Feedback: Where to source quality sexed-semen

GETTING SEXED-SEMEN

I am a small-scale farmer in Baringo and l would wish to know where I can get sexed-semen for my cow and what is the price?
Ezekiel

Most sexed-semen sold in the country is imported and there are a number of authorised importers, among them Highchem, Coopers K Ltd, ABS tcm, Semex, Taurus Ltd and Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC).

It is easier if you visit the authorised KAGRC agent in your area since they also stock semen from other importers.

In addition, they are also better placed to advise you on the bulls whose sexed-semen is available and can place your order to the supplier as they make theirs.

The price for the semen varies from one bull to another depending on market demand for the said bull and the distance your inseminator or agent will cover to make delivery.

To reduce the cost, you may buy the semen from a distributor/agent near you and request your AI provider to collect it on your behalf before service date.

If there is no agent at Kabarnet or Eldama Ravine, kindly check with the big agrovets in Nakuru. Farmers can also visit KAGRC website www.kagrc.co.ke to get the nearest authorised agents.

Musyoka Duncan,
Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University.

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FERTILISATION OF GROUNDNUTS

You once featured a story of a groundnuts farmer from Kuria, Migori County, who indicated she mixes NPK and DAP fertiliser during planting.

I would like to know the proportions of each in the mixture.

Tom Ochieng

Phosphorus is essential for groundnut production and thus should be provided in adequate amounts. NPK and DAP are the most common sources of phosphorus in the market.

The choice of the proportions of NPK and DAP to mix mainly depends on the soil analysis report that shows the proportions of the macro-elements in your soil.

It is important to note that groundnuts benefit more from the residual phosphorus and potassium in the soil than the direct application during sowing.

It is, therefore, important to work towards building up the phosphorus and potassium levels in the soil. To achieve this goal, the preceding groundnut crop should receive a proper fertiliser regime to build up P and K in the soil.

Care should, however, be exercised during sowing, as phosphorus and potassium can inhibit the availability of calcium to your crop.

Thus, phosphorous and potassium should be thinned deep during sowing to keep them out of the pegging zone where they can interfere with calcium uptake.

Sylvans Ochola,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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HOW TO SOURCE FOR QUALITY CHICKS

Given the surge in farmers producing day-old chicks, how can one be sure of quality of the birds, and again, is there a difference in the breeds?

For instance, what is the difference between Kuroiler, Kenbro and Kari improved chicken.

Kenneth Omusebe

To begin with, the only way to be sure of the quality of birds you are buying is by sourcing them from the breeding hatcheries or from their official distributors.

All the commercial poultry breeders, be it Kari Improved Kienyeji, Kuroilers, Kenbro, layers and broilers are different since they have distinctive characteristics as they are developed through crossbreeding programmes known by the respective breeders.

Musyoka Duncan,
Department of Animal Science, Egerton University.

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REARING BROILERS

What are the climatic conditions that favour broiler chicken growth?
Rachel

Broiler chickens do well under intensive poultry production systems.

Within these systems, adequate management aspects such as environmental and nutritional conditions are usually provided to ensure optimal growth and productivity of the birds.

Being exotic, broiler chickens are prone to most poultry diseases that the indigenous birds are resistant to and hence proper disease management (treatment and disposal of infected birds) and prevention (vaccination) procedures need to be undertaken to prevent economic losses.

With these measures, you are assured of maximum returns.

Fredrick Agutu,
Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University.

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VACCINATION SCHEDULE

Could you please furnish me with a vaccination schedule for chickens, type of feeds as they grow?
Salim Unda 

Vaccination and feeding are integral components of good poultry management programme. However, their schedules are subject to the breed one rears.

Even so, kindly refer to Seeds of Gold issue of April 30, 2016 for layers, broilers and Improved Kienyeji. Please note that a good vaccination schedule should not substitute for bio-security and sanitation.

Even a good feeding programme will not be of any significant importance if your flock is under stress resulting from unhygienic conditions.

Felix Akatch Opinya,
Department of Animal Science, Egerton University.

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COST OF GREENHOUSE

I liked Peter Caleb’s answer on greenhouse tomato farming last week and I have questions. What is the full dimension of that 8m by 15m greenhouse and how much can it cost?
Mwaura

Well, the dimension of a greenhouse measuring 8m by 15m and 3m means 8m width, 15 metres length and 3 metres high for high tunnel greenhouses.

We also have low tunnel greenhouses of which the operator must bend as operations are done.  Now the cost of such a greenhouse depends on the material used for construction.

For instance, if you use painted metallic frames high quality covering polyethylene (special) material anti drip UV light treated selective photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) cover, it will cost approximately Sh250,000 to Sh300,000.

That is inclusive of fixing drip irrigation system. Guaranteed life span of cover material is 3-4 years. 

Cheaper material is also available for wood frames, general cover material lasting for not more than one-and-a-half years.

Peter Caleb Otieno, Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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CROPS, ANIMALS TO FARM IN CHUKA

My name is Fridah Njoki. I own half-acre in Chuka and I would like to know how I can put the land into use.

Secondly, which is a suitable crop to grow that requires minimal supervision. Lastly, which kind of animal can I keep in this region?

Commercial farming is a serious venture that needs not only monetary resources, but also dedicated time.

Thus, there is no true crop that will require minimal supervision, especially if you intend to get some meaningful returns from it.

Most horticultural crops can do well in Chuka, provided that you have the time and adequate water supply.

On the same note, there are several animal species that can do well in Chuka, ranging from chicken to goats and sheep.

Sylvans Ochola,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.