TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE............................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Background of the field attachment program..........................................................................................3
1.2 Objective of field attachment...................................................................................................................3
1.3 Background information of Bukura smart Dairy farm.............................................................................4
1.3.1 Geographical location...........................................................................................................................4
1.5 Mission, Vision and Mandate Bukura smart Dairy farm.........................................................................5
1.5.1 Mission..................................................................................................................................................5
1.5.2 Vision....................................................................................................................................................5
1.5.3 Mandate.................................................................................................................................................5
1.6.CORE VALUES ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
1.7 Structure of Organization of Bukura Smart Dairy Farm..........................................................................6
CHAPTER TWO...........................................................................................................................................8
FIELD ASSIGNMENT ACTIVITIES..........................................................................................................8
2.1 Duties and Responsibilities......................................................................................................................8
2.1.1 Clinical and Disease Control Duties....................................................................................................8
2.1.2 Office Duties.........................................................................................................................................9
2.1.3 Animal Breeding/Artificial Insemination...........................................................................................10
2.1.7 Meat Hygiene......................................................................................................................................14
2.1.8 Animal Production and Extension Services........................................................................................15
2.1.9 Treatment and management of various disease conditions.................................................................17
2.2 Meat hygiene..........................................................................................................................................18
2.3 Artificial Insemination...........................................................................................................................19
2.4 CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED.........................................................................................................19
3.1 STRENGTHS........................................................................................................................................20
3.2 WEAKNESS..........................................................................................................................................20
3.3 OPPORTUNITIES.................................................................................................................................20
3.4 THREATS..............................................................................................................................................21
CHAPTER FOUR........................................................................................................................................22
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION...........................................................................................22
4.1 CONCLUSION......................................................................................................................................22
4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS.......................................................................................................................22
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................................24
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CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION

Kenya’s dairy farming sector is crucial since it produces milk and milk products for both domestic and
international markets. But many dairy farms struggle with productivity, costs, and profitability issues.

Moreover, it has become more challenging for farmers to give each individual animal the care it needs
due to the growth in dairy herd sizes, a lack of available personnel, and growing labor expenses.

The dynamics of herd size and productivity per animal have changed, and there are now more worries
about animal welfare than ever before. As a result, the dairy sector has become one of the top adopters
of technology to boost overall company performance. Although the technology is expensive, the returns
on investment are very good.

There several smart dairy farms in Kenya. These includes and not limited to; Kitengela smart farm,
wambugu smart farm,syokimau smart dairy,matungu smart farm,bukura smart farm,wilsam smart
Dairy, Goshen smart dairy farm and Rafiki Dairy farm.

The future of smart dairy farming is promising. Not only farmers are ready for a transition, the products
get better and better. The whole package they now sale can be elaborated with smart monitoring
sensors, cow-wearable’s, and a further integration within the whole-chain. Hence resulting in increased
milk production in the country

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 1.1 Background of the field attachment program
Field attachment program is a period when trainees go out in the field to get exposed and familiarize
themselves with the working environment. They are expected to acquire skills and to have an
understanding of the environmental, political, economical and social influences on the management
and working performance in different spheres away from university environment.

1.2 Objective of field attachment

i. To provide opportunities for students to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired in real
working environment.
ii. To instill in students the right kind of work attitudes, collaborative and interpersonal skills, as well
as professionalism through interactions with the others in a working environment.
iii. To boost the student competency in their in their respective areas of specialization, thereby
shortening the on - the - job training requirements in their future respective working environments.
iv. To provide students with an opportunity to market their skills, profession and the University.
v. To forge and support a closer working relationship between the institutions and the University.

3
1.3 Background information of Bukura smart Dairy farm
Smart dairy uses internet of things (IoT) and precision farming techniques to collect data around a dairy
farm and use this data to improve milk production. The county Government ,Kakamega started the
smart dairying in the county targeting its four sub-counties.i.e Bukura smart farm, matungu, Khwisero
and Baande. Bukura and Matungu are functional while others are under construction.

