3-Day Dairy Training at Pakaya Fresh Farm

Topic: Empowering Farmers, Expanding on Animal Health & Building a Foundation for the Future
Partners: Palabana Dairy Cooperative & Bio Bloom

Livestock Services successfully conducted a three-day dairy training programme at Pakaya Fresh Farm, a member farm under the Palabana Dairy Cooperative. The training brought together farm owners, neighbouring farmers, and attachment students, all committed to improving dairy health, safety, and productivity.

The programme was facilitated by a team of experts, including Dr. David Chanda, Dr. Joy Inonge Kaluwe, Ms. Dorothy Mukela (Livestock Services Nutritionist), and Ms. Annette from Bio Bloom, whose combined expertise ensured a comprehensive and practical learning experience.

Day One: Dairy Health, Hygiene & Safety

The training commenced with a strong focus on dairy hygiene and safety, laying the foundation for quality milk production. Key areas covered included:

• Dairy hygiene and sanitation best practices
• Personal hygiene protocols for farmers and handlers
• Dairy facility sanitation to support animal welfare
• Proper handwashing techniques and equipment cleaning

Practical demonstrations reinforced the importance of everyday hygiene practices in maintaining milk quality and protecting both animal and human health.

Day Two: Primary Animal Health Care & Practical Skills

Building on the hygiene foundation, Day Two focused on animal health management, with particular emphasis on:

• Udder health as a cornerstone of milk quality
• Understanding mastitis, including causes, symptoms, and impacts
• Treatment and prevention strategies to protect herd health and farm profitability

Participants engaged in a farm walk and hands-on practical session, applying theoretical knowledge through animal observation and health assessment under expert guidance.

Day Three: Nutrition, Breeding & Sustainable Dairy Management

The final day addressed the long-term pillars of sustainable and profitable dairy farming, focusing on:

• The role of balanced nutrition in animal growth, milk production, and herd survival
• Calf management as the foundation of future herd productivity
• Smart feed formulation for cost-effective and efficient feeding
• Pregnancy diagnosis for timely breeding and improved herd planning

The Role of Laboratory Services in Modern Dairy Farming

A key highlight of the training was understanding how laboratory diagnostics support informed decision-making in dairy production, including:

• Culture and sensitivity testing for accurate mastitis treatment
• Water quality testing to ensure safe drinking water
• Parasitic disease screening to identify hidden productivity losses
• Feed analysis for precise and economical ration formulation
• Pregnancy diagnosis for early and accurate confirmation

By integrating field knowledge with laboratory science, farmers are better equipped to enhance productivity, improve herd health, and increase profitability.

Conclusion

Livestock Services extends sincere appreciation to all participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the training. Special thanks to Pakaya Fresh Farm, the Palabana Dairy Cooperative, Bio Bloom, and the facilitation team for making this impactful programme possible.

While the training has concluded, the journey toward excellence in dairy farming continues.

“Together, we are building a healthier, safer, and more productive dairy industry”.