an important aspect of dairy farming.
The right salt can improve a cow’s health, milk production, and overall well-being.
Maclik Super, Vital Joto, Vital Dry, and Vital Maziwa are all great options, each with unique benefits and features.
By providing the right salt, you can help ensure the success and profitability of your dairy farming operation.
Also check: Best Supplements to Increase Milk Production in Cows (Kenya)