1.3.1 Geographical location

Bukura smart dairy is located in Kakamega county, Lurambi sub-county, Butsotso south ward.

It is located along sigalagala- Butere Road next to Kilimo High school i.e west of community centre,
Musoli and North East of Khwisero shopping centre.

It’s located in between longitude 34.62250S and latitude 0.220430 N. Has an altitude of about 1396.12
metre (4580.45 feet) above sea level

The annual rainfall ranges from 1280.1mm to 2214.1mm per year. The rainfall pattern is evenly
distributed all year round with March and July receiving heavy rain while December and February
receives short rain.

The farm has about 11acres of land. Two acres have been structured, while nine acres is used for fodder
establishment.

1.4 Core Functions of KDDC (Bukura smart Dairy Farm)

i. Hire machinery to generate revenue for the farm

ii. The farm acts as a collecting centre for milk from the farmers due to the provision of the storage
facilities
iii. The farm acts as a breeding centre for production of quality dairy stock to farmers
iv. Provides the parent stock for other smart farms in the county
v. Provides farm inputs (manure), A.I services and machinery to farmers at a subsidized cost
vi. Create a ready market for milk for dairy farmers
vii. To undertake and promote research in the field of dairy farming
viii. Assist in setting up of dairy training institution
ix. Provision of extension services to farmers in the area

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1.5 Mission, Vision and Mandate Bukura smart Dairy farm

1.5.1 Mission
To provide quality dairy animal products through raising of high producing dairy cows for improved
production and livelihood.

1.5.2 Vision
To be the leading farm of choice in provision of quality dairy animal products and services to the people
within Lurambi sub-county and its surrounding.

1.5.3 Mandate
To safeguard animal and human health, improve animal welfare, increase animal resource and
productivity and ensure safe and high quality animals and their products to facilitate food security and
local and national trade.

1.5.4.Motto

Milk for health and wealth

1.6.CORE VALUES
1. Respect

To highly esteem clients while delivering a responsible services

2. Integrity

To serve with accountability, transparency, trust, honest and consistency.

3. Excellence

Excellence in service, client care, image and presentation

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 1.7 Structure of Organization of Bukura Smart Dairy Farm

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ADMINISTRATION GENERAL MANAGER ACCOUNTS

(FARMS) ONE COW INITIATIVE
DEPARTMENT

LIVESTOCK
PRODUCTION
OFFICER

FARM MANAGER

ASSISTANT
FARM
MANAGER

FARM HANDS 6
SECURITY OPERATORS GROUNDS
PERSON
 Functions of Farm Manager

i. Supervising all farm workers

ii. Coordinating farm activities
iii. Budgeting for production
iv. Marketing of farm produce
v. Planning finance against budget parameters
vi. Buying supplies
vii. Maintenance of farm buildings and machinery/equipment
viii. Understand implication of weather and making contingency plans
ix. Ensuring products are ready and setting deadline for marketing
x. Ensuring farm activities comply with government regulations
xi. Monitoring animal health and welfare
xii. Applying health and safety standards across the farm
xiii. Monitoring and documenting all produce and land use to meet funding requirements
xiv. Keeping up to date financial records

Functions of Assistant Farm Manager

i. Schedule and coordinate meetings.

ii. Conduct employee performance reviews.
iii. Develop good customer relationships.
iv. Participate in recruitment and dismissal processes.
v. Smooth out problems within the workplace.
vi. Address employee and customer concerns.

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 CHAPTER TWO

FIELD ASSIGNMENT ACTIVITIES

2.1 Duties and Responsibilities.

The Bukura smart dairy farm is charged with various activities to enhance production. There are various
sections that were responsible for undertaking or overseeing delivery of these services. During the
attachment period, the student was assigned duties/responsibilities across the sections in the farm on
weekly basis. The various sections included; clinical duties, office work, disease control, animal
breeding (artificial insemination), meat hygiene, and livestock production. The assigned duties and
responsibility in each section are discussed below.

