Extension Focus on the dairy lactation cycle

A remarkable transformation is taking place in the lush fields of Limu Dima Kebele, Bekoji district, Ethiopia. Meet Mrs Shirube Alemu, a resilient 52-year-old widow who has defied the odds to become a successful dairy farmer. Her inspiring journey showcases the positive impact of the lactation curve (LC) focused dairy extension model, implemented under the auspices of the BRIDGE Project in Ethiopia.

The LC-focused dairy extension model is a BRIDGE innovation that integrates messages on feeding, watering, cow comfort, and management into one approach, which is tailored to the various stages of lactation and aims to increase peak milk yield with four litres per cow per day. 

Research findings revealed that a one-litre increase in daily milk production during peak lactation equates to an additional 200 litres over the entire lactation period. Extrapolating this further, the 5-litre increase in Shirube's cow could potentially yield an additional 1,000 litres of milk, translating into an income boost of ETB 35,000. 

Shirube seized the opportunity presented by Issa Qumbi, a trained dairy farm service provider. Issa explained the various stages of the cow's lactation cycle. These are the early lactation period (first three months of lactation), the mid-lactation, late lactation and the dry period (drying off). She embraced the LC-focused dairy extension model that emphasized better housing, feeding, watering and cow comfort, tailored to the different stages of the lactational cycle.

Under Issa's watchful eye, Shirube's cows experienced a remarkable increase in milk yield during peak lactation. The daily milk production surged from 12 litres in the previous lactation to an impressive 17 litres. This 41.7% increase not only boosted her income but also signified the untapped potential within her herd. 

The BRIDGE Project's LC focused dairy extension model has been rolled out across Ethiopia, benefiting 2,941 milk-producing households, encompassing a total of 3,542 cows. Its effectiveness has been further amplified through deploying of cow signal concept and digitalization of extension advisory. The lactation cycle approach used three different methods to deliver advice: house-to-house advisory service provision; group coaching, learning and demonstrations; and digital messaging service, i.e., audio messaging through mobile phones. 

Cow Signals concept tailored to the lactation cycle  

Comprehensive skill-based training has been given to extension service providers on the concept and application of the lactation cycle, cow signals, and feed planning (silage). In contrast, Bridge partner, Cow Signals training (with the Look-Think-Act principle) has helped service providers improve the quality of their advisory services and gave them a vital advisory tool to follow up on the impact of their advice. These tools allow service providers to guide dairy farmers through the lactation cycle farm management required.  

Lactation Cycle-based Digital Extension

In a groundbreaking partnership, PxD, WUR and SNV joined forces to provide customized dairy advisory services targeting the gestation stage of cows and improving milk yield through focused interventions. Leveraging digital platforms, PxD developed advisory videos tailored to the lactation cycle of dairy cows. Through outbound calls and a human-centred design approach, these digital advisories reached 2,513 farmers, with a remarkable pick-up rate of 86%.

The tangible impact of these initiatives has been remarkable. Dairy farmers like Shirube have witnessed a significant improvement in their knowledge and milk productivity. This integrated effort has not only enhanced the economic viability of dairy farming but also empowered women like Shirube, who play a vital role in the agricultural landscape of Ethiopia.