Farmers in Kiambu County have been challenged to take advantage of the ongoing rains and prepare hay that will last them through the dry season.
Mathew Mugo, a veterinarian from Mataara in Gituamba said Tuesday a majority of farmers tend to ignore the aspect of storing animal feed for the future because they shun seminars and training sessions.
The veterinarian was addressing farmers during a seminar on his farm.
He reiterated that food storage for animals can be done in both manual and scientific ways where he said hay making was the best nutrient containing method.
Mugo who owns a three-acre animal farm revealed that an acre of his farm is only used for food storage.
He advised farmers not to rely on readymade factory animal feeds but rather to also feed their animals using farm produce citing that factory products are usually dry and require an animal to be given water regularly.
“I am urging farmers from this county to apply hay storage method now that the sun is yet to set. In January, animal food challenges not only lower milk production but also affects their health,” he said.
“Dig an equally measured whole, place polythene papers at the bottom to prevent microorganisms from penetrating and destroying the food, cover the whole storage space with polythene papers then put your food. Nutrients will be preserved and you will experience less challenges come January,’ he advised farmers.
Mugo, however, urged the county government under the Agriculture ministry to fund farmers to build water storage materials for future use.