2.1.1 Clinical and Disease Control Duties

The following duties were assigned during to the student while in the clinical and disease control
section:

General and physical examination of the animals.

i. Carrying out herd health practices in farm.

ii. Treatment of sick animals by administration of drugs.
iii. Taking care of the equipment used in clinical services.
iv. Carrying out routine vaccine exercise.
v. Cleaning of the shed and Grooming of the herd
vi. Endo and E cto parasite control

In Bukura, clinical services is carried out by licensed private veterinarians and paraprofessionals. The
county government is left with advisory services. In this regard, Bukura smart farm had a veterinary
paraprofessional hired by the county government to attend specifically to the farm’s clinical cases.

With the guidance and assistance of the veterinary paraprofessional,the trainee had an opportunity to
tackle several clinicals in the farm and also for the livestock farmers around Bukura area.

Clinical duties involved examination for most of the disease conditions encountered in animals. Upon
thorough general and physical examination, a tentative diagnosis was arrived at. The tentative diagnosis
majorly relied on presenting clinical signs, physical examination and history obtained from the farmer.

8
 In case the disease condition was at an advanced stage beyond recovery and depending on the
prognosis, such animals were disposed off from the farm. Upon arriving at the diagnosis, appropriate
treatment is given to the animal. This involved using the drug of choice and at the recommended dosage
rates. The drugs were either administered orally, topically or parenteral route depending on the disease
condition and the species of animal.

Disease control duties were also carried out within the farm. The aim was to prevent occurrence of
diseases especially the notifiable diseases. The area being a high potential, is endemic to viral notifiable
diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease. Tick borne diseases were also
endemic in this area especially East Coast fever and anaplasmosis. Poultry diseases were also common
in this area especially New Castle disease and fowl pox disease.

During the attachment period the student was exposed to various disease control measures such as tick
control, vaccination, isolation of sick animal from the healthy animals and proper disposal of dead
carcasses to prevent further spread of the disease.

2.1.2 Office Duties

The following office duties were assigned to the student during field attachment period;

i. Handling clients and giving advisory services.

ii. Writing the various office reports and their documentation.
iii. Exposed in filling the various production records.
iv. Dispensing and packing of vaccines.
v. Exposed in administration of a public office.

. The main stakeholders in Bukura smart farm are the farmers and livestock traders. The student was
exposed on how to handle clients by welcoming them into the office. For those seeking advisory
services, they were guided on how to solve livestock related challenges at hand. The various advisory
services offered were; Dairy cattle production and vaccination procedures, seeking for breeding
services, clinical issues among others.

There were various reports that are compiled in the office. The farm submits the compiled report to the
county Livestock production officer for monitoring of activities over a period of time and taking any
necessary intervention where possible.

The student was exposed into compiling artificial insemination reports, general monthly, quarterly and
annual reports. Copies of these reports were filed for future references.
9
The student was also exposed into filling of the various permits in Kakamega livestock production and
veterinary offices which worked hand in hand with the farm. Livestock traders, butchers and farmers
collect the permits at a fee from the veterinary office. The various permits include; movements permit.
It was issued by the veterinary officer indicating the species of animal, breed, source and destination,
the number of animals to be transported and the transportation means to be used. No Objection form
was also issued. It was used to indicate the area is free from any notifiable disease. It was commonly
issued when animals are transported outside the sub county. Upon receiving the form, the receiving sub
county issues a movement permit.

The veterinary office had facilities for storage of vaccines. The farm sourced the vaccines from the vet
office and also majority of the farmers also procured vaccines from the office too. The available vaccine
included; rabies vaccine, Gumboro (IBD), NCD vaccine, fowl pox, fowl typhoid. FMD, LSD and
anthrax/ black quarter were also available during vaccination campaigns. The trainee was given a
description on how to reconstitute some of the vaccines especially the NCD and IBD vaccines. To
maintain the cold chain, the vaccine was packed with adequate ice and in appropriate container.
Cleaning of cool boxes and disposal of used needles was regularly done to avoid contamination of
vaccine during vaccinations.

2.1.3 Animal Breeding/Artificial Insemination

In Bukura smart farm, AI services were offered by the hired sub county vet paraprofessional based in
the farm.

There are no county government sponsored A.I. services in the sub county. Majority of the farmers
relied on private artificial inseminators for breeding. In some cases, a few farmers used natural breeding
hence lowering the potential of progeny.

In the breeding section, the following duties and responsibilities were assigned;

i) Detection of cows/heifers on heat

Before insemination service was done, a cow had to be on heat. The student was supposed to detect heat
signs within the herd of cattle in the farm. The common visible signs exhibited were; restlessness, clear
mucous discharge from the vulva, swollen vulva, mounting other animals. In some cases some animals
had silent heat. Detection of heat was through observation of slight mucous discharge from the vulva.
Penetration and opening of cervix was also used to detect silent breeders.

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ii) Restraining of the animal during insemination

During the insemination service, the student was also charged with the responsibility of restraining the
animal. The cow was restrained by holding the base of the tail. Interruption during the insemination may
cause the inseminator not able to locate the cervix or deposit the semen in the target site.

iii) Preparation of semen by thawing

Before insemination, the semen had to be thawed. Semen’s are dip frozen with liquid nitrogen at -
1960C. The process of thawing refers to placing the semen in warm water at a temperature of 34 0C.
Thawing enabled the semen to change from frozen solid state to liquid state and to enhance motility of
the spermatozoa. Hot water would destroy the spermatozoa by denaturing them while cold water fails
to activate spermatozoa.

iv) Assembling insemination equipments

There were various equipments used in the insemination. These were; stainless scissors, forceps,
pistolletes, socks, arm sleeve, thermometer, thawing flasks, and towel. High level of hygiene was
observed to prevent contamination.

v) Locating the cervix per rectum

Deposition of the semen was through rectal – vaginal technique. The student was offered an opportunity
to locate the cervix. This was also important when treating reproductive condition by flushing as
according to the veterinary paraprofessional Bukura smart farm.

vi) Filling of A.I. certificate set

Upon completion of the insemination service, a certificate set was filled and also recorded on the farm’s
breeding records. It was usually in triplicate where a copy was left with the farm manger, the second
copy was taken to the sub county vet office and the inseminator was left with final copy. The filled
details were as follows; name and location of the farm, name of the animal, breed, sire. Last calving
dates including sex of the calf whether dead, alive or aborted. The final section is on the insemination,
date insemination was done and the code of the sire that was served.

A.I. certificate set was an important breeding record that could be used to trace the pedigree of the
animal.
11
2.1.4 Calf rearing

Calves were housed in a raise slatted floor structure with good ventilation, draught free,biosecurity
measures were observed eg a foot bath, hygiene was also well maintained.also it was easy to clean and
well drained.

Beddings (hay straw) was provided to the calves as beddings to keep them warm.

Calves in the farm were fed by use of bucket feeding. For the first week, they were fed on three litres of
milk per feeding .on the second week they were fed on four litres of milk per feeding. And the
programe was as in the table below;

Quantity of milk (in Feeds Given (kgs)

Age of
litres)
calves (in
weeks)
1 3 -
2 4 -
3-4 5 Starter pellets 0.5kgs+Green
grass
5-6 6 Calf weaner pellets 0.5kg+hay
7-8 5 Calf pellets 0.5kg+hay
9-10 4 Calf pellets 1kg + hay
11 3 Calf pellets1kg + hay
12 2 Hay+water (adlib)
13 1 Hay+water(adlib)

2.1.5.Dairy herd registration process by the Kenya Stud Buk breeders

Availability of livestock (in this case, Dairy herd in the farm)

Livestock records for the available herd e.g parents

12
Evaluation and classification of livestock e.g parents and their characteristics based on the breed

If there are no records of a particular animal, it’s then referred as pool.e.g young ones for a pool Frisian
or Aryshire will be regarded as a foundation with records of the sire.

If the observed characteristic are in line with the sire it then categorized as intermediate then 1 st to 4th
pedigree and finally pure pedigree as the calvings progresses.

2.1.6.MILKING

Milking was carried out twice a day where by thirteen cows were milking and produced approximately
110 litresper day. The milk was then sold to local consumers where the excess was transported to
Bukura college for value addition.

Milking was carried out by hand as the milking machine was faulty.

The milking procedure used was as follows;

 Assembled all the milking cows and equipments

 Placed 3kg of concentrates (dairy meal) in the feed troughs
 Restrained the cow to be milked using a head gate in the milking polor
 Thoroughly cleaning of hands
 Cleanining of the udder
 Fore stripped the teats to check for any abnormalities in milk
 Actual milking was carried out by squeezing method
 Teat dipping was carried out after milking so as to prevent entry of pathogens in the open teat canal
 The animal was then released

13
2.1.7 Meat Hygiene
The student was attached to a local slaughter slab( Bukura slaughter slab). The following duties and
responsibilities were assigned during the period. The objective of meat inspection was to ascertain
quality public health standards of meat and meat products for human consumption.

i) Ante mortem Inspection

This examination was done to stock upon arrival before slaughter. Vital parameters such as temperature
were taken to ascertain the health of the animal. General and physical examination was also done.
Livestock experiencing clinical signs such as; salivation, diarrhea respiratory distress etc, such animals
were separated and quarantined.

ii) Post mortem examination of the carcass

This was done during and after slaughter. This involved general visualization of the carcass, identifying
presence of bruises or presence of injection marks. Emaciated carcasses were condemned and disposed
accordingly. Cleaning of the carcass was done after evisceration. Rigor mortis of the muscles was also
observed.

iii) Incision of Muscles

Incision was done on various parts of the carcass. The aim was to check for cysticercus bovis which is
the larval stage for beef tape worm. The following muscles had multiple incisions. They include;
external masticatory muscles of jaws, pterygoides muscles of the inner jaws, triceps branchii and heart
muscle. In case of more numbers of more cysticercus bovis than required, the whole carcass was
condemned or the C. bovis manually removed or even deep freezing of meat before consumption.

iv) Incision of Organs

There were various organs that were inspected during post mortem. The organs includes: the liver,
spleen, kidney, lungs and the heart. In liver, two parallel incisions were done on the left lobe. This was
meant to examine the presence or absence of Fasciola, inflammation of the liver tissue, Stilesia hepatica
worm, abscess and hydatidosis disease. Incision of the apical lobe was also done. In spleen, the incision
14
done was a longitudinal cut. Inspection was also done to check for enlargement. This could signify a
disease such as ECF, NSD or anaplasmosis. In kidneys, the incision was done to check for inflammation
or urine retention. Incision of lungs was done to check for inflammation or hydatid cyst.

v) Inspection of Meat Lymphnodes

There were numerous lymphnodes that were inspected to confirm the presence or absence of a disease.
The various lympnodes includes; submandibullar, presculpular, bronchial lympnodes. Inflammation of
the lympnodes indicated presence of a disease. Some disease conditions were localized affecting local
lymphnodes or generalized.

vi) Disposal of Condemned organs and cleaning of the Abattoir

During organs inspection, some of which were found unfit for human consumption were condemned
and disposed. The organs were safely disposed in sealed disposal pits. This was done to prevent
contamination of environment or consumption by stray dogs or vultures that could be agents of disease
transmission. Cleaning of the abattoir was done regularly and thoroughly. Blood stains were cleaned
from the killing floor into the main drainage. The abattoir was supplied with adequate and plenty of
clean water for the purposes of cleaning. Floor brushes were used to scrub the floor. The ingested
material obtained while cleaning the offal were also properly disposed.

2.1.8 Animal Production and Extension Services

Animal production and extension is one of the sister department within the ministry. It’s under the
directorate of livestock production. The department is mandated with implementation of livestock
production projects within the sub county. Considering the fact that Bukura smart foarm was under this
department,the livestock production officer worked hand in hand with the farm manager to ensure
maximum production in the farm especially in relation to the feeding program. The student was attached
in this section for two weeks. Duties and responsibilities were as follows:

Feeds and feeding

i) Feed Formulation

The student was required to formulate on farm dairy meal for the dairy cattle in a lactation cycle. The
dairy meal was to have a crude protein of 16%. The nutrients requirement of the animals was put in
place. Available feed resources were also factored. The ingredients were manually mixed evenly in
order to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

15
ii) Silage making

Silage making involved four major steps like harvesting and transportation, chaffing, filling and
compaction and covering of silo. Silage was made from maize plant and the following procedure was
followed.

i. Pit making- the pit was dug to store silage. The pit size was determined by the amount of silage to
be stored.
ii. Preparation of fermentation mixture- for making 1 ton of silage, the following materials were
required; molasses 1kg, alt 1 kg, mineral mixture 1 kg, lactic acid bacteria and urea. Mix the above
materials by adding water
iii. Harvesting and transporting of the crop- maize plants were cut at milky stage using panga and left
to wilt for some time. Harvesting at proper stage but delay in transportation may lead to loss of excess
moisture results in haulage (DM 70-80%)
iv. Chaffing- maize plants was chaffed into small pieces using chaff cuter. This improves packing
density which favors the growth of lactic acid bacteria
v. Filling of silo and compaction- chaffed materials were spread evenly over entire surface of the silo
and then compacted through trampling. Compaction was done using a tractor
vi. Proper sealing and covering of silo pit- silo was covered using a polythine sheet in a way that
neither air nor water can enter the silage.

iii) Feeds and Feeding of Livestock

Feeding and nutrition played an integral part in animal production.

Dairy cows in the farm were fed on a Total mixed ration (TMR) whereby each animal was fed on;
20kgs silage, 4kgs Hay, 2kgs dairy meal, all mixed together and later sprinkled with a ratio of 1:3
mollases and water respectively. This was the feeding carried out per cow per day.

During the attachment period, the student was tasked in advising harders on the best ways to feed the
animals. Dairy production is the main enterprise in the farm. They were advised on importance of
feeding cattle on dry matter. Most of the forage was fed as cut and carry where less was wilted for
silage or baling. Knowledge on combination of roughages and concentrates was also disseminated.
Roughages form the bulk of the feedstuffs ingested by rumen and aids in digestion for the ruminants.

16
The trainee was informed on the importance of incorporating legumes in the rations to maximize milk
production.

iv) Selection of Dairy Cows for Breeding

The student participated in dairy cattle registration. The exercise was organized by the county
government of Kakamega in collaboration with KSB. The dairy breeds that were considered for
registration were Friesian, Aryshire, and Jersey breeds. Judging of dairy cows was based on dairy traits
such as udder attachment, body conformation/strength,dairy character and breed characteristics.Advise
was given on culling non productive cows and also up grading the existing stock by use of A.I.

The student assisted the officials with filling the registration forms. Dairy cows were either registered as
pool, foundation, intermediate, appendix or pedigree. Certificates of registered cows/heifers were later
issued to the farm manager by KSB after entering the details in their data base.

2.1.9 Treatment and management of various disease conditions

During the attachment period, the following disease conditions were attended to in the farm.

i) Retained after birth in bovine – The placenta was manually removed. High level of hygiene was
observed to prevent contamination of the uterus. Removal was done through detaching of cotyledons
from corancles
ii) Four peccaries were then administered intra uterine to clear any arising infections. These were the
sulphur based bolus, crushed and administered per-rectal.

iii) Treatment of milk fever – The bovine developed the condition soon after calving. The cow was
recumbent and unable to stand. Calcium borogluconate was administered through intravenous route.
The drug was first warmed by water bath to an average temperature of 37 0C. 200mls was administered
via intravenous route while the remaining 200ml was administered via subcutaneous route. The animal
regained from recumbency soon after treatment.

iv) Dehorning/disbudding – This was done to remove either over grown horns or scooping out young
developing buds. Dehorning was done using dehorning wire while disbudding was done using

17
disbudding iron. It was also used in controlling bleeding. Restraining and proper handling was also done
while carrying out the operation.
v) Treatment of East Coast Fever – Tentative diagnosis of the disease was based on history taken
and presenting clinical sign. ECF is endemic in the sub county. Late diagnosis in most cases lead to
poor prognosis upon treatment. The animals were treated with 20ml Buparvaquone by intramuscular
route (neck muscle) that was repeated after 48 hours to complete the dosage. Supportive treatment
provided were Tetracycline long acting 30ml by intramuscular route. Multivitamin was also
administered 20ml I.M. to boost appetite.
vi) Treatment of an abscess – The condition was diagnosed in one of the bovine. The abscess was
first fermented by massaging with warm water. After the abscess was ripe, incision was done using a
scalpel. The pus was drained by administering hydrogen peroxide into the cavity. Necrotic materials
were removed using cotton wool swabs. Disinfection was done using Lugols of Iodine. The cavity was
then packed with Iodine soaked cotton wool and was replaced daily. An antibiotic cover Penicillin G
(Penstrep®) to clear any systemic infection.

2.2 Meat hygiene

The student was attached to a private slaughter house. The following daily activities were done.

i) Ante mortem inspection – This was done daily before the slaughter of livestock. The animals
were inspected against any unhealthy or the sick ones. The sick animals were separated and confined in
quarantine yards for treatment. Movement permits were also checked to ensure that there was no
quarantine restriction from the source.
ii) Postmortem inspection – The inspection of the carcass was done soon after flaying and
evisceration. Preclural and presculpular lymph nodes were incised to check for any abnormality. Tricep
branchii muscles, pterygoides muscles, external masticatory muscles of the head and heart muscle. Two
incisions were made to check for the presence of Cysticercus bovis larvae of beef tapeworm.
iii) Inspection of organs – Incision of the liver lobes, lungs and spleen was also done. This was done
to check the presence of endo - parasite such as liver flukes etc. Pathological conditions as a result of
parasite invasion were also inspected. Spleen was also incised to check for abnormal enlargement.
Incisions were also done to both kidneys to check for urine retention. In case there was an abnormality
or pathological condition in any organ, it was condemned and disposed off.

18
 2.3 Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination is usually left to the private practitioners. The student was therefore attached to
one of the licensed A.I. practitioners. The following activities were carried out;

i) Carrying out insemination service – This involved preparation of semen by thawing, loading the
straw into the pistollete and finally depositing semen through recto vaginal technique. Filling of the A.I.
certificate set was also done as part of the breeding records.
ii) Replenishment of the liquid nitrogen can – The can was regularly filled with liquid nitrogen to
maintain the levels and also ensure viability of semen. Semen straws were also procured and stocked.

2.4 CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED

i. Very hot weather conditions that made it difficult to work on some of the assigned tasks e.g fodder
cutting
ii. Language barrier between the trainer and the hands men
iii. Inadequate working tools in some of the sections
iv. Insecurity along the roads especially while heading to the farm at 4 am
v. Despite there being disease outbreaks, the trainee was at risk as she was not vaccinated against the
diseases eg rabies disease
vi. Some tasks assigned needed guidance from the supervisor
SOLUTIONS TO THE CHALLENGES FACED
i. In extreme weatrher conditions (hot weather condition) the trainee carried out some of the tasks
very early in the morning and late in the evening.
ii. In language barrier, the supervisor-farm manager ordered everyone to communicate in Kiswahili so
as to work effectively.
iii. On disease prevention the trainee joined other staff in the nearest institution for vaccination
iv. The trainee asked for guidance in areas that she found difficulties in carrying out some activities.
v. Insecurity issues were handled by the supervisor where she adjusted the program to fit within the
government working hours.

19
CHAPTER THREE

3.0 SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE ATTACHMENT PROGRAMT

The student gained so much experience during the attachment period. However, there were some
challenges that were also experienced in the course of the program.

3.1 STRENGTHS
 Availability of committed and dedicated staff that were willing to assist. This made it easy
whenever an enquiry was necessary.
 Linkages to livestock, animal health stakeholders. This widened the scope of gathering experience
and exposure.
 High population of livestock breeds in the farm. Due to this, there was therefore many disease
conditions encountered and attended to in the farm.
 Availability of facilities such as slaughter house neighboring the farm. This made it easier to access
the facility during field rotations.
 Availability of reference materials for reference such as office manuals and past reports for perusal.
 Availability of spacious office premises which accommodated the staff and the student and
provided a better working environment.
 Availability of an ideal modern zero grazing unit

3.2 WEAKNESS
 Inadequate staff to handle all the duties. The available staffs were busy at times and the student
could not get timely information as requested.
 Lack of facilities such as deep freezers for maintaining the vaccine cold chain.
 Some veterinary tools were missing and hence it was difficult to perform some operations.
 Lack of skilled personnel in the farm to operate the farm machinery available
 Delay of funds by the county government hence delaying some farm operations resulting to low
production

3.3 OPPORTUNITIES
 The student was able to market his skills to potential employers in future. This was during forums
such as the extension services to farmers.
 Availability of a platform to put in practice the knowledge that was learnt in class. e.g feed
conservation, fodder establishment
 Collaborating with different animal production and health stakeholders e.g. pharmaceutical
companies, agro vet suppliers and distributors .
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 Having a chance to know protocols in government offices and the various procedures. e.g
procurement processes

3.4 THREATS
 Adverse weather condition subjected the student some health conditions.
 Possibility of contracting infections during meat inspection duties.
 Possibility of getting injuries during fodder chopping.
 Milking parlor not functional as this risked injuries to the trainee especially during milking
 Language barrier – Majority of the harders in the farm were locals hence the need for interpretation
during assignment of some duties i.e mixing Swahili with luhya.

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CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

4.1 CONCLUSION
During the attachment period, the student gained a lot of experience and exposure as pertains to animal
production and health aspects and other related disciplines. She was able to interact and learnt
knowledge and skills in the following areas; running of an office, handling and management of disease
conditions, , routine animal management eg dehorning, meat hygiene, animal breeding and artificial
insemination in cattle. In areas of animal production and extension, the student learnt the various
feeding regimes of different classes of dairy cattle, fodder establishment and conservation. She also
gained experience in extension services on how to train farmers and disseminate information.

The success of the attachment program was made possible by the committed and dedicated staff at the
bukura smart farm. Other factors includes; large population of dairy herd that formed the basis of
establishment and conservation as well as clinicals and artificial insemination. Facilities such as
slaughter houses were in close proximity where the student was exposed to meat inspection skills and
diagnosing of parasitic conditions.

Despite the success experienced, some challenges were also encountered which includes; inadequate
funds for upkeep, Delayed government funding, adverse weather condition that pose threat in relation to
fodder establishment, operational milking parlor hence risking injuries. The student however, was able
to complete the attachment program successfully.

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
The following are some of the recommendation that have been highlighted. They are meant to improve
the attachment program in future. They include;

 The attachment period should be extended in future for the students to familiarize with field work
concepts. They will therefore gain more exposure and experience.
 The students should be availed funds to cater for their upkeep during the entire attachment period.
 The university should link the students with stakeholders and organization. The student will
acquaint themselves with the basics of the field work before inception of the attachment program.
 The county government should allocate and avail funds in time to ensure that all the farm
operations continue smoothly as this would result to increased milk production
 The county government should procure facilities such as deep freezers and other equipment’s for
storage and handling of cases. E.g for vaccine preservation

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 The farm should enhance climate smart dairy practices to cater for the unpredictable weather
conditions

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REFERENCES
1. Lurambi Sub county veterinary Annual Report - 2022
2. Lurambi Sub county Livestock Production Annual Report - 2022
3. Lurambi Sub county Meat Inspection Annual Report - 2022
4. Dairy cattle feeding management manual – Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries.

